When it comes to making a striking improvement to your kitchen or bath, new countertops are near the top of the list. There are many types of granite countertops on the market to suit different needs and budgets.
Before you buy and install one, read this guide so you know what to look for. Granite remains one of the most popular natural stones in remodeling, and it works well on both kitchen and bathroom counters.
What Are the Colors and Patterns of Granite Countertops?
Granite Colors
The random, natural hues and veining patterns of granite slabs are a work of nature. No two slabs are the same, which is a large part of the stone’s appeal in a kitchen or bath.
In general, you can choose between neutral and bold colors for your countertops. Common neutral colors are white, beige, soft gray, and light brown, whereas bolder palettes include red, black, blue, violet, and green.
If you are having a difficult time selecting the right color for your kitchen or bathroom countertops, a designer can help you narrow it down.
Granite Appearance and Veining
The appearance of granite varies from slab to slab: it can be feather-like, pebbled, speckled, fine-grained, or coarse-grained. Stone suppliers carry different slabs, so it is worth seeing them in person before you choose.
Look closely at the surface and you will see the natural veining and grain of the stone. Some granites have movement similar to natural marble, which can easily become the highlight of a kitchen or bath.
What Are the Different Finishes for Granite Countertops?
Once you have selected your granite style and color, the next step is a finish that suits your fixtures and base cabinets. There are four main types of finish for granite countertops:
- Honed: A flat matte finish with little or no shine. It gives the stone a softer, more natural look than a polished surface.
- Polished: A glossy, smooth granite countertop is the popular choice among homeowners renovating a kitchen or bath. It has a mirror-like surface that reflects light and makes the space feel brighter.
- Flamed: A common finish for outdoor granite countertops, with a slightly faded, textured appearance. It is rougher to the touch than a honed finish.
- Leathered: Somewhat similar to a flamed finish, but with a soft, dimpled texture achieved using diamond-tipped brushes.
What Affects the Price of Granite Countertops?
It is a common mistake to go over budget when installing granite countertops in a kitchen or bathroom remodel. Granite prices vary widely between entry-level and high-end slabs, so here are the important factors to consider.
- Granite grade: Lower-grade granite and stone remnants are cheaper. Premium-grade granites generally offer more distinctive patterns and are a good long-term choice.
- Slab thickness: The standard thicknesses of granite slabs are 2 cm and 3 cm, and the former is the cheaper of the two. Thicker slabs are more eye-catching and sturdier for busy counters.
- Style and color: Common colors cost less than bold, rare ones such as red and blue. Black, off-white, and gray slabs are usually the more affordable options.
- Customization and installation: The more work needed to fabricate your countertop, the higher the cost. The usual customizations include the edge profile, the finish, and sink cutouts.
If you are on a budget, you can opt for prefabricated granite countertops sized for a standard sink. That reduces the cost of custom sink cutouts and fabrication.
What Is Involved in Installing Granite Counters?
The installer first measures the base cabinets where the countertop will sit and makes a template. The countertop is then fabricated in the shop from that template and delivered to your home for installation. Finally, the granite is sealed to help it resist stains.
How Do You Care for Granite Countertops?
The price of granite, or any stone countertop, is no guarantee that it will keep its new appearance without cleaning and maintenance. Wipe your granite counter daily with a soft cloth and water, and use a little mild dish soap to remove minor dirt or food stains.
Wiping the surface daily keeps its shine and color. Granite is naturally porous, so you also need to reseal it periodically to keep it resistant to stains.