It’s been a common fact that for every kitchen remodeling project, granite countertops always occupy the top half of the list. Preferred by numerous homeowners and interior designers, granite is hailed primarily because of both its aesthetic and functional value. 

So if you’re a member of the majority, here are some tips on how to pick the best colors for your granite countertops: 

  • Make adequate comparisons. Asking a contractor for a granite slab without you seeing the color or design firsthand is a commonly-overlooked risk. Carefully survey your existing kitchen appearance first and determine which color would perfectly accentuate it. Take pictures and bring them to the contractor for adequate reference. 

  •  Visit a showroom. Online shopping is convenient, but nothing beats seeing the item with your own eyes. Fine color details are tough to photograph and subtle differences in textures and shades can be missed out. 

  • Consider the lighting. Color is highly-dependent on light, so if the kitchen has poor lighting, it would be hard to appreciate a specific color. If the kitchen has little or no natural light, colors like white or gold are preferable. Darker colors are best appreciated with substantially-lit areas. 

Lastly, choose something that best resembles your preference. Renovation projects are mainly fueled by personal wants, so it is best to pick out design motifs that is “you”. It adds a significant personalized touch to the home, and even monetary value when it’s time to pack things up.

In the kitchen countertop arena, experts say that granite’s long-standing reign at the top has been finally been ended by quartz. Today, quartz is considered the most popular type of countertop material. It has garnered a loyal following because of its many good qualities such as durability, beauty, and the fact that it doesn’t possess some of the inherent weaknesses of natural stone. 

Quartz countertops are also known as engineered stone countertops because they are manufactured instead of quarried like most stone slabs are. The manufacturing process allows for the wider range of colors than what you’ll find in natural stones such as granite or marble. The appearance of the finished product is rich and luxurious. 

Quartz is nonporous, so it is highly resistant to staining. It stands up well against juice, wine, oil, coffee, and other common sources of stains in the kitchen. This nonporous quality also benefits the material’s cleanliness—it won’t harbor bacteria or viruses, and it’s easy to wipe clean. The surface also feels sleek and doesn’t have the same hardness that many find unpleasant in other types of stone countertops. 

Granted, granite isn’t going away anytime soon, and it still has many die-hard fans. However, quartz has now become a suitable alternative for those looking for something different in their countertops.

Granite kitchen countertops are a very popular choice among homeowners. Here are some of the reasons why many people choose to have granite countertops installed in their kitchens: 

Incredible Durability 

Granite is an igneous rock, meaning it was formed by cooled magma/lava. Considering its origins, it should surprise no one that granite countertops resist heat damage very well. Granite also resists nicks from stray knives. 

 Inhibits Bacteria 

Although bacteria has the ability to grow on almost any surface, granite countertops inhibit the rate of growth of harmful bacteria. A properly sealed granite countertop also prevents bacteria from seeping into the “pores” of the rock. Granite is also very easy to clean, further reducing the chances of bacteria growing on the countertop. 

 Readily Accessible 

There was a time when granite was rather expensive. Today, advances in technology have been able to reduce the price of granite significantly, making the material more accessible to homeowners. In fact, granite countertops cost nearly as much as artificial solid surface countertops. 

Increased Value 

Granite is very beautiful and durable, a combination that staves off value depreciation. Additionally, granite countertops give off a classic look that never goes out of style. These two factors are why granite countertops can easily raise the resale value of a home.

Probably the reason you chose granite over other countertop options is that you’ve heard from some reliable sources that it’s a very tough material. While this is true, you still need to know how hard it is so that you will also have an idea of its limitations. 

Granite is not invincible, and if you put too much pressure on its surface using a tool that’s more than its toughness can bear, this naturally formed stone might break off. Granite is hard, yet its hardness can be its weakness. The crystalline structure forming every block makes granite so vulnerable to strong impact. However, since you’re not expected to use your granite countertop for any other purpose than for preparing food, you won’t see cracks or chips on its surface anytime soon. 

 The previous problem with granite, and practically all other countertop materials, is that its surface tends to form tiny pits. Thanks to today’s polishing technology, you can prevent this from happening. Most granite countertop manufacturers apply a thin, mirror-like finish that protects the surface of the material from dents and scratches and also gives it a stunning glaze. 

One interesting feature of granite is that it doesn’t easily get dented by knives. Unless the knife is made of diamond or any other material harder than granite, you can’t expect it to slash through the countertop so easily. In fact, knives are known to sustain damage from a forceful contact with granite.