How to Pick Out Granite
Now that your dream kitchen remodel is on its way to reality and you've narrowed your countertop choice down to classic and stylish granite, study the options to make rock solid choices. Granite offers options in color and finish that will determine the final look of the crowning glory for your cabinets and the focal point of your kitchen. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Select the right pattern for your kitchen from granite that ranges from "absolute black" to deeply veined. The most common pattern in granite is "consistent." which means the pattern remains static throughout the slab. Consistent granite is the speckled pattern granite common in today's kitchens, and is the look mimicked by solid surface countertops. Variegated granite has sweeping veins throughout, and gives a beautiful sense of movement to the piece. Though variegated granite is gaining in popularity, it requires increased maintenance and care, and consistent granite is more universally appealing.
-
2
Choose a color for the countertop, considering your needs today and resale value later. Granite counters are available in shades of brown, black, green, red, white and blue. If you intend to sell your home down the line, stick with more neutral shades of granite, like brown, black and white, as these colors work with a wider variety of decor and appeal to a larger pool of buyers. If you wish to make a true statement with your countertop, variegated green granite has an intriguing depth and movement that is unmatched by other varieties.
-
-
3
Select from the three major finishes for granite -- though individual suppliers and installers may offer finishes unique to their company. Polished granite is glossy and smooth; this is the most common finish. Honed granite has a more matte appearance that still reflects light, but to a lesser degree than polished granite, and is smooth to the touch. Brushed granite is finished with a rotary wire brush for a matte finish that reflects little light and is textured rather than smooth.
-
4
Select an edge treatment from square, rounded square, heavily-rounded bull nose or beveled. Upgraded edge choices offer options similar to what you might find in a baseboard trim piece and can be customized to match the design of your cabinetry. Upgraded edges will add to the cost of your granite, but appear much more customized than standard edges.
-
1
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
