The natural beauty of a granite countertop

When the time comes to choose a new kitchen counter, many people have a penchant for granite. Besides its great natural beauty, what are its principal characteristics and why do so many people prefer it to other materials?

The key features of granite countertops

Granite is not a resin, but rather a natural stone. Extracted from bedrock, it comes in the form of imposing blocks generally varying in weight from 10 to 30 tons, which are subsequently cut into pieces approximately 9 feet long and 5 feet wide. The vast selection of colors available on the market isn’t the result of any type of manufacturing process, but rather the work of Mother Nature. Therefore, every piece of granite is unique, and the wide variety of colors, according to the country of origin (for example Italy or Canada), make it an extremely popular material.

With excellent durability and antibacterial properties, granite is also resistant to scratches, impacts and high temperatures, although it can only withstand extreme heat for short periods, which is why the use of trivets is recommendable. On the downside, granite is very porous, making it less resistant to oils and acidic substances (e.g. lemon juice). This is why an additional layer of protection is generally applied at the factory to improve the material’s impermeability. Easy to maintain, granite only requires a simple cleaning with mild soap.

Available finishes in granite

There was a time when it seemed as though every granite countertop featured a smooth, shiny finish. However, other options are now available:

• Polished finish: this is the classic type of finish. The surface is smooth and shiny, making maintenance as easy as possible.
• Matte finish: the surface is smooth but the finish is flat rather than shiny. For example, if you choose this type of finish, the granite may be anthracite grey.
• Flamed (or aged) finish: the surface will present a somewhat rough matte finish.

Polished, matte or flamed granite is available in thicknesses of 3 cm, which is standard for use on work surfaces, or 2 cm for use on walls (e.g. backsplashes and backboards). To create the appearance of a thicker work surface, you can use mitered edge profiles, for example 2 + 2 cm.

Our trusted granite countertop suppliers

Cuisines Verdun works with the best granite suppliers in the industry. Our main partners are Granite Créations and Granite Évolution. Thanks to them, you can choose from an incomparable variety of granite from all over the world, in shades and patterns each more magnificent than the last.