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Granite (Boston Granite Exchange)

Apr 23 2024

8 Must-Know Tips for Choosing the Perfect Granite Countertop

So you’ve decided on a granite countertop for your kitchen or bathroom. Excellent choice! Granite is a stunning natural stone that looks fantastic with every home design aesthetic, and its durability means that you will be able to enjoy your countertops for decades to come.

Now comes the hardest part: choosing the perfect countertop. With so many different granite options, how are you to choose? That’s what we’re here to help you with!

The Olympia Stone team has the expert advice you need to pick the perfect granite countertop. Here are 8 tips to keep in mind as you make your selection.

1. Color and Pattern Selection

granite 0056

Consider the overall color scheme and design theme of your space. Granite countertops come in a variety of colors and patterns, ranging from subtle to bold. Choose a color and pattern that complements your cabinetry, flooring, and overall decor.

2. Quality and Grade

Granite countertops are available in different quality grades. Poor-grade granite is prone to cracking and chipping, so make sure that the fabricator you choose offers only the best-grade granite.

It is worth it to visit your fabricator’s showroom to see the stone for yourself before installing it in your home.

3. Thickness

The thickness of granite countertops typically ranges from about ¾ of an inch for bathrooms and 1-1¼ inches for kitchens. Thicker slabs provide more durability and can withstand heavy use over time.

However, thicker slabs are also heavier, and may prove challenging to use in second floor installations. Consider your usage needs and aesthetic preferences when selecting the thickness.

4. Edge Profiles

granite edge profile

Granite countertops offer various edge profiles, such as bullnose, beveled, ogee, and eased edge. Choose an edge profile that complements the style of your space and enhances the overall look of the countertop.

Your fabricator can show you different options and help you envision which edge profile would look best in your space.

5. Finish Options

Granite countertops come in different finishes, including polished, honed, leathered, and brushed. Each finish offers a unique appearance and texture, and you should look at sample stones to pick your favorite.

Consider factors such as maintenance requirements and aesthetic preferences when selecting the finish.

6. Sealing Requirements

Granite is a porous natural stone that requires sealing to prevent staining and etching. Ask about the sealing requirements of the specific granite slab you choose and follow the fabricator’s recommendations for maintenance.

7. Budget Considerations

Set a budget for your granite countertop project and explore options within your price range. Keep in mind that factors such as slab size, thickness, quality, and customization will affect the overall cost.

granite countertops pros and cons

8. Professional Installation

Granite is expensive and heavy, so you shouldn’t try to DIY a granite countertop installation. Instead, hire a reputable and experienced fabricator.

This will ensure proper measurement, fabrication, and installation of your granite countertop. Professional installation will help maximize the lifespan and performance of your countertop.

At Olympia Stone, we’re here to help you every step of the way, from choosing the right granite to milling the edge ourselves, to creating a perfect installation. Contact us today for a free estimate for your new granite countertop!

Categorized: Countertops, Granite (Boston Granite Exchange), Granite (Calia Stone Boutique), Granite (European Granite & Marble), Granite (Global Granite), Granite (Mont Surfaces), Granite (Stone Design), Granite (Stonemart), Granite (Triton Stone)

Dec 28 2023

Creative Granite Finishes: Leathered, Honed, and More for a Unique Touch

Transforming your space with granite countertops is a savvy choice, but the finish you select can take your interiors to the next level. Beyond the conventional polished look, numerous creative granite finishes are waiting to impart a distinctive touch to your space.

From the tactile elegance of leathered granite to the smooth sophistication of honed granite, each finish brings its own character to your countertops.

In this exploration of the lesser-known granite finishes, we’re diving into the diverse options that promise to enhance the visual intrigue of your interiors, offering a fresh perspective on how to infuse personality and style into your surroundings.

The Different Types of Granite Finishes

granite natural stone types

To discover the perfect granite countertop finish to complete your design vision, one must first be aware of all the options available.

Polished Granite

The classic polished granite finish remains a timeless, elegant choice characterized by its glossy, reflective surface. This popular option adds a stylish sheen to any space with its smooth, mirror-like appearance.

Leathered Granite

For those seeking a more textured and organic feel, leathered granite is the answer. Achieved through a process that enhances the stone’s natural texture, this finish provides a unique, tactile experience. Its slightly rough surface adds depth and character to countertop surfaces.

Honed Granite

With its matte finish, honed granite offers a more understated and subtle appearance. While lacking the shine of polished granite, honed surfaces showcase the stone’s natural colors and textures, providing a refined and elegant aesthetic.

Flamed Granite

For a distinctive and rustic appeal, flamed granite is the go-to choice. Created by exposing the stone to high temperatures and then rapidly cooling it, the resulting finish is a sumptuously textured surface with a weathered appearance, perfect for adding antique charm—especially in outdoor spaces.

Brushed Granite

A bushed granite finish is exactly what it sounds like—it is made by scouring the surface with coarse brushes to create a charming, weathered texture. This finish retains the stone’s natural color variations while offering a soft, weathered look, making it a popular choice for those seeking a more organic and rustic feel in their surroundings.

Designing with Creative Granite Finishes

indoor stone fireplaces

From the sleek sophistication of polished granite—ideal for contemporary kitchens—to the tactile luxury of leathered finishes, the diversity of options caters to an array of tasteful design styles.

Honed granite, with its understated elegance, finds a natural home in transitional spaces, effortlessly bridging modern and traditional elements. Flamed granite, with its weathered charm, complements various outdoor designs and more rugged design schemes.

Meanwhile, brushed granite, which embodies an organic, natural beauty, easily integrates into coastal or nature-inspired interiors.

Each finish becomes a versatile tool in the hands of designers and countertop experts, creating spaces that resonate with individual tastes and eclectic design preferences.

Practical Considerations

When integrating granite finishes into your space, it’s important to be aware of factors like maintenance and functionality. While polished surfaces exude a decadent sheen, they may demand pretty regular cleaning in order to maintain their lustrous appeal.

The tactile charm of leathered or brushed finishes, on the other hand, often conceals blemishes from everyday wear, making them more suitable for high-traffic areas.

Honed granite, though sophisticated, necessitates periodic sealing for optimal longevity.

By considering these nuances, you not only enhance the aesthetic coherence of your design but also ensure that your chosen granite finish aligns with the practical demands of your lifestyle.

Choosing the Perfect Granite Finish

If you’re considering new granite countertops for your home’s kitchen or bathroom, the choice of granite finish can become a defining element. Whether you opt for the sleekness of the polished surface, the tactile joy of leathered granite, or the rustic charm of weathered finishes, your selection transforms this material into a personalized statement.

To embark on your transformation journey, reach out to the experts who understand this intricate world. Get in touch with Olympia Stone to explore the innumerable possibilities. Together, we’ll ensure that your design vision is actualized with the perfect granite finish that harmonizes your home. Contact us today, and let the transformation begin!

Categorized: Countertops, Granite (Boston Granite Exchange)

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