We have granite countertop ideas for every style and budget.
Katie Charlotte
Granite countertops are one of the most popular choices in kitchens today.
The natural stone is highly durable, offers a wide variety of style options, and requires minimal maintenance.
Credit:Katie Charlotte
Benefits of Granite Kitchen Countertops
Granite is a beautiful and versatile stone ideal for kitchen countertops.
Choose a colorful granite to accent a specific part of your kitchen or coordinate withthe overall color scheme.
For example, this countertop’s warm, neutral hue complements the kitchen’s copper features.
Credit: Andreas Trauttmansdorff
Properly Clean Granite Countertops
Granite countertops provide a highly durable surface that’s easy to keep clean.
Wipe down the surface using mild dish soap and water or a cleaner made for granite.
Avoid using acidic cleaners, including vinegar and lemon juice, which can damage the natural stone surface.
Credit:Nathan Schroder
Granite Countertop Patterns
Granite countertops come in three basic patterns: solid, marbled, and speckled.
Solid-looking granites have little variation in pattern and maintain a consistent appearance throughout.
This style is agood option for small kitchenswhere busy-looking surfaces might make the room feel small.
Credit: Anthony Masterson
Marbled Granite Countertop
Marbled granite features streaks of color and texture that run throughout the stone.
With this pattern, a light-colored granite can have a high-end feel similar tonatural marble.
Darker tones allow the veins and swirls to stand out for a dramatic effect.
Credit: Rett Peek Jr
Black Granite Countertop
Ablack granite countertopadds a bold contrast to an otherwise neutral kitchen.
A shiny, dark countertop perfectly accompanies light wood cabinetry and other natural features that brighten the room.
This color of granite also pairs well with brass orgold hardwareon the cabinets or sink.
Credit: Janet Mesic-Mackie
Speckled Granite Countertop
Speckled granite countertops show a lot of variation in color and texture.
They can provide dramatic visual interest to the kitchen and are a great accent to simple cabinetry andstainless-steel appliances.
Honed Granite Finish
Like most countertops, granite comes in a variety of finishes.
Credit: Werner Straube
For instance, a honed black granite countertop can look similarto soapstone.
This trick can make small spaces feel larger and more welcoming.
Besides the aesthetic component, polished granite countertops are easier to clean and maintain than matte finish.
Credit: Annie Schlecther
Tile Granite Countertops
Granite is generally installed in stone slabs with few or no visible grout lines.
Auxiliary countertops can be made from less expensive materials.
An eased edge, shown here, is the most simple and contemporary detailing.
Credit: Edmund Barr
It provides a clean look that works well in modern andtransitional-style kitchens.
Bullnose and Beveled Edges
Bullnose and beveled edges are classic granite countertop treatments.
Softer and more rounded than an eased edge, these two styles also have more details.
Credit: Rett Peek
Other Granite Countertop Edges
Ogee, DuPont, and triple waterfall edges are more detailed edge treatments.
They offer high-end looks but also tend to cost more than other options.
These countertop edges complement many styles and are often a finishing touch for more elaborately designed and decorated kitchens.
Credit: Jay Wilde
Black and silvery tones in this granite countertop complement the shine ofglass-front cabinetsand polished nickel hardware in this kitchen.
An Ogee edge contributes to the elegant look.
Granite Countertops in Modern Kitchens
Consider highlighting the natural beauty of unembellished granite countertops for amodern kitchen.
Credit: Brie Williams
Opt for clean edges, simple colors, and minimal patterns for a strong, sleek surface.
Here, the light but earthy material balances this contemporary kitchen’s saturated cabinetry color and multi-hued backsplash.
This black granite contrasts the white cabinetry and reflective finish of the cabinet knobs.
Credit: Jo-Ann Richards
The stone’s dark color and subtle texture introduce visual interest to the otherwise simple space.
The variety of available colors allows granite to transition between almost any backsplash or wall treatment and cabinetry color.
Here, a light shade of green is an easy choice to work with thegray-blue tilesandwhite cabinets.
Credit: John Granen
The organic stone top is a natural complement to the wood base.
Granite Countertops and Backsplashes
Granite is naturally durable and easy to clean, making it ideal forbacksplashes.
Consider running a granite countertop partially up the wall for a seamless look.
Credit: Gordon Beall
Granite can also beinstalled behind the rangefor hardworking but beautiful coverage.
Integrated Granite Sinks
Go beyond granite countertops to make an even grander statement.
Vintage-style faucets complement the striking stone.
Credit: James R. Salomon
Credit: Jon Jensen
Credit: Jo-Ann Richards
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Credit: Michael Partenio
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Credit: Werner Straube
Credit: Andreas Trauttmansdorff
