Look at the kitchens you most admire, and chances are that you will find one thing in common between them. That is the use of granite. Granite is a preferred option for kitchens, whether as tiles or countertop slabs, because of its many resilient properties. Plus, it looks great, too.
Of course, granite can be used elsewhere at home, as well. For instance, bathroom flooring and table tops are often designed from attractive granite colours. The distinctive appearance sets it apart and can make any interior look special.
There are many granite colours and shades. Which granite colours should you choose, and where can you use them in your home? That’s what we’re going to break down in this piece.
What is Granite?
Let’s start at the very beginning. What is granite?
Granite is a type of natural rock that is referred to as igneous. These are rocks found in the earth’s crust. They have been formed over ages because of the solidification of magma or lava. Granite is the most widespread igneous rock. It generally has a coarse texture that reveals individual minerals and crystals. That’s why it is easy to spot.
Granite is mainly made up of quartz, with the addition of other materials such as feldspar and mica. This gives rise to the many granite colours and patterns you can see in kitchens everywhere.
Thus, feldspar in granite imparts a pink or red appearance. Mica makes it dark brown or black. And quartz can be clear pink, white, or black. For the homeowner, what matters is that there are many shades and textures on offer in granite colours. These often can also be seen on granite floor tiles.
Homes aren’t the only places where granite is used. It can also be found in the facades of large buildings and monuments. Granite is also used for infrastructure projects such as highways when crushed and mixed with concrete. That’s how tough and widely used it is.
Where Can You Use Granite at Home?
We’ve already mentioned the two areas where granite is commonly used inside homes. These are kitchen countertops and floors. Now, let’s go into some more detail about these and also point out the other places where you can find granite indoors.
Many people find it appealing and convenient to also use granite as a backsplash. This is the panel behind the kitchen sink or cooker. A backsplash in the right granite colour can match the countertop seamlessly. Some homeowners even go a step further and design an entire sink made of granite. The many available granite colours for the kitchen make this an appealing option.
Using a distinctive granite slab, you can also create a unique dining table. This will be appropriately heat-resistant and durable. It can be a great place for many delicious family meals and get-togethers.
Because it is long-lasting and easy to clean, granite can also be used for bathroom walls and panels. Such granite bathrooms look opulent and unforgettable.
That’s not all. Many homes use small granite slabs as accent shelves or on parts of walls. This way of using granite can make corners and other areas of your home look eye-catching. Further, granite columns can also add grandeur to a hall or large indoor space. Ceramic granite tiles, too, are popular. As you can see, there are many ways to make granite work for you at home.
Some Great Granite Colours
The different combinations of minerals that create granite mean that it comes in many appealing shades and patterns. Granite colours can complement your décor, or they can offer a pleasing contrast to it. Here are some great granite colours for the kitchen to choose from.
Black, White and Hints of Brown
Black and white granite can be seen in many kitchens, but you can also choose black and white with hints of brown. These granite colours look elegant and sophisticated, the way only granite can be. You can further complement the brown elements in the granite by matching them with wooden cabinets.
Dark Teal
There’s nothing as fresh and captivating as a shade of dark teal. This granite colour on your kitchen countertop will make the area look professional and appealing. It is also refined and soothing, making it perfect for spending time with when creating delicious meals.
Light Blue
A tranquil and calm shade of light blue will keep stress levels down in the kitchen. It can also complement almost any other shade in the same space. Blue granite colours will create a pleasing, relaxed atmosphere that will go a long way in turning your kitchen into a welcome haven.
Earth Tones
You can also go natural with a variety of earth tones that granite is famous for. These shades will make your interiors look genuine and enchanting. These brown granite colours go well with tones of wood or black. Floors in earth tones with potted plants on them will bring home the charm of the outdoors.
Pink and Orange
A bright and unforgettable granite colour of pink and orange will boost your spirits. Your kitchen will immediately look charming and attractive. It’s a unique combination that adds a pleasant dash of colour to any interior.
Grey
A sophisticated grey countertop is just right for kitchen interiors that spell class. This is a granite colour that will always be in style. It can be paired with dark shades or light ones, and each combination will be just right.
Black
You can never go wrong with black. This colour is forever appealing and distinguished. With the right walls and flooring, black granite colours can be a highlight of your kitchen. It can make it look both glamorous and timeless.
The Appeal of Granite Tiles
As you know, granite is often used in large slabs for countertops or tabletops. However, another option is granite tiles. These have many advantages.
To begin with, the use of granite tiles is extremely flexible and wide-ranging. They can be used for kitchen floors, entranceways, and even on sections of walls. These add a unique touch to interiors.
