Granite is one of the most sought after countertop materials today. Granite countertops are not only durable but beautiful and virtually maintenance-free. In addition, the investment that you make in your granite countertops will be well worth it because they will last a lifetime. When purchasing granite, many people don’t know the options available to them. As a result, many first time buyers don’t know how to decide the different granite slabs available.
Many people feel that granite is just a trend and something new will take center stage. Designers and home builders feel differently and think that granite countertops are here to stay! Why? Because granite is timeless! It matches with any décor style meaning that granite countertops can remain a staple in your design, while the interior of your home changes as your taste does.
Since your granite countertop is going to be with you for decades to come, it is important that you really take time when making your granite selection. There are several tips that can make this less intimidating while ensuring that you are making the right decision.
Don’t Pick By Samples – Always View The Full Slab
The tiny samples of granite that you can pick up from some local distributors are great when you are trying to get to a starting point. But, after you have narrowed your selections down to two or three options, you really need to see the half slab or the whole slab to make the final decision.
You will be surprised how different an entire slab of granite will look next to your small sample. Without seeing the entire slab of granite, you really cannot get a sense of how muted or busy the pattern is. Some people really love an active granite countertop because it is the focal point of their kitchen. Others may want a more muted pattern if the rest of their décor has a lot of movement and momentum.
How to Manage Inclusions and Other Pattern Variations.
Because granite is a naturally occurring material, you will need to understand that there will be flaws.
Inclusions are typically an area within the slab where foreign rock and other materials have been enmeshed into the granite. This will merely create an area of the granite that can look completely different from the rest.
This can also be said for pockets of color variation. The expenses can be completely different in tone and hue, or simply much darker versions of the original color of the granite.
Inclusions and other color variations can be embraced as a natural characteristic of granite. Part of the allure of granite is that no two pieces are alike.
However, if you find that these “abnormalities” are a nuisance, your fabricator can often find ways to work around them.
Accurate Color
When choosing between a full granite slab or a sample, one of the main reasons to go for the full slab is the fact that only a full slab of granite will give you the correct shade of color. As a piece of granite expands, the foundation of colors starts to shine through.
Since granite countertops do come in some dramatic but naturally occurring colors like blue, green, red, and yellow, seeing the entire slab in person will show you to what extent these colors are present.
When looking at a small sample, the foundation colors will appear more subdued.
Taking these tips into consideration during your granite countertop selection process can help give you peace of mind that you’re choosing the right slab.
When it comes to choosing the color of stone, there are many choices and it is easy to get overwhelmed. Every color- dark, light and neutral have their pros and cons for making the ultimate design look once everything is done. In the next section of this article, we are going to break down the things to keep in mind when choosing dark and neutral colors.
Most of the time when people are choosing granite countertop colors, they are looking to aesthetically boost the look of their kitchen or bathroom. Although granite countertops are still considered a “high end” option, the price has become a lot more reasonable. However, the longevity of a granite countertop far outweighs the cost.
When it comes to choosing a granite countertop, most people are intimidated by vibrant colors and busy patterns. But these characteristics are what will elevate your décor.
There is a lot to consider when making a granite countertop selection. Not only do want your new granite countertop to blend in with the existing décor, you want to be able to work around it. Installing granite is something you probably want to do only once in your lifetime.
Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing Granite Countertop Colors
Do not get overwhelmed
Once you start looking at all of the options available for your granite countertop, it is easy to get overwhelmed. Breaking down granite countertop colors into categories can make it less daunting. In essence, granite countertop colors are like a pyramid getting more detailed as you go, and you just need to first see where your tastes lie. Secondly, you need to decide how vibrant you want your granite countertop to be and to what level you want it to stand out.
Two main color categories
In general, ALL granite countertop colors can initially be grouped into either: neutral or dark.
Once you have decided which of these granite countertop color categories best fit in with your design theme you can then do some more detailed exploring. To help you determine which granite countertop color category to go with, decide if you want to compliment or contrast your current kitchen or bathroom cabinets and flooring.
Lighter Granite Countertop Shades
In this article, we are going to look at the more neutral shades of granite countertops and their aesthetic value.
If you have made a definite decision that a lighter tone is the best choice for your granite countertop you can then take some time to look at what this classification has to offer.
Beige – Beige granite countertops offer a lot of versatility and are timeless. Beige granite countertops are also really easy to compare or contrast with since it is pretty much directly on the opposite side of the color spectrum from wood or wood colored cabinets or flooring.
White – A completely white granite countertop is very rare. However, there are a lot of granite options that have a primarily white foundation. White granite countertops can be used to achieve a relatively traditional look all the way to the totally modern vibe. Commonly, white granite countertops will have grey (light and dark) and/or black veining giving it a really sophisticated look. It is also not out of the ordinary for white granite countertops to have hints of yellow, blue, red, or brown running throughout the pattern.
Grey – Grey granite countertops are one of the more popular choices among homeowners today. If you currently have dark wood or black cabinets, it is a quick way to give your kitchen or bathroom some highlights.
Yellow – Yellow granite countertops are one of the more “exotic” colors as they are a bit unusual. Yellow granite countertops are an easy and inviting way to add some warmth and color without being too drastic.
The lighter shades of granite countertops will allow you to have some artistic expressions, but without risk. Light granite countertops are a great mainstay for your kitchen or bath because they are easy to work around and look great with so many other colors and décor.
