4 Tips for Choosing the Right Granite Countertops
Granite is one of the most popular countertop materials for good reason. In addition to its durability, it's available in a seemingly limitless number of colors and styles, making it easy to pair with any type of cabinetry and appliances. The Stone Care Experts at Granite Gold® offer 4 tips to help you choose the right granite for your home.
1. Match the Granite with the Cabinets
There are two main ways to pair granite with cabinets: match the color with the cabinets or pair the veining and marbling. The first way to match granite to your counters is to choose granite that's the same color as your cabinets but with darker veining. For example, white cabinets look gorgeous with White Spring granite, which has veins of grey, black, and brown. If you want granite with a contrasting color, instead choose stone with veins of color that match your cabinetry. The same White Spring granite would pair beautifully with espresso cabinets. It may also help to look at popular pairings of granite countertops and cabinetry. Here are some ideas:- Neutral medium-brown maple cabinets with grey, beige, and white granite
- Light to medium oak cabinets with a contrasting granite like Black Pearl
- Dark brown cabinets with green granite.
- Cherry cabinets with granite like Ubatuba, Verde Peacock, and white granite.
2. Determine If You Want Light or Dark Granite
When choosing between light and dark granite, there are a few things to keep in mind. In general, light-colored granite works best for small kitchens because it makes the space feel larger. If your kitchen does not get much natural light, a light-colored granite can also make the kitchen feel larger. Gray and black granite offer a dramatic look that works best in contemporary kitchens with white or light cabinetry. Brown and beige are the most adaptable colors that work well with almost any style of kitchen.
3. Pick a Unique Granite Pattern
Along with picking a color, you can also choose a pattern for your granite. Granite comes in three basic patterns: solid, speckled, and marbled. Solid granite has very little variation in its pattern, and it's a good choice for smaller kitchens where a busy pattern can make the area seem too cramped. Marbled granite has a very smooth transition between texture and color. Speckled granite is a popular option with a great deal of variation in color and texture and is a good choice if you want to make a statement, accent simple cabinets, or add interest to stainless-steel appliances.