Granite kitchen countertops are becoming increasingly popular these days because of their elegance and durability. Being natural, granite is found in solids, speckled, veins; breathtaking choices for kitchen countertops.
Before one rushes to the closest fabricator and picks the first granite available for their kitchen, it’s important to plan for the right stone for kitchen countertops. One might wonder, what’s the big deal in choosing a stone? What’s the worst that could happen? Well, bad granite countertops do turn into kitchen nightmares.
Granite is imported from all over the world. The price often reflects the quality of the granite. Though high end slabs are available in the market for kitchen countertops, one will come across cheap choices too. Poor quality stones are pitted and such countertops might break off during installation. It’s good to be empowered with the knowledge before you start shopping for the right stone.
Choosing the Right Color for Granite Kitchen Countertops:
Granite countertops come in a wide array of colors, patterns and color variations; from browns to beiges, from blues to blacks, from reds to whites. Half’s the battle is won, once the right color is chosen for your granite kitchen countertop. Talk to a designer or use your instinct. Neutral tones like browns and beiges are the safest bets for countertops. Blacks give the kitchen a classy and elegant look. Some people prefer the busy ‘stony’ pattern while some like it plain and solid.
Never rely on brochures and pictures for countertops. Try and visit a granite supplier personally. With granite, the surprise element is monumental. Each slab differs in hues, flakes, speckles and you get the feel of it only when you see it.
There is no ground rule while you choose your countertop, but it might help to ask a few questions prior to making a selection.
1. How big is the kitchen?
Dark colored countertops make the area look even smaller.
2. What is the color of the kitchen cabinets?
Countertops in contrast to the cabinets complement the kitchen.
3. How much natural light does the kitchen get?
4. What’s the color of the kitchen walls?
5. What’s the kitchen flooring like?
6. Does the granite countertop complement the kitchen’s hardware?
7. If you want to sell the home, will the color of the countertops be something that everyone would prefer?
If the kitchen is well lighted and open, the choices are countless. Special attention should be paid if it isn’t. Darker countertops tend to make dark kitchens look gloomy while light countertops make it look spacious.
Check the quality of granite for Kitchen Countertops:
Once you’re at the warehouse picking the stone for your countertop, be sure to check for the quality. Make sure the warehouse is illuminated well for anyone to note these points with naked eye.
Special points to be considered are:
Cracks: Hairline cracks are often found in cheaper granite. Sometimes the cracks might just look like veins in the pattern, but if observed, are usually weak surface. There’s always a possibility for such countertops to break during installation!
Inconsistent Coloring: Grains, patterns, colors make granite eye-catching. Although, the stones inherit some blemishes; make sure the patterns are constant throughout. This would give the countertops a consistent flow.
Pits: Granite contains holes known as pits. Feel the surface with your hand and observe the holes in the light. The lesser the pits the better the quality of granite is!
With the right granite countertop, you can transform your kitchen to the one you’ve always dreamed about. Things might get a little overwhelming because of the choices available, but with a little open mind and professional guidance, a dream kitchen is possible.
