Black granite is all the rage in the interior design world because it has a way of transforming any space into something elegant, dramatic, and classy. Even if you prefer a more rustic atmosphere, a honed finish on black granite countertops can tie together farmhouse sinks and wood-stained cabinets. Black granite creates a stunning backdrop for holiday feasts, family get-togethers, and daily bonding during meal prep. Besides its lovely appearance, black granite is extremely stain-resistant, especially compared to other natural stones.
There are so many varieties of black granite out there that you are sure to find something that fits your design aesthetic. Some of the more popular styles include:
Absolute Black is one of the most popular colors of black granite because it is so simple. If you’re looking for a plain black that will go with anything, Absolute Black is the color for you.
Titanium granite is gorgeous with swirls of gold and white veining. It creates movement and flows from one side of your kitchen to the other, and its eye-catching pattern is sure to be a conversation starter.
Ubatuba is a very popular type of granite, despite its funny name. Technically it’s a very dark green, but it has flecks of white and black and generally reads black.
Irish Black is unique because it is so uniform in its coloring across the slab.
Porto Rosa has rows and rows of thin pink lines running the length of the slab – truly a unique and eye-grabbing option.
Black Taurus is another staggeringly beautiful slab of granite with its creamy layers of white and tan flowing like rivers across the black background.
Black Galaxy looks exactly like you’d imagine: dark black granite with metallic flecks that glitter like the stars in the sky.
How to Keep Them Clean
It’s no secret that dark colors show dirt and dust more than light colors – any cat owner wearing a black shirt can tell you that. Unfortunately, the same goes with black granite slabs, but with consistent cleaning, the granite countertops in your kitchen or bathroom can look like new for years to come.
Daily
Using warm, soapy water and a soft rag, wipe down your countertops every day, and then use a dry cloth to buff dry using circular motions. You can also use a gentle, pH-neutral cleaner or ones specifically made for granite. Some cleaners include:
- Black Diamond Stoneworks Granite Cleaner
- Seventh Generation Stone Cleaner
- Method Granite Cleaner
- Diluted bleach
- Diluted ammonia
- Granite Gold Granite Cleaner
- Weiman Granite Cleaner
Whatever cleaning agent you choose, be sure to follow the directions on the back of the product before you apply so that you’re completely disinfecting the surface without harming the granite itself.
Weekly
At least once a week, move all of the appliances and other items off of your granite countertops, and wipe down the whole surface using soapy water. You can then pour a little denatured alcohol into a clean rag and wipe down the surface to eliminate any remaining grease or grime. That final step will bring your countertops back to their original shine.
Monthly
Depending on whether you choose a glossy or honed finish, you may want to polish your granite countertops at least once a month. A honed finish looks almost like it has been through a rock tumbler with a slightly matte, rustic surface. Honed finishes don’t need to be polished, but you will want to do a surface polish to a glossy finish every few months. Look for a granite polishing spray to help with this.
How do you know if you should seal your black granite?
Interestingly, black granite is significantly denser than other types of granite, and many manufacturers either don’t seal it or seal it once and don’t recommend resealing. Black granite’s density makes it so that the sealer won’t penetrate the stone the way it will other, lighter colors of granite. If you try sealing it on your own and it doesn’t need it, you might end up with whitish, hazy streaks that are extremely difficult to remove.
You should not seal your black granite countertops unless they need it, and the only way to know if they need it is to test the granite in an inconspicuous area. Either dispense a couple of drops of lemon juice onto the surface or pour on a little bit of water and wait for a few minutes. If the water absorbs right away, you should apply a sealer at your earliest convenience and check again in a year. If it takes five or so minutes, you should reseal, but you shouldn’t have to seal it again for three or more years. If it takes 10 minutes, you should apply a sealer, but you shouldn’t need to seal it again for more than five years. If it doesn’t absorb after a half-hour, you don’t need to seal it at all.
Black granite countertops don’t have an equal in terms of elegance and class. They go with just about every kitchen design you can imagine, and they look gorgeous to boot. If you’re looking to renovate your kitchen or bathroom in the Denver area, check out our online inventory of black granite slabs to see what we can do for you.