There’s nothing that makes a kitchen shine like granite countertops. Polished stone has a shine that cannot be found in any other material used in kitchens today. Granite countertops can be very expensive, but they will also be a great selling point if you ever decide to put your home on the market.
While shine is granite’s big draw, you can’t overlook durability as a major selling point. Stone is heat and stain resistant and will continue to look good for years and years with a minimal amount of maintenance. The secret to keeping granite countertops looking like new is to make sure the surface is sealed to prevent moisture from entering. There are a number of products on the market that can be applied very easily to protect your investment.
Hot pots are not a threat to granite. You can take a dish straight out of the oven and place it on top of the counter without fear of it getting damaged. Unlike laminate countertops or countertops made of composite materials, granite will not burn or discolor from heat. Granite is so hard that it is also less likely to chip when something is dropped on it.
There are two different types of granite stone that are used to produce countertops; They consist of granite and variegated granite. Solid granite is the less expensive of the two options and the more practical for use in kitchens where two pieces of stone need to be butted together. Since the pattern of the stone is consistent throughout, the seams are easier to match. Variegated granite has a more random pattern that runs throughout the stone and is said to resemble a work of art. These pieces of granite are very unique and the vein that runs through them resembles a running river.
The colors available in granite are virtually limitless and so are the patterns. When shopping for granite countertops, it pays to look for a slab that matches your decor. Among the most popular of all the patterns is the Emerald Pearl, which is a hunter green color with flecks of black and white scattered liberally throughout. Earth tones are also very popular in granite countertops because the neutral colors will match any design scheme. Madura Gold and Madura Light are extremely popular, as is Mocha Juparana.
If you’re looking for a very classy opal look, New Caledonia and Tiger Black will make a world of difference in your kitchen. The only problem with going for these finishes is that they can make small kitchens seem even smaller. However, with the right under cabinet lighting, the way the stone reflects light creates a stunning effect. There is White Tiger or Kinawa granite that has a white background with black flecks or veining throughout that will give a similar effect but brighten up the room. Imperial Blue is a nice combination of black and white stone with some gray mixed in.
