Updating your kitchen or bathroom will not only increase the value of the home, it will entice you to spend more time in there. No one likes to cook in a dingy and ugly kitchen, but a beautiful elegant looking kitchen sign me up! With that said there should be a lot of thought into choosing the perfect granite slabs for the room. Do not start with the granite color; start with the flooring, cupboards, sinks and even the toilet. You want your granite to compliment all the features in the room, not detract from the other choices you made. Here are some rules for selecting granite slabs for your countertops.
Complimenting not Distracting
When you are considering what color of granite bring samples of the colors that will be around it. You may think that you know he color by heart, but do not count on it. There are thousands of different color choices when you are looking to paint your kitchen white. This is a big long lasting commitment; do not fall into the trap of thinking you know the exact color when you might be wrong. If a sample is not available consider taking a few pictures on your phone. If you have dark cabinets and then add dark granite the kitchen will be overwhelmed by darkness.
Density
Lighter granites are less dense than darker granite, leaving them less resistant to stains. If you leave a spill of red wine on your light granite color you may get a stain. Consider honestly how fast you will be able to clean up messes made by you or your family members. If you are on top of spills and messes then you will have no trouble with the lighter less dense granite.
Pattern and Cut
You can do so many things with different patterns of granite countertops. Think of a design that you would be happy to live with for some time. If you go with a bolder design the cut could be the deal breaker. Before it is cut show the cutter the pattern you would like to display so it is not cut out when making a hole for the sink. Make sure the person who is cutting your granite is well versed at cutting and enhancing the granite.
Lighting
Even the best granite looks shabby in bad lighting. Make sure your kitchen has lighting that will compliment your granite countertops. If you kitchen has little light, consider buying granite with white or metallic flecks that the light can bounce off. If you kitchen has a lot of light then consider going with darker granite that is of course unless you have dark mahogany cabinets.
Finish
There are more and more textures becoming available to consider when you are choosing the right granite countertop. Here is a list of five popular finishes:
Polished
Polished granite is what you see in many kitchens. It is very smooth and shiny. It is polished with powders and bricks. Once polished, the granite will look slightly darker.
Honed
Honed granite is soft and has low sheen gloss. The surface is smooth but porous and the color may not be as vibrant as polished stone. Many people like the matte finish and the limited amount of reflection honed granite offers.
Antiqued Finish
Depending on the stone picked, antiqued finish granite is aged and weathered to look older. The finish is brushed and looks duller to achieve the antique look. Conservative designs in the kitchen will marry well with this granite.
Leather
The leather finish looks like a mixture of polished and honed finishes. The granite is soft and smooth with some texture and is generally more reflective than the honed finish.
Satin
The satin finish is a durable option for your kitchen or bathroom. The granite is vibrant in color is soft and smooth and not very reflective.
Cost
The cost of granite varies like the colors and types of granites that are available. If you buy rare granite that is from another country you may be looking at a high price. The design of the veins and the color will also drive the price up. Remember, granite is like your fingerprints in that no two are alike. If the price of the granite you like is too high, you can always use the granite as accessory pieces as is a current trend with picking out countertops.
Now that you know how to find that perfect piece of granite start planning your kitchen or bathroom make over. A change in countertops may be the only change you want to make and granite countertops are a great way to transform any room. Using and showing off your brand new kitchen will be fun and exciting for all.