ADVERTISEMENT
Simple, Yet Bold
March 12, 2024
Granite offers great value as a material for a kitchen countertop.
Kitchen trends come and go but granite has been, and will continue to be, one the most popular options for use as material for countertops.
The importance of the choice of materials for kitchen countertops cannot be undermined as it needs to be both functional and visually appealing, and granite meets both criteria.
Granite is a popular choice due to its durability and the contemporary yet timeless look it imparts to the space. This material is available in vivid textures and colours to match those of the kitchen walls, cabinets and furniture. While darker shades add to the charm of the space, the lighter ones blend with most hues and make the space look bigger.
Granite lends a distinct look to the kitchen with varied options of colour and designs. Photo Courtesy: Freepik
Some Features
No two slabs of granite are identical, as the material is cut from blocks procured from solid rock formations. The unique natural stone helps to ensure that the space has its own significant look. When it comes to features of granite, colours and variety are just the start. Polished granite countertops are the most preferred ones in the kitchen, as their glossy and mirror-like surfaces decrease the risk of cuts, dents and marks. Another option for granite is a honed finished surface which gives a matte look, procured through a sanding process.
This is finalised depending on personal choice, preferences and the level of maintenance.
Granite offers a great combination of durability and beauty. The former is clearly one of the key points as it can hold up well and last for many years with proper sealing. With so many features available, granite proves to be a perfect combination of quality and design.
A honed finished surface which gives a matte look, procured through a sanding process. Photo Courtesy: Freepik
Indian Markets
India is among the leading countries in mining and exporting granite. It has become one of the most extensively used materials all over the world, not only for its aesthetics and elegance but also because of its sturdiness. Among other colours and textures such as grey, pink, multi-coloured and a few more, jet black is considered to be the best variety found in plenty.
Granite as a Material
The word granite is derived from a Latin word called ‘Granum’, which means grain. It’s a type of felsic intrusive igneous rock that consists of at least 20% of quartz and 65% of alkali feldspar by volume. Granite is a hard and durable material and is used for making shelves, countertops and any other interior or exterior projects. The lifespan of the material depends on the use and maintenance of it.
Granite lends a distinct look to the kitchen with varied options of colour and designs. This material has a heavy crystalline and granular appearance with mineral grains in colours like black, white, grey, orange, brown and many more. Though it is a very hard and durable material, it is easier to maintain than marble.
Granite, with its versatility and uniqueness, offers the ability to impart a polished, sleek and stylish look to the kitchen. Photo Courtesy: Freepik
Some Pointers
This countertop comes with its positive and negative points. Its stain and heat-resistant quality makes it easy for a rough user, as any hot or cutting items placed on the granite will never damage the surface. The minerals added to this add depth and character making every granite top look different. A wide range of colours enables flexibility while finalising a distinctive look to the kitchen.
Along with strengths, granite counters have negatives too. Problems may occur when the countertops are not sealed properly or if they start wearing off. Granite is porous, which means unsealed counters can absorb wine or oil stains that might be impossible to remove. Some countertops can last for ten years without being sealed and some may need to be resealed on a yearly basis, depending on the use. With so many options available for this countertop and increasing demand, its prices are comparatively higher than other materials used for countertops.
Granite, with its versatility and uniqueness, offers the ability to impart a polished, sleek and stylish look to the kitchen.
[The article was first published in the January-February 2017 issue of Kitchen Ideas magazine.]
Related Articles
Advertisement