As most of you know, granite countertop colors have a spectrum from light to dark and have multiple variations in between. These different colors have to do with mineralogy and origin of the granite. When choosing granite countertop colors, there are lots of options. In this section, we will go over some of the most popular granite countertop colors!
Granite has become one of the most popular stones for countertops. Granite countertops have long been regarded as a status symbol and are now readily available to anyone. Because of the large grains, granite countertops come in an array of patterns and movement.
The colors and patterns of granite countertops are a result of the original composition of the molten rock that cooled to form the granite.
Choosing Granite Countertop Colors: Dark Granite Is Number One
Dark granite countertops have become the top choice among homeowners in the last few years. A dark granite countertop will bring elegance, class, and durability. Many homeowners often struggle with matching flooring and cabinetry with dark granite countertops. This should not be that case as just like the neutral shades, dark granite countertops blend well with a variety of colors and décor styles.
One of the most popular trios right now is a dark granite countertop, stainless steel appliances, and white cabinets. Although extremely modern, this is a very timeless look that should bring enjoyment for years to come.
When it comes to dark granite countertops, there are actually endless possibilities. Some of them are more exotic than others and just need some careful consideration when it comes to surrounding décor.
Green – Now when it comes to green granite countertops, there are several different shades to choose from. This will all depend on how prominent you want the green hues to be. The hues for a green granite countertop can range from a light mint color to dark jade green.
Gold – Gold granite countertops are stunning, but need to be paired with muted cabinetry and flooring. The key is to accent the sandy background to keep it from being too overpowering.
Brown – Brown granite countertops are very easy to come by in the United States. Brown granite countertops are a great option if you want the look of granite, but without a dramatic presentation. Because the brown hues in brown granite countertops are deep, you will not want to match it with dark cabinetry. One option that you have with brown granite countertops is that you can match it with colored cabinetry.
Black – Black granite countertops are always a popular choice among designers and homeowners. Black granite countertops give a clean streamlined feel. You can also match black granite countertops with colored cabinets or with white which is a common trend.
Red – When it comes to the kitchen, red granite countertops are not at the top of the list. It is used for wet bars and entertaining bars as more of an accent. If you want to go with red granite countertops, you can make it look appealing with softer shaded cabinetry and flooring.
Blue – Because of its striking beauty, a lot of people are drawn to blue granite countertops. Again, this is one of the colors that you need to do some planning when pairing it with flooring and cabinetry. The tones of blue granite countertop range from a very light blue to a deep ocean blue. If you have a flair for the dramatic, then this is your pick.
There are a few other dark granite countertop choices, but they are harder to find and not as easy to work with!
Once you know what color you are shooting for, there are a lot of mistakes that are commonly made when you are using granite as a countertop. So what things should you look out for?
Granite countertops are a beautiful and sound investment for the kitchen or bathroom. It is now one of the most chosen countertop materials among homeowners and designers. That being said, you still need to be sure to avoid the most common mistakes when using granite.
Even though a skilled fabricator can easily install your granite countertop, there are some common mistakes that homeowners make when choosing granite countertops.
If you have an experienced designer and fabricator, most of these mistakes will be avoided. However, knowledge is power and being an informed consumer will only benefit you in the end.
Common Mistakes When Using Granite for Countertops
Choosing your granite countertop from a small sample.
You should NEVER choose your granite countertop from small samples. You need to purchase your granite countertop from a distributor that allows you to see the entire slab like Granite Liquidators.
The full-color palette and movement of a granite countertop are not visible in a small sample. Only when viewing the full slab will you be able to get the true color tone of the granite or the pattern movement. You will most likely find yourself shocked after installation if you only judge the appearance of your granite countertop on a small sample.
Understand different installation styles and options for your granite countertop.
If you are not familiar with some of the customizable installation options that are available when it comes to granite countertops, you may be missing out. Here are some of the most common installation techniques that inexperienced homeowners are not aware of:
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- Waterfall granite countertops – Take the granite countertop over the side of your island all the way to the floor for a super dramatic look.
- Granite Edge Profile – Fabricators can create a straight, bullnose, or beveled edge on your granite countertop giving it a more finished appearance.
- Undermount sinks – installing your sink under the granite countertop hides the lip of the sink for a seamless presentation.
Expecting Perfection
Granite countertops are never disappointing when it comes to their beauty and visual appeal. However, homeowners need to understand that because granite is a naturally occurring material, it will have natural flaws.
Fissures, color blotches, and pattern disturbances are some of the most common flaws that you will come across. These imperfections do not compromise the integrity of the granite but simply cause visual abnormalities.
Measuring
To ensure that your granite countertop is measured accurately, you should always leave this task up to your fabricator. There are several nuances to take into consideration when measuring out a granite countertop.
Measuring mistakes can be very costly because they will inevitably lead to you having to purchase additional material.
Being educated about these frequent mistakes that homeowners make when it comes to choosing a granite countertop, will eliminate disappointment, cost increases, and ensure a successful installation.
Conclusion
Now you are a granite expert! You know how to choose granite, pick the color, and you know the common mistakes so you can avoid them to the best of your ability. To learn more about everything granite, check out our website and read out other blog articles. They are full of information and inspiration. Our team of stone specialists are available to answer any questions you may have or to start the process today!