Things to think about when selecting a granite kitchen countertop

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granite countertop

Granite kitchen countertop is a popular choice for many homeowners and granite is beautiful, but it’s important to consider the pros and cons of this type of countertop before making your final decision. While some people prefer granite because they feel that it is more durable than other types of stone, others find that granite chips easily.

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One of the oldest maxims in design, from the great architect Louis Sullivan, “is form ever follows function”. This really holds true in the kitchen. According to HGTV.com, “The kitchen is typically the most popular room in a home and many people are making their kitchens worthy of all that attention by choosing fantastic countertops to take center stage” For our purposes today, let’s talk about using granite and its relationship to the function of the kitchen; Things to think about when selecting a granite kitchen countertop

Golden Eagle Polished Granite Slab Random 1 1/4

Golden Eagle Polished Granite Slab

Random 1 1/4x11/4"
Glacier White Polished Granite Slab Random 1 1/4

Glacier White Polished Granite Slab

Random 1 1/4x11/4"
Titanium Polished Granite Slab Random 1 1/4

Titanium Polished Granite Slab

Random 1 1/4x11/4"

Let’s face it, we like to eat, we like to cook and we like to entertain and those are the simple reasons that we spend so much time and money on our kitchens. But we need to pose a few questions to ourselves prior to our granite selection.

Is This a “Working” Kitchen?

granite countertop

Bethel White Polished Granite Slab Random 1 1/4

Bethel White Polished Granite Slab

Random 1 1/4x11/4"

Is this a “working” kitchen? By that we mean, is this an everyday “tool” that the homeowners will be using to “construct” meals. If so, then your granite selection needs to reflect that function. While granite is incredibly tough and durable, it is not entirely indestructible. So if you are going to chop, cut, slice, spill and bang make your granite choice accordingly. For example, despite what you might have heard, granite will stain. Especially if you are not diligent in the cleaning up of aggressive staining agents like red wine, mustard, and ketchup, to name just a few. So perhaps, if this is the case, you might want to select a medium to dark granite color value.

How will Granite Countertop Look Like?

What do I really expect my tops to look like? The selection of your granite kitchen counters will begin with picking your slabs.  Live slab selection is a better proposition than virtual slab selection. Why? Very simple! Granite is a product of nature in every sense of the word. It is quarried from the Earth in blocks that are then “sliced” into the slabs that will make your tops. As such, you will see color variations, pattern variations, and so on. So, actually viewing in person and even “signing” the pieces that will be yours is the best idea.

Lighting The Kitchen

What is the plan for lighting the kitchen? While design ideas vary, you should at the very least spend a little time considering how much natural light will there be and what type of light fixtures will be incorporated. These factors will almost certainly influence your color selection.

Cabinet Plan is Essential For Countertops

What is my cabinet plan? The wood color of your cabinets and the color selection of the hardware are vital facts to consider when selecting your granite. Please DO NOT pass lightly over this component in the process.

There are always other things to think about, such as edge detailing and sink mounting, but this is a good start. At Marble Systems we offer many different choices in granite. We feel very comfortable in guiding you through this process. Why not talk to an expert? We have many seasoned professionals in our showrooms. Stop by, call in, or email us for the specific advice that will help you to make the best decision!

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