Granite continues to attract significant attention as one of the best countertop options especially here in the Boston area.
This is thanks to its durability and beauty. Still, one thing that stands it apart is the wide variety of options that it offers.
I needed to satisfy my curiosity. So, I researched the various available countertop options. You might just be wondering about that to get the best pick. So, I will share my discovery about the types of granite counters.
Granite Countertop Types
You can bet that there are various types of granite countertops out there. In fact, I was stunned to find the number of options that I saw. Well, that is the beauty of granite countertops.
I bet you are wondering all about them. Well, I will introduce you to the popular options. This way, you can have it easy when choosing these options.
Tiled Granite
This granite option is quite popular today. It is a design that brings class to your home. With this design, the tiles get placed edge to edge. Afterward, they get secured through the use of epoxy.
The great thing about this option is that it is very affordable. In turn, you will not need to worry about spending too much. Even more, you can do it by yourself. Great right?
You also get a high-quality look. However, you might find cleaning difficult thanks to the number of seams that get created.
Regardless, this is an option you can go for any time and be sure to have fun wherever you install it.
Modular Granite
The next pick is the modular granite. This is also a popular option, although among those with a standard kitchen size. It is generally regarded as a mid-range option.
This is because it comes as mini slabs. Typically, these slabs are precut into standard shapes and sizes that can easily fit into a kitchen layout. All you need to do is get them and have them installed.
However, the fact that your kitchen is not the standard size does not mean that it is the road’s end with the modular granite. You can still apply them to your kitchen. All you will need to do is fit them together.
Although you will get large seams, they remain beautiful. You also do not have to worry about high or excessive prices with this option. It is generally affordable.
You can also do it yourself. This is because the miniature slabs remain light. In turn, you will not have difficulties installing it.
Slab Granite
Our final pick is slab granite. This stands out as the most elegant option out there. However, you will have to keep in mind that with this elegance comes increased cost.
Precisely, the slab granite remains the most costly countertop type.
This option is usually solid and gets fabricated specifically for your kitchen. In most cases, the professional will come to your kitchen and measure it. Afterward, they go offsite to fabricate the slabs based on the measurement. Then, they come back for the installation.
As you can tell, the process involved is not exactly straightforward. As such, it usually requires the services of a professional during its installation. While you can risk installing it yourself, I do not advise this.
This is because the slabs are quite expensive. Now, they can break without the right expertise during installation.
The cost of the professional does not even come close to their cost. So, to avoid spending more when trying to save cost, your best bet is a professional.
Granite Colors and Designs
Now that you are aware of the various countertop types, you can pick an option. However, to do that, you will need to pick a color or design option. The great news is that there are various options that you can pick from.
So you can have it easy, here they are.
White Granite
The first option that you can opt for is white granite. You might be wondering who would want to go for a plain and white granite countertop. Well, that is not the case with white granite.
White granite comes with other colors that bring it to life. In turn, it can fit into a dark or white interior design.
Beige Granite
The next pick is a beige granite. This option is similar to the white granite in appearance. However, this option tends to be more attractive. This is because it has loads of brown, gray, and black spots. In turn, you enjoy more flexibility during decorations.
You will also find it useful for classic, traditional, and country design.
Brown Granite
This option is darker than the beige option. It is also quite popular as you can use it with light wooden cabinets. You can also apply it to great effects in rustic and country styled kitchens. However, keep in mind that there is a limit to the color that you can complement this option with.
Black Granite
This option is a great pick, although quite dramatic. If you are looking to go for an option with a solid color, this will be your best bet.
You can also count on it to sparkle when hit by the light. So, it is a great combination.
What Causes Variations in Granite Counter Slabs?
You must have heard that granite comes with loads of variations in its design. So, what causes this variation in granite?
This is thanks to the formation of granite. This is an igneous rock that occurs thanks to the mixture of various materials.
These materials have a different concentration that causes the variation in the granite as the magma cools.
Even more, it may get heated up after this formation, which results in the various swirl patterns that we now see.
Granite Counter Edging Options
One advantage of granite is that you get to customize its edges. This means that you can provide further beauty to your kitchen. I bet you are wondering what the edging options are.
Eased Edge
This is perhaps the most common option. It is a straight design that gets slightly eased around the bottom area. It is quite popular with modular designs.
Top and Bottom Rounded Edge
It comes with two corners that are rounded at its end.
Bevel Edge
This is also popular and comes in a bevel design sized ½” or ¼”.
Full Bullnose Edge
This edge comes fully rounded and can fit into any kitchen style. Regardless, it is popular with upper bar countertops.
Ogee Edge
This is an elegant and beautiful edge that is extremely popular. This option has a perimeter that is half round.;
Rock or Chiseled Edge
This is a natural design that occurs from careful chipping away from the granite. In turn, it comes with a smooth and beautiful projection.
Final Thoughts
Granite offers a wide range of options. From its colors to countertop design, there are a lot of things that make it desirable. In turn, knowing them is a vital part of picking the best option.
So, read up and be ready to pick the best option.
In case you need help making a pick, at RSK Marble and Granite, we can help you. Our Boston countertop experts are available to answer all your questions. You can contact us on 978-447-1001 or reach us here for a quote.
Related Question
How Can You Tell the Quality of Granite?
You can tell a granite’s quality by its color, pitting, thickness, marking, soft material component, veins, and country of origin. Regardless, they are generally divided into three grades.
What is Best Granite?
Level 3 granite and above remain generally regarded as the best granite. This is thanks to the durability, beauty, and variety that it offers.