There are a myriad of materials you can use for designing your kitchen countertops, but one of the leading selections to date is granite. For decades, granite has been a top choice for residential kitchens. It looks stunning and provides an assortment of colors and cuts to choose from. Those who are looking to upgrade their kitchens this spring or summer should consider doing so with granite. This is a natural stone that can be used for different areas of your kitchen, including the counters and backsplashes.
Granite can be found in different shades, including beige, blue, black, white and everything else in between. It’s also quite affordable for the luxury it provides. It also provides durability for individuals who like to cook often. It’s hard keeping your countertops and backsplashes looking great when you are consistently placing hot pots and pans, chopping on and spilling food and liquids onto the countertop.
The following reasons are why granite countertops continue to be a top choice for homeowners across the nation
This natural stone should definitely be a consideration if you are worried about pricing and matching the hues and shading of your current décor.
The Cost Variables
How much you end up spending on a granite countertop will come down to how much you actually use. A lot of suppliers and installers charge you for the entire slab, even though you are only using a portion of it. It’s a good idea to hire a contractor that only charges for the actual amount of granite you use. This will also help to prevent granite slabs from being wasted – a plus if you are into eco-friendliness.
The Variety of Colors
As mentioned, granite is a natural stone, which means it comes in an assortment of natural shades and colors. You can buy granite stone in beautiful blue hues and even oranges and reds. The variety of colors are boundless, but expect to pay a bit more for rare colors. There are others that are dyed to your liking, so if you have your heart set on the rarer colors, then this is a way to drive down the cost.
Availability
The quantity and access to granite countertops isn’t always there, which means the cost tends to rise during these seasonal shortages. To counter this issue, you can work with a contractor that has connections with a supplier. This can help ensure that you get access when you need it for your kitchen remodel.
Some Contain Semiprecious Stones
The granite you buy may have beautiful rare hues or bits and pieces of colors in the background of your white, black and tan slabs. What would make your granite countertop even more special is if it included semiprecious stones. These slabs come with flecks of labradorite and other semiprecious stones. Be prepared to spend on a little more on these slabs though. This can add appeal to your granite counter, especially if you have color in your décor that matches the specks.
Worldwide Sources of Granite
Granite is a stone that is mined from the ground, so it comes from various areas around the globe. India and Brazil are two of the most popular sources of granite counter slabs. The granite that comes from India is very beautiful, like the Madura Gold, which is very dense, plus it’s affordable. Granite from Brazil is also plentiful and easy on the eye. The source is very important when selecting the granite stone you’ll use for your kitchen, so make sure to inquire about it.
Ask About the Composition
Not all granite slabs are created equal. Some are created by nature, while others are developed by man. Some slabs have the appearance of granite, but are actually made of something else. Keep in mind that granite is an umbrella term that’s used widely to describe various dense stones that are acid resistant. These stones are also known to have a rank 7 or 8 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. Serpentine is a stone that’s in between granite and marble. Marble isn’t as hard as granite slabs. Most suppliers categorize their stones as one of these two stones.
It’s recommended that you inquire about the different challenges each type of slab poses. For instance, Iron Red Granite is comprised of between 80 and 90 percent iron ore, which makes it highly magnetic. It’s also a bit difficult to cut the slab for installation. The cost of fabricating this type of granite is more costly because it is challenging to prepare. If you’re looking to cut costs, find granite that doesn’t pose much of a challenge.
Names of Granite Vary
If you’re looking for a particular granite slab for your kitchen, then you’ll need to make note of the name and other names associated with it. For instance, one supplier may call that specific granite slab Luisa Blue, while another may call it Van Gogh. This can get a bit confusing for shoppers, so it helps to know the variations of names before inquiring about it with suppliers and contractors.
Become Familiar with the Lingo
Just like with the names of colors and types of granite, you will come across various terms. It’s important to learn the lingo, so that you don’t become confused. For example, Japurana is a term that’s frequently associated with slabs that have a flowing pattern. Another term is Gialto, which represents granite that is either yellow or Gold.
Think Twice About Dyed Slabs
It’s always better to go natural when you’re dealing with granite slabs. Consider buying those that have a natural hue versus one that was artificially dyed. You can find Absolute Black from sources like India, compared to China where dying granite is common.
As you’re shopping around for a granite countertop, become familiar with your supplier and fabricator. Learn about their experience and allow them to guide you along your buying journey. Their expertise can be quite handy, so make use of their knowledge!