Granite Countertops

When choosing granite countertops before a kitchen remodeling project, here are some factors to take into consideration:

Slab or Tile

Depending on your style, the size of your space, or your budget, you will have to choose the fabrication of this material. Granite slabs are great for a whole kitchen countertop but you may prefer tiles for the countertop of your sink in the bathroom. 

Prices also vary between tile or slab but in general, tile will cost you less. Comparing the two, granite tiles will have visible grout lines which is why homeowners may choose to install a slab instead. 

Grade

Picking out granite countertops for the kitchen means that you will have to determine the grade of granite you prefer and can afford. The grade of granite countertops can be determined by their color, veining patterns, thickness, soft materials mixed in, where they came from, pitting, and marking. You will have to choose from the following grades for this material:

• Level 1: Builder’s grade, commercial grade, or entry-level granite is pre-fabricated and used for remodeling, furniture, and apartments. This is a lower quality option that is ⅜ inches thick and usually has a plywood backing for support. Low-grade granite is available in simple designs and standard colorways.

• Level 2: This grade of granite has more design and color options as well as markings variety. Mid-grade granite is usually ¾ inches thick which makes it stronger than entry-level granite. 

• Level 3+: Granite with a grade of 3 or higher is made of the highest quality, has the rarest appearances and is more difficult to source. Granite slabs of this grade are at least ¾ inches thick and have the most unique colors, veining, patterns, and a combination of soft and hard materials per square foot.   

Compare quotes between different manufacturers and take the grade of the granite into consideration for your kitchen countertop. 

Color

Popular colors for your potential granite countertop include:

• Alaska White: An Alaska white granite countertop is a blend of frosty white and pale silver or warm neutral hues running throughout the material. 

• Ubatuba: Ubatuba granite is a dark and finely textured stone. This slab is known for its black, grey, gold, and green speckles which are beautiful on countertops. 

• Silver Cloud: Spruce up your minimalist space with this variation of granite that features black, white, grey, and silver veining. For those looking for a more subtle greyscale for their countertops, this is the best color for you. 

• Absolute Black: Another popular option is this solid black granite. With its consistent color and texture, absolute black stone is great for both inside and outside of your home. 

• Black Galaxy: This type of granite is known for its medium-to fine grain and is favored for being mostly black with gold or white flecks. 

• Solarius: Use the Solarius slab in your kitchen if you are looking for yellow or gold granite. The brown and grey veins will match your rustic kitchen. 

• Crema Bordeaux: Another light colorway is crema Bordeaux which is a blend of orange, rust, pink, maroon, brown, and grey.

• Blue Louise: To create a statement or make sure that your countertops are the focal point of your kitchen, this granite stone is a gorgeous blend of blue, green, red, brown, and yellow. 

• Butterfly Beige: Another neutral option, this is great if you want countertops that are beige but have flecks of cream, black, and white. 

• Picasso: similar to the art style, this grey granite has chunks of white, black, and grey. 

• Namibian Gold: With khaki and brown hues, this gold slab has grey veining and black flecks.

Finish

Like other countertop materials, granite is available in the following finishes:

• Polished: This is the most common finish for countertops made out of granite because a countertop will have a shine that highlights the colors of the material.

• Honed: Honed granite has a matte or a buffed satin look which is a more subdued choice perfect for busy areas.

• Leathered: This finish will attract a customer because of its slightly glossy but textured appearance. 

• Flamed: For a home or business owner looking for a rustic and slightly imperfect option, granite with a flamed finish has bumps on the surface which add depth to every square foot of the material. 

• Bush Hammered: For a more weathered look, granite is struck until it has a textured surface. If you want a decorative option, this method will lighten granite and make it more porous. 

• Brushed: The surface of a slab is brushed until it has a porous texture. This is a popular finish choice for homeowners that want to bring out the different colors of the natural stone. 

• Caressed Granite: This finish has both shine and texture which suits those looking for a more rugged option that accentuates the natural colors of a slab.