Choosing a kitchen benchtop material is a major part of a kitchen remodelling project. The benchtop goes around the room and impacts on the look of surrounding colours and textures on nearby components like cabinets. Thus, you need to consider the available options carefully. Several aspects of one material, granite, are explained below.

Unique and Variable

Granite contains a range of minerals like quartz and feldspar, which generate the colours within the stone. A particular slab could display golds, browns, blacks, greens and many other hues which show on the surface as flecks and dapples, depending on how the minerals disperse. The mineral combination varies with each benchtop, even ones that originate from the same quarry. Thus, two granite pieces never look exactly the same. As a result, any benchtop you install will be unique and variable. While many consider fluctuations to be part of the charm of natural stone, others prefer more consistency across multiple counters. 

Installation

Granite counters are custom-fitted to your kitchen, and fabricators will first measure your counters and sink area before making a template. They'll then carve the granite to fit this shape. Since stone is quite heavy, your cabinetry requires sturdiness to hold it up. Some cupboards, particularly older ones, may need reinforcement. Thus, the entire installation process typically takes up to a couple of weeks or so.

Heat Resistance

Granite is tough and heat-resistant. Thus, it doesn't scratch easily or get burned from hot pans. Regardless, caution calls for cutting boards and trivets to protect your counter. Some darker granites form harder surfaces than lighter varieties do. Be careful with acidic substances, such as lemon that can etch the surface, causing it to dull as fine surface particles rub off.

Backsplash

To create a sleek look in your kitchen, you can continue the stone of the counter across the backsplash area. This will minimise transitions between surfaces and create an ultra-sleek look. For the best price, purchase your counters from a kitchen wholesale outlet, which will offer better prices so you can splash out with extra stone pieces. To prevent the granite overwhelming the decor, surround the stone centrepiece with subdued colours and textures. 

Maintenance

While granite is one of the sturdier stones, it still requires regular maintenance. You'll need to seal it periodically to prevent foods and spills seeping into the tiny pores on the surface and causing stains. You can conduct a water bead test to see if the counter needs sealing. When water doesn't bead, it requires sealing. Wash the counter with a stone-friendly pH-neutral cleanser rather than a harsh acidic cleanser that can damage the surface.

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