Everything You Wanted to Know About Granite Countertops
If you’re planning a new kitchen, you’re more than likely inundated with key decisions; what sort of sink should I get? Which flooring goes best with which kitchen? Not to mention the worktops! If you’re still at the designing stage of your kitchen project, you’ve probably considered granite as a worktop choice, but we’re guessing, you still have little idea as to whether a granite top would be a good choice; there’s simply too much conflicting information out there.
Are granite worktops hard wearing? Are they difficult to look after? Are they any better or worse than laminate or quartz? Finding the right information before you buy your worktops can be difficult, but don’t worry; we’ve put together this complete Granite Worktops Guide, examining all the practicalities of granite, before you go ahead and decide.
Contents
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What’s the Difference Between Granite and Quartz Worktops
Why Choose Granite Worktops
Are Granite Worktops Practical
Granite Worktop Styles
Granite Worktop Features
How to Care For Granite Worktops
What’s the Difference Between Granite and Quartz Countertops
Granite and quartz are often similar in characteristics, as they are both solid surface worktop materials, meaning they both have good resistance to heat and are generally hard wearing. The key difference between the two are the types of stone used and the overall aesthetic finish.
Granite worktops are renowned for their ‘veining’, like marble, adding interest and complexity to the overall worktop design, with contrasting colours running through in ‘streaks’.
Quartz on the other hand often provides a more refined, minimalist look, as there is generally less pattern. Although quartz is often preferred in a contemporary design, both granite worktops and quartz are at home in contemporary and traditional kitchens alike.
Why Choose Granite Countertops?
Natural Beauty
Being a natural stone, granite provides a variety of interesting and elegant finishes, adding aesthetic interest to any kitchen. The pattern and gaining of granite is second to none and in most cases, can’t effectively be replicated with artificial tops and laminate.
There are a number of stone styles to choose from, ranging from muted tones of Levantina worktops, to the high impact, striking Indian stones, with heavy gaining and contrasting colours. The eclectic appearance of any granite worktop is hard to replicate, making them an ideal choice for a natural, beautiful finish.
Unique & Diverse
Although granite is a natural material, you certainly aren’t limited for choices of finish. Granite is available in a whole range of colours to suit any style and compliment your finished kitchen.
Choosing a slab of stone before cutting is an ideal way to ensure your granite worktop is as unique as the rest of your design; meaning your kitchen will stand out from the rest.
Water Resistant & Hard Wearing
Solid surface worktops are incredibly hard wearing, with no special treatment required to help them stand up to day to day wear. Granite worktops are also renowned for their stain resistance, making them perfect for family homes, where spillages are more likely.
We do recommend using table mats and chopping boards however, just to be safe, particularly reducing thermal shock risk, brought on by sudden changes in heat.
Are Granite Countertops Practical
Granite is one of the ‘lower maintenance’ worktops on the market, making it ideal for busy family homes. There is little to worry about in terms of keeping it in shape.
If you do get spillages on your worktop; simply clean away using damp cloths. Be careful of scratches as these could be problematic to remove, however, using a mat or chopping board can help reduce risks.
Granite Countertops Styles
Granite worktops come in a variety of finishes, ranging from simple, minimal finishes to complex, high detailed marble effects, offering a finish for every kitchen. In general, all finishes can be broken down into three key styles:
Hi Gloss
If you want to maximise light in your kitchen, perhaps to make a small kitchen seem larger, or to enhance natural light in an otherwise darker room, a gloss style worktop is ideal.
Occasionally, using gloss worktops with shiny flooring and doors can be a little overpowering; consider using matt kitchen doors for contrast and maximum impact.
Polished
Polished granite worktops combine traditional design with a contemporary finish; offering a style that works well in any kitchen design. We recommend coupling an intricate polished top with refined doors for the ultimate contrasting kitchen design.
Suede
Suede worktops provide and ultra matt finish which really sets off the grain of a granite worktop. Consider using a matching floor type for full effect, along with glossy units to balance natural light in the kitchen.
Our suede granite worktops come in darker colours such as greys and blacks.
Granite Countertops Features
As granite is a solid surface, there are a number of design features available which laminate and wooden tops can’t provide:
Recessed Sinks
Granite worktops are a perfect solution for housing recessed sinks, as they are fully waterproof. Adding a recessed stainless steel or ceramic sink reduces clutter, creating a clean look in any kitchen design; contemporary or traditional.
Rounded Edges
Rounded worktop edges can add a style variation to your kitchen, as well as reducing sharp edges, ideal in a family home.
How to Care For Granite Countertops
As with Quartz worktops, there isn’t too much upkeep involved with a granite top. However, we do recommend a daily wipe down of surfaces with warm soapy water, just to keep everything clean and looking its best.
Hopefully, you now have a little more understanding of granite worktops, the styles and benefits. If you’re considering buying a granite worktop, why not check out the entire Granite Worktop Range. If you have any questions or tips of your own, we’d love to hear them! Leave a comment below.
