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Step 1
Choose or identify your kitchen cabinet color. If you're installing new granite in an existing kitchen, this is an easy task--your cabinet color is already fixed and you have samples available. If you are installing a new kitchen, choose both the cabinet color and material, making sure to get a sample door to use while granite shopping.
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Step 2
Do some research. Some granites are harder than others, some stain more easily, some show more dust and fingerprints. Therefore, you need to have a good idea of how much upkeep you're willing to do to make sure your granite stays looking its best. Additionally, consider how you use your kitchen--if you are a messy cook, for example, a granite that stains easily may not be your best choice.
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Step 3
Think about your overall kitchen color scheme. Granite countertops are an important focal point of the kitchen, so a light granite can really brighten up a dark kitchen and vice versa. If you like to change paint colors and accessories frequently, you may want to keep your granite neutral, to ensure it will coordinate with multiple color palettes.
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Step 4
Go shopping. You can choose granite by browsing samples in stores like Home Depot, but you will never get a real sense of the color and texture of a slab by looking at a small piece. Find granite yards in your area and go see and feel the slabs in person--don't forget to take a sample cabinet door with you. Most granite yards only sell slabs to fabricators and will not disclose prices to the general public; however, they will be able to give you an idea of whether the slab you choose is a particularly expensive or inexpensive stone. Hold the cabinet door up to various slabs and take photos so you can compare them at home later. Also, if possible, try to view the slabs both in sunlight and artificial light, to better judge their color.
