Granite Countertops: Tips and Advice

Number one - visit the stone yard! Granite can vary widely in both color and movement (the veins running through that particular slab of stone.) Do not just look at the small samples in the office. These are a guideline you can use so they know which slabs to show you.

Recommended thickness is 1 1/4”. You can save money and go for thinner granite, but it will need to be reinforced and can be more prone to cracking over time.

Colors vary widely. Are you working with an interior designer? Have you picked out a color scheme for your kitchen? Think long term and resale value when it comes to selecting a color. This countertop will be a beautiful showpiece in your kitchen, but as a flat utilitarian surface, it should not be the main focal point. Think about the cabinetry, floors and wall treatment you would like to put it with. Also, if your home has an open floor plan, make sure you select a hue that will be complementary when viewed from all other areas the kitchen can be seen from.

When selecting the movement or pattern of the flow of the granite, think about the presentation in your kitchen. If you select a slab with lots of movement and larger pattern, it will have a very dramatic effect in the room and you will need to think about how to complement it, not compete with it. If you select a smaller pattern with less movement, it gives a more subtle statement and may be easier to design the rest of your kitchen around.

It is very important that you use a contractor who knows what they are doing. Granite is vulnerable to breakage in transport and must be installed completely level to resist breakage in the long run. Your contractor should also seal the granite and explain normal care and maintenance to you.

Granite is very durable and much easier to care for than other stone surfaces, but it still needs proper care and maintenance. After your countertop is sealed, use coasters and place-mats if you are using the surface for entertaining. Put pads or trivets under hot dishes. Try to keep acidic liquids, like citrus drinks and salsa from touching the granite. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended guidelines for cleaning.