Granite is among the most popular choices for countertops due to its beauty as well as its versatility. With availability from around the globe, granite offers a wide array of colors and patterns from which to choose. In addition, the granite trend remains strong because of granite’s unique ability to complement virtually every home style and décor.

Choosing Granite Wisely

Granite can be more costly than other popular countertops options which means making your final selection should be done with wisdom and care. You can’t just opt for a slab and hope is turns out to be the right selection for your kitchen. You need to select carefully, taking into consideration your cabinetry style and finish, your wall color, your flooring, and even your appliances. When you head out to showroom, take along samples of these items it you have them, if not take pictures to make comparisons. Your kitchen’s lighting can also make a difference, so keep that in mind as well while you make your selection. For example, dark cherry cabinetry may be overwhelming in your space when paired with black granite, so consider lighter granite tones like beige with distinct speckling or pearl with flecks of unique color.

A good way to start your selection process to choose a base color – black, brown, beige, blue, green, gray, yellow, white – and then look at samples within that color selection. As mentioned, lighting is also a key consideration when selecting granite. If you kitchen has little natural light, you may want to opt for a lighter colored granite with flecks of white and gold. If, on the other hand, your kitchen is flooded with natural light, deeper, darker colors will shine in your space. Specialty lighting can also be utilized to enhance the beauty of your granite selection.

When choosing, keep in mind that granite is popular due to its durability and beauty, and comes in a range of prices. Choosing rare color options and adding special treatments result in higher prices. Shop around for your favorite colors to find the best prices and if you have a strict budget to which you must adhere, consider overlays or tiles of granite to get the look you want.

Avoiding Common Granite Mistakes

Granite, as already mentioned is unique and versatile, adding both aesthetic and financial value to your home. When making your granite selection, these are common mistakes made by homeowners that you will want to avoid.

There are three standard thicknesses of granite – ¾ inch, 1 ¼ inch, and 1 ½ inch (two ¾ inch pieces attached). While seemingly thicker and thus more durable, the 1 ½ inch option can actually cause problems in the future as the glue deteriorates, crating seam gaps and opening up your granite to further damage.

As mentioned, color selection is important to your overall satisfaction with your granite choice. Another important point to consider when choosing color is darker tones are less likely to stain than lighter hues. Darker colors with less intricate patterning are the best options for busy kitchens where spills happen frequently.

Seams can also cause issues after the fact, so make sure your granite retailer/installer know you want your granite installed with as few seams as possible. As mentioned, coordinating with cabinetry is crucial to your overall aesthetic. Traditional cabinetry pairs well with bull nose edges, while modern cabinetry is complemented by beveled edges. With granite countertops, undermounting your sink not only complements your new granite countertops but also helps you avoid the unwanted accumulation of bacteria around the edge. Finally, when choosing your granite countertops, don’t be afraid to ask questions and get the answers you need before you make your final selection. In doing so, you can choose wisely and enjoy your new countertops for years to come.