Is granite still a popular choice for kitchen countertops?

Granite was all the rage in the 90’s and early 2000s however, in the last decade new home construction and renovations has seen quartz and engineered products steal the show!  Is granite loosing its steam in the kitchen interior world?

Its now a matter of style and practicality.  Granite is still one of the strongest countertop materials on the market and adds luxury, opulence and style to the kitchen.  As we witnessed new innovation in countertop materials such as quartz, we saw a shift as more homeowners chose quartz over granite in their kitchens.

Even with these new products on the market, they do not compare to a beautiful piece of natural stone for its unique veining and markings, making granite a forever choice in kitchen design.

How much do granite countertops cost today?

You get what you pay for with granite, but it is often cheaper than quartz.  Granite is a natural product mined from the earth and can be quite expensive but depends on the cut, shape and thickness of your stone. It is seen sold around $40-$80 sq ft.  Many new home contractors use the high value of Granite countertops as a selling point in driving new home sales, and of course the addition of Granite countertops to a renovation will certainly increase the value of your home as well the price tag on the renovation. Photo by Francesca Tosolini on Unsplash

How durable is a granite countertop?

Granite countertops are extremely durable.  Created and formed by the earth it is a completely natural product and while strong it is porous.  It is a natural rock and will absorb moisture and with that can stain.  You do need to be careful with these counters and make sure you maintain them well with regular cleaning and sealing and the will last a lifetime!

Because granite is a stone, it is extremely scratch resistant and incredibly heat resistant and will not burn though I would never put a hot pan on its surface regardless.

Installing Granite Countertops

If you are going to install granite countertops in your home, be sure to choose the type and color of stone that best suits your needs. It is a big decision to make and be wary of huge veining and markings as they are not always idea for all spaces.  If you like that look, consider hiring an interior designer, as it is an expensive choice to live with if you find you hate it later.

Granite Kitchen Countertops – Colors & Design

As with many natural stones, granite’s color can be inconsistent. You may be able to find appropriate color palettes, but remember the veining in granite will vary from piece to piece making it very hard to find perfect matches throughout your kitchen. Granite colors change from quarry to quarry and by region.

There are 2 different kinds of Granite available for most kitchens, Consistent and Variegated.

Consistent Granite 

Where a consistent pattern exists throughout the slab. This form of Granite has a very uniform appearance and is much easier to match at the seams. Well suited for longer countertop surfaces

Variegated Granite

This form of Granite usually has a swirling vein through out the slab varying in color. This can make it difficult to match slabs and creates some difficulty in pairing two pieces together. This is not always a draw back as Variegated Granite can lend a very unique look to your kitchen countertops.

Are granite countertops safe & environmentally friendly?

Granite is natural product however it is mined from deep within the earth and is seldom recycled. Energy costs associated with the transportation of this material also have a negative impact on the environment. If you are not fickle about color, you can find some granite that has been salvaged, but be aware of differences in grain and of course wear and tear.

Is granite safe in the kitchen?

While it is a natural and strong surface, it is porous and requires regular sealing so you will be exposed to some inorganic material if you properly maintain your counters which you should.  Naturally they are not considered hypoallergenic but when using the correct sealers you can create a hypoallergenic surface for your granite countertop.