Granite tiles are extremely durable. They are vitrified, meaning that they are created by a heat process to make them strong and tough. There are many vitrified tile colours to choose from.
They remain to look sparkling and new over the years. Large families and those with lots of guests will find that granite tiles are just right to handle a lot of wear and tear.
Granite tiles are also scratch-resistant and easy to maintain. What’s more, they are comparatively less expensive than other types of flooring.
However, you should also keep in mind that granite tiles can be heavier than other varieties. They need to be installed by professionals.
The range of granite colours, with their flecks and crystals, means that such tiles can complement almost any type of décor. It could be minimal, or it could be eclectic: granite tiles will fit in perfectly.
The Many Advantages of Granite
Granite is a preferred choice for countertops and floors — and this is not just because it looks great. It has many functional advantages, too. Here are the main benefits for you to consider.
- Granite has excellent durability. The material will not easily scratch, chip or break. When it comes to kitchens and floors, we do not need to point out that this is a great benefit.
- It’s easy to clean granite. A cloth or sponge, along with soap or a liquid cleanser, is all you need to make it sparkle.
- Granite is easily available and also can be cost-effective. The price can vary according to thickness and quality. The cost should be considered by keeping in mind the years of use you can get from granite.
- Granite is largely resistant to heat and stains. When the granite surfaces are properly sealed, you can be sure there will be no discolouration or warping.
- The different patterns and granite colours mean that you can choose one that perfectly complements your décor. No two pieces of granite are exactly alike, so the one you have will be unique.
How to Care for Granite
We’ve already pointed out that granite is hard-wearing and simple to maintain. Now, let’s get into some more details of what you should do to make sure that it stays in perfect shape.
- Granite countertops need the surface to be sealed to make them completely non-porous. You should check whether the slabs you choose are pre-sealed and whether they will need sealing again after regular intervals.
- As with other materials, it is best not to use abrasive cloth and harsh chemicals on granite surfaces. A soft, absorbent cloth works best, along with water, soap or a liquid cleanser.
- At times, you may find that stains have leaked onto granite surfaces. You can treat these by using a paste of baking soda and liquid soap. Let this sit for a while, then rinse.
- With some types of untreated granite, you should avoid placing acidic products like lemons directly on the surface. These may stain the stone.
- Every once in a while, you should inspect the granite surface to check for scratches, chips or cracks. If you feel there is damage, a professional should be called in for a repair job. This is important to keep the damage from getting worse over time.
Summing Up
Granite is a widespread igneous rock, and many prefer it for kitchen countertops, bathrooms and floors. Because of the way it is formed, it has a texture that reveals flecks of crystals and minerals. That is why there are so many unique granite colours and patterns.
The stone is extremely durable. Despite wear and tear, it can remain to look sparkling and new for ages. It’s also easy to clean and care for.
The price of granite can change according to quality and thickness. In general, however, it is more cost-effective than other types of material.
No two pieces of granite are alike. The one you choose will be unique. There are many granite colour options: white, pink, black, brown and more. Whatever the décor, you can find a shade that fits in.
Granite tiles can also be used on floors, walls and countertops. They are tough, scratch-resistant and easy to maintain.
Advice on kitchen countertops, flooring, and granite colours apart, the expert design team at HomeLane has several other suggestions for creating your dream interiors. If you’re setting up a new house, or refurbishing an old one, start by looking at some attractive modular kitchen designs.
FAQs
1. What Colour of Granite Is the Best?
Granite comes in a variety of colours and patterns. It has a distinctive look of a solid base that is flecked with minerals and crystals. The best colour depends on the colour of the interiors it is placed in. There are varieties to suit virtually every taste and style. Some people go for softer, neutral colours and others like dramatic and dark shades. Some popular colours are white, black, blue and brown.
2. Can You Put Hot Pans on Granite?
In day-to-day use, placing a hot pan on a granite countertop will not cause damage. That is because granite is quite heat resistant. However, if an extremely heated surface is kept on the same spot over time, it can cause discolouration.
3. Is Light or Dark Granite Better?
In some varieties of granite, the darker shades tend to be dense. This makes them more durable. However, this does not mean that lighter granite is weak or brittle. All types are extremely hardwearing.
4. What Is the Downside of Granite Countertops? Cons for Granite Countertops
Granite countertops are very durable. However, they need to be properly sealed to make them non-porous. Homeowners should also take care not to place citrus liquids directly onto granite. These can cause long-term stains.
5. How Long Will Granite Countertops Last?
According to some experts, granite countertops can last for up to 15 years if properly cared for. Even after this period, countertops do not need to be replaced but can be restored and repaired by professionals.
