Expect the unexpected when choosing a granite countertop
Granite countertops are made from natural stone mined from quarries around the world after forming from cooling magma for centuries. Granite is an igneous rock that primarily contains quartz, feldspar, and other minerals like mica, potassium, and amphiboles. Its strength, durability, and beauty make it one of the most popular stone countertops.
Because it is a natural material, no two granite countertops are exactly alike. Its mineral composition and distribution account for variations in colors, and understanding the different types of granite countertops can help you make your decision when choosing the best countertop for your project. Here are 7 types of granite countertops and colors to consider when you decide to tackle a kitchen remodeling project.
White granite is primarily made of quartz and white feldspar. It often features flecks of beige, black, tan, brown, and gray. Ideal for light, bright kitchens, white granite offers a clean and classic look. Granite countertops that are primarily white or beige work well with any color cabinet, but pair especially well if the cabinets are white or a color that complements the veins or flecks in the granite.
For bright kitchens with natural accents, Alaska White granite from Brazil features white and silver tones paired with other neutral colors. There is some variation in the quality of Alaska White granite with the less desirable slabs showing uneven coloring and a less luminous appearance. High-quality slabs often cost much more, but they feature an even distribution of color and show more of the white background.
This beautiful type of granite is quarried in Brazil and is mostly white, making it perfect for a bright, white kitchen or for a darker kitchen that needs a brightening element. Speckled throughout the white surface are gray crystals, black flecks, and subtle gray veins. Because it is mostly white, it is an incredibly versatile granite color that leaves a lot of room for other unique design elements.
Everest Mist is a striking warm white slab, also quarried in Brazil, with a medium density of gray and black specks. This choice of granite works well in both light and dark kitchens that will pick up on the variation in tones and colors. This type of granite is one of the more traditional styles that looks relatively uniform across the expanse of the countertop.
For a chic and sophisticated kitchen aesthetic, you cannot get much better than a black and gray granite countertop. Options include densely patterned granite with white flecks that resemble the night sky and patterns that feature broad, wavy streaks of grays and whites. Black granite is actually gabbro, an intrusive igneous rock with a mineral composition that gives it its dark color. This granite color is similar to the dark color of soapstone, but soapstone countertops cost a little more than granite and, while beautiful, they are not as durable.
Agatha Black granite creates a dramatic countertop. Its black background is streaked with light gray, white, and silver veins that flow across the surface. This stunning choice adds sophistication and class to kitchens that are designed to stun.
The bold gray and black streaks throughout Eclipse granite make a stunning statement in a modern kitchen. Perfect for kitchen designs that want to make the countertops a focal point, this is one of the more eye-catching granite choices. Because there is a similar distribution of white and black, this type of granite would work equally well in a light or dark kitchen. But either way, it will stand out as a design element in its own right.
Quarried in India, Black Galaxy granite looks like a night skyscape peppered with gold and gray stars. The dark color works well in dramatic kitchens with brass or gold accents to draw out its depth and dimension. If you stare at it long enough, you may feel like you are on a trip to the cosmos.
For an earthy, natural touch, green granite countertops offer a grounding effect. Ranging from light and subtle to dark and striking, the different granite colors can make a stunning statement in your kitchen. Green granite typically includes a larger concentration of a green feldspar called amazonite that is not as common as other minerals. This contributes to the rarer quality of green granite.
A luxurious and stunning option, Costa Esmeralda granite is quarried in Italy and features light green granite streaked with beige and gold veins. It is perfect for kitchens that want a unique element that doubles as a highly functional and durable surface.
With a dense pattern featuring a deep green background speckled with gold flecks, Peacock Green countertops can add a deeply sophisticated look to a moody kitchen design. Their uniform appearance can tie the room together and create cohesion between the countertops and island or desk area.
Green Galaxy granite will defy any expectations you have of granite, as it features thin white veins that seem to glow and radiate as shooting stars through the night sky. This granite creates a sense of movement that works well in fast-paced kitchens and modern designs.
Granite countertops are often assumed to be black, gray, brown, or white, so imagine including a surprising pink hue to take the kitchen design in an unexpected direction. Thanks to the presence of potassium feldspar and iron oxide, the distinctive pink and red hues can contribute to a fun and playful look.
Rosewood granite features a reddish pink hue streaked with peach and light gray veins, with the occasional black fleck for added dimension. Perfect in kitchens that want a lighthearted touch, this granite color can add depth to the kitchen design.
