When it comes to Kitchen Benchtops, it’s critical that you select the proper material for you to achieve the ideal balance of functionality and aesthetics. Granite, a naturally occurring stone formed by the cooling of magma and found deep inside the Earth’s core, is one of the most popular materials used for benchtops these days. Granite was once an expensive stone, but it has recently become more accessible, contributing to a surge in Granite’s appeal.
Granite Kitchen Benchtops carry around the same level of sophistication and finesse that tends to be associated with marble. It is also one of the most popular materials for Kitchen Benchtops because it is affordable and still maintains a very desirable appearance. If you’re stuck between choosing Granite or some other stone, such as marble, the following guide will help you decide which stone is perfect for you.
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History of Granite
Granite was considered a strictly luxurious option in the 1920s when it was only used to embellish the mansions of the ultra-rich. However, starting in the 1970s, it became a much
more affordable and widely used material. The granite production in many nations increased, such as Brazil, which allowed the commodity to become more widely accessible
As previously stated, Granite is one of the most popular alternatives for Kitchen Benchtops since it is less expensive than marble, for example. Granite also offers other benefits that have contributed to its popularity, including natural durability, physical endurance, ease of maintenance, and availability in a wide range of hues and textures, making it one of the more premium benchtop materials.
Types of Granite
The types of Granite used for benchtops, like any other material, vary greatly in nuance and variation. Granite comes in a wide range of colors, textures, and types, so you have a lot of options when it comes to choosing for your benchtop.
Granite is not a single mineral, but rather a composite of various minerals such as quartz, potassium, and mica, and the exact amounts of each material inside a single slab change, which is chiefly responsible for its varieties. White Granite, Black Granite, Pink Granite, Black and White Granite, and Blue Granite are some of the most common variations of Granite. However, not all of them are utilized for kitchen countertops.
Here, at Avant Stone, we have more than ten slab selections. From Antique Black Granite to Viscount White Granite, we have various options to choose from. As a reputable Granite Supplier, Avant Stone strives to supply you with stunningly adaptable natural surfaces. In Sydney, our strategically situated warehouse is known for offering a superior and modern range of Granite slabs.
Some Points to Keep in Mind
Hardness
Because a kitchen benchtop is inevitably a piece of real estate where heavy goods like pots, pans, and kitchen appliances will be placed. It’s critical for the material to resist everyday stresses.
Granite is one of the hardest materials used for Kitchen Benchtops, with a Mohs scale rating of 6 to 7, putting it considerably ahead of other typical materials like limestone and marble, which score 3 and 5.
Granite is a significantly more durable material than both limestone and marble, so it’s useful if you want to place a lot of heavy items on your benchtop. Due to its durability, Granite does not scratch or break easily, making it a very practical option to consider for your kitchen.
Durability
Granite is a very hard and durable stone, but it is not indestructible. Your priceless Granite Benchtop could break and shatter if handled incorrectly. If you leave extremely
heavy items on your Granite Kitchen Benchtop for an extended period, you may experience more serious issues.
Due to the stone’s toughness, cracks in Granite Benchtops are quite unusual, but they can occur if large weights on it. Although Granite can endure a lot of force, there is a problem with the materials and temperature resistance. Granite can be mended, which is good news.
Granite is not a porous material, so it does not absorb deep stains like marble, but it will discolor if exposed to acidic chemicals like fruit juice, olive oil, vinegar, bleach, ammonia, or Windex.
Heat Resistant
Heat damage is the most common damage that occurs on Granite Benchtops, and while Granite itself is incredibly heat resistant, the sealer and finish put on it is not, so placing hot pots and pans on your countertop has the potential to cause some serious damage. When it comes to this, the best advice is to utilize trivets wherever feasible.
It’s crucial to consider heat resistance because you’ll be baking, boiling, and cooking at high degrees, so your stone benchtop must be able to endure the temperatures. While Granite can withstand these high temperatures, the damage to the finish and sealant must be considered.
Etching
Granite is susceptible to etching. It cannot endure excessive force and its sealant and finish can be readily ruined by high temperatures.
Overall, Granite is one of the most cost-effective and practical benchtop stones when utilized efficiently and properly maintained. The most important consideration should be whether or not you can properly maintain it.
Maintenance
Despite Granite not having many of the flaws that other stones do, it is still critical to invest in the appropriate tools required in preserving your countertop. Otherwise, it will develop stains, discolorations, and physical deterioration with time. Granite Kitchen Benchtops don’t require as much upkeep, although they need to be resealed every year. As previously stated, Granite should never be subjected to excessive force because it can crack or scratch if exposed to force repeatedly.
As long as your benchtop isn’t etched or damaged by physical force, it’ll be quite simple to clean and maintain if you use the right materials. You can clean your Granite Benchtop with water and soap, or you can use cleaning products made exclusively for
Granite Countertops. More abrasive cleaners, such as ammonia or bleach, should not be used because they can cause etching.
Additionally, depending on the type of Granite you select, it may need to be sealed from time to time, though most granite varieties do not require any sealing at all.