Nothing says “high end” more than a granite work surface in your kitchen. However, as beautiful and durable as granite is, it can also be surprisingly affordable. The ability to work directly on your granite countertop without fear of cracking, scratching, or heat damage makes granite one of the most desirable kitchen (and bathroom) countertop surfaces on the market today. If you haven’t seen the wide variety of colors, shades, and patterns yet, you’re in for a treat. With hundreds upon hundreds of variations, there is a perfect granite surface for every personal taste and color preference. In fact, the hardest thing can be choosing just one.
The inherent appeal of granite is the fact that no two pieces are identical, reflecting the beauty of the natural world vs. the uniformity of any man-made surface. The number and type of fissures naturally found in granite add to its beauty and determine the many colors available for any decorating palette. Colors range from deep blacks and grays to silvery whites or golds, and just about every shade in between: burgundy, pink, green, blue, taupe, brown, rust, ivory, and yellow. Some are multicolored too. It’s a good idea to take home several samples to ensure you choose one that enhances your space.
Because granite is one of the hardest surfaces, formed by compression of Earth’s magma over millions of years, its durability makes granite the work surface of choice for builders and architects, as well as homeowners. In fact, granite has been used for centuries as an exterior material because it is impervious to the elements and other types of aggression. It is virtually impossible to destroy your granite workspace once installed. In fact, the only risk to your granite countertop is in the transportation and installation of the product, so it’s best to hire a professional installer with a long history of successful countertop installations.
The material can withstand extreme heat to no effect, meaning a pan can be placed directly on granite stove tops without damaging or discoloring the stone. Not only that, and unlike almost all other surfaces, you can cut right into your granite countertop and it won’t scratch. However, we do not recommend it, simply because it will dull your knives quickly! You also don’t want to use a heavy cleaver directly on your granite countertop because while it won’t break, it might splinter a bit depending on the force exerted.
Chefs have always preferred to work directly on stone surfaces for pastry and chocolate making, as it maintains a cool temperature for longer and, conversely, it also maintains heat for longer. If bacterial contamination is a concern, granite (as well as stainless steel) are the best options for prevention. Finished granite is the densest and most non-porous of all work surfaces, which also makes it highly desirable and easy to maintain.
Nearly all granite surfaces are sealed prior to installation to prevent staining and make cleaning easier. Most granite countertops have a glossier finish, but another option to consider is a “polished” finish. Polished granite has a more matte appearance to the finish, rather than a reflective shine. Some designers like polished stone-finish granite because of its less formal and often smoother look.
While there are numerous retail cleaners available for granite work surfaces, the easiest and cheapest is to simply use any type of mild, phosphate-free, biodegradable liquid dishwashing soap and a little water and dry with a soft cotton cloth. It is common sense to immediately clean up any spilled liquid, especially acidic liquids, to minimize contamination and any possible chemical reaction on the counter surface. Whichever finish you choose, maintaining your granite’s beautiful natural shine is elementary. With proper care, you’ll enjoy your fine granite countertops for as long as you’re in your home.