Typhoon Bordeaux granite offers bold streaks of reds and pinks interrupted with large flecks of black and white. This type of granite countertop shows off bold personality and can complete a striking design. Because of its resistance to freezing temperatures, this is an exceptional choice for an outdoor kitchen in northern climates.
Sometimes classified as a brown granite, Giallo Nathalia granite has a pinkish hue with veins of white, black, and gray playing around flecks of the same colors. The dense pattern flows through the slabs, creating a more uniform appearance than some of the bolder patterns, but showcasing enough variation to keep it interesting.
Cool and calming, blue granite countertops can complete a light-colored kitchen or add a soft touch to a darker design. Depending on their composition, they can evoke the moodiness of the ocean or the expansiveness of the sky. Blue labradorite is responsible for the color. Blue countertops can make a showstopping statement alongside white cabinets, but they can also be worked into a kitchen with blue cabinets that match the hues in the countertops or other complementary color.
This blue granite countertop is swirled with browns, blacks, and grays to create a highly dimensional slab that is perfect for classic and modern kitchens alike. It is reminiscent of a brooding ocean on a stormy day.
For an incredibly stunning statement, Van Gogh granite captures the colors and style that have made Van Gogh’s work last through the ages. This natural blue stone looks like it was expertly painted with whites, golds, browns, and grays, creating a sense of movement and evoking the essence of paintings like “The Starry Night” and “Irises.” If you want a granite countertop that doubles as a conversation piece, this might be the right choice for you.
It does not get much bluer than this. This deep blue granite features light blue and white streaks running through the slab. Quarried in India, this countertop is so bold that it will not work in just any kitchen design, but a custom kitchen with carefully chosen elements would welcome this statement-making granite.
If neutral is the name of the design game, then granite countertops that are primarily brown and tan may be the perfect addition to a subtle kitchen design. When people picture granite, they often picture the browns and tans that result from the biotite minerals that belong to the mica group. If you decide to stick with browns and tans, there will be a lot of options. Choosing a style that showcases a uniform pattern can tie a room together, while choosing a bolder, variable pattern can elevate a design and add an element of surprise.
The deep brown tone of cygnus granite is given dimension and character with the inclusion of deep coffee-toned brown, stark black, and soft ivory dispersed throughout. Its grain takes on an almost wrinkled or wood-like appearance that adds texture to a kitchen design.
Densely speckled with tans, blacks, and creams, desert brown granite offers a fairly uniform appearance across the slab. This is a great choice if you want less variation in color and pattern than what some of the bolder granite color choices offer.
This blend of browns, tans, and creams is given an unexpected touch due to the inclusion of blue specks and streaks throughout. It may even feature greens and reds. This highly unique granite countertop features a variable color pattern that seems to flow throughout the slab.
If you want a granite countertop but cannot choose between your favorites, mixing and matching may be the right choice for your kitchen, and it may also help you achieve your kitchen countertop ideas on a budget. You can also enhance the countertop by adding a backsplash.
If you have an island or a kitchen counter that acts as a desk, consider choosing different granite colors for different locations. This is also a great way to save some money, as you may be able to use granite remnants for smaller areas, rather than purchasing a full slab.
In some cases, you may even be able to install different countertop materials on the same counter, provided they are the same height. If you want to incorporate a butcher block area on your counter, for instance, you can install it next to the sink or the stove, and then install granite for the rest of the countertop.
When you are installing new countertops, it is the perfect time to consider adding a kitchen backsplash to your project. A backsplash can be made with tiles of various materials, including ceramic, porcelain, and marble, but they can also be installed using the same material as the countertop to create a seamless transition from the countertop to the wall. Backsplashes protect the wall from splatters and make cleaning up after cooking much easier.
Professional installation costs for granite countertops range from $35 to $85 per hour, with most projects costing $2,000 to $4,000. The total cost will depend on several factors, including local cost differences, the size of the countertop, and any customizations like cutouts or edge design. This cost doesn’t include removing old countertops either, which can add an additional cost of $4 to $7 per square foot.
Installing granite countertops is possible as a DIY project, but it’s not the best option. The slabs are exceptionally heavy and virtually impossible for one person to handle. If any damage occurs during installation, you’ll likely have to purchase an entirely new countertop. Hiring a local countertop professional will help you avoid potential headaches and simplify the installation process.
Sara Coleman contributed to this article.
