Kitchens are the soul of a house and, even more than that – a sanctuary where loved ones gather together to share memorable moments—naturally, having a kitchen perfectly compatible with your requirements, expectations, daily routines, and tastes. This way, you can have a kitchen where you feel the most comfortable and joyful.
However, having a functional, stylish kitchen that perfectly represents your persona is sure to be a challenging task. But not with a bit of help from professionals!
Today, we are here to ease the burden on your shoulders about your kitchen renovation project by introducing the most preferred countertop material of all times. This way, you will be well informed about what to expect from a kitchen countertop by examining a popular choice. Indeed, granite countertops are the first choice that comes to people’s minds for a reason!
So, read on to discover whether granite is the one that fits your dream kitchen design, both functionally and aesthetically.
What is Granite?
Granite is an igneous rock composed of silica and some minerals, causing it to have a unique appearance with vibrant colors. Thanks to its durability and versatility, granite has many application areas in design.
Moreover, granite is known for its ability to be utilized in heavy-use areas, such as kitchen countertops, hallways, floor tiles, stair treads, exterior façades, and many more. It is a highly preferred natural stone in various applications for both residential and commercial projects.
How is Granite Formed?
Granite forms from the slow crystallization of magma beneath the surface of the Earth. This formation process typically has three initial stages: the melting of pre-existing rocks, magma formation, and finally, crystallization. As granite formation is generally associated with high tectonic activities, it is generally found in the roots of mountain ranges.
To put it simply, granite’s formation and occurrence are resulted from the movement of the Earth’s crust over the years. That is why areas with high tectonic activity are granite’s birthplaces.
Where Can Granite Be Found?
It is associated with high tectonic activity areas, so granite can be found on all continents. Let’s take a look at some primary granite deposits from each continent:
- In North America, Canada and America have many notable locations known for large granite deposits, such as the Sierra Nevada, the Rocky Mountains, and the Canadian Shield.
- The Andes Mountains range is the home of granite in South America.
- The Alps and the Scottish Highlands are significant granite deposits in Europe.
- Some of the major granite deposits in Africa are the Nigerian Younger Granite and Cape Granite Suite.
- The Himalayan Mountain range and the Korean Peninsula are famous granite deposits in Asia.
- The Yilgarn Craton is the primary granite deposit, covering much of Western Australia.
- Granite can also be found in Antarctica, but defining it as a granite deposit would be misleading.
What are the Most Popular Granite Countertop Colors?
Granite has unique color combinations with vibrant hues. Here are some of the most popular granite colors:
- Ornamental White: This is a low-variation white granite that perfectly complements any design, as its soft and neutral tones allow it to be combined with many colors and designs.
- Colonial White: This stone’s attractivity comes from its calming-off white background with specks of brown and grey tones.
- River White: Thanks to its white and gray veining with deep burgundy flecks, River White Granite brings simplistic beauty to anywhere it is used.
- Blue Pearl: Featuring shades of blue, gray, and beige, Blue Pearl Granite is the perfect option for those after stunning beauty.
- Luna Pearl: With its intricate patterns of grays and whites, Luna Pearl Granite attracts people searching for a look that never gets old.
- Black Pearl: Having speckles of golds, silvers, browns, greens, and grays on a predominantly black surface, Black Pearl Granite is an excellent choice for those who wish to make a bold statement in their designs.
- Bianco Antico: With a warm taupe and pink flecks over a soft gray background, Bianco Antico Granite has excellent earthy tones.
From rustic to modern, granite can complement any kitchen design with a bit of consideration. Think about your kitchen cabinets as the partner of your countertops and try to create a harmonious look between them.
What are the Advantages of Granite Countertops?
The popularity of granite countertops is not a coincidence. Granite provides many benefits that make it an excellent countertop material. Here are the essential pros of granite countertops:
- Durability: Rating 7 on the MOH scale, granite is a hard stone, giving it excellent durability. Accordingly, granite countertops are perfectly suitable even for high-use kitchens or outdoor countertops. Besides, well-maintained granite countertops ensure longevity and save homeowners from countertop renewal. Initially, thanks to their durability, granite countertops offer cost-effectivity.
- Resistance: Granite is highly resistant to many kinds of danger that can shorten the life of your countertop. First and foremost, granite countertops are heat-resistant, meaning your granite countertops will not break or chip because of placing hot items on your granite countertops. Also, granite is resistant to UV lights, making it a great choice for outdoor kitchen countertops as sunlight will not cause discoloration. Granite countertops provide stain and scratch resistance, too.
- Timeless and Natural Beauty: Granite countertops are excellent for those after natural beauty that never gets old. Plus, each granite slab is one-of-a-kind, adding a unique personality to any kitchen design.
- Compatibility with Many Designs:
- Value-Adding
What to Consider about Granite Countertops?
- Heavy Material
- Require Maintenance
- Seams:
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