Is it time to renew your worksurfaces? Natural and hardwearing, we explore why granite can be the perfect material for your countertops…

In the 90s, a polished black granite worktop was a must-have in any high-end kitchen design. And now, with dark countertops’ recent rise in popularity, it’s back on homeowners’ radar – and it could be the missing piece to your kitchen redesign, too. So, KBB journo Amanda Cochrane breaks down the pros and cons of this popular material.

Granite is pretty and practical

From kitchen countertops to bathroom sinks and vanities – and even as a backdrop to a bedroom design – granite can create a useful and interesting focal point in most rooms in your home. A natural stone surface – every piece is completely unique – granite remains particularly popular in kitchen design.

Plus, treatments such as honed, tumbled, hammered and leathered finishes, plus a combination of quartz and granite – such as Cosentino’s Sensa range available in a wide variety of colours and finishes – are breathing fresh life into granite designs.

And it’s not just a beautiful and natural material, but incredibly practical as it’s resistant to scratches, heat and staining. “Granite is extremely tough against wear and tear, making it particularly suited to bathrooms and kitchens,” says Oliver Webb of Cullifords. “It is also super easy to clean and maintain, with mild soap and water usually being sufficient to remove marks.”

While naturally scratch- and heat-resistant, granite is porous and needs to be sealed before installation and then resealed once a year to ensure longevity and durability. Well-maintained, however, it can be expected to return decades of high performance.

It’s an investment

When it comes to selling your home, the presence of natural stone countertops in the kitchen, bathroom, or even the bedroom will appeal to prospective buyers – and you are likely to recoup most of their cost through higher resale value.

“The use of granite can be advantageous in rooms such as the bedroom, due to its aesthetic appeal,” adds Oliver. “While it is more common to see granite in kitchens and bathrooms, it will provide a distinctive and visually striking statement when used in the bedroom.”

So, buying a beautiful granite worktop can make a great deal of sense. “It’s worth investing in the best-quality materials you can afford and choosing something you will enjoy living with for years to come,” says Richard Moore, design director of Martin Moore.

“Trends come and go but a good granite worktop will last,” says Richard Atkins of Design Space London. “An oversight on detail can ruin the look and take away the effect and grace that granite can bring to a kitchen’s scheme. Granite slabs are often limited to three metres in length, so take this into account when designing a kitchen to avoid disappointment.”

Pros of granite worktops

• Granite countertops resist damage from heat and scratches better than almost all types of worktops. They’ll also last longer than most.
• The resale value
• Apart from the necessary post-installation sealing products, granite is as natural a product as one can find.
• There hasn’t been, and never will be, another granite countertop that matches yours exactly.

Cons

• Premium building materials are seldom cheap. Granite worksurfaces are certainly no exception to the rule.
• Professional installation is a necessity in all but the smallest, most simple jobs.
• Granite is difficult to damage. However, if it does sustain significant damage, repairs can be costly, difficult or just not possible. Repairs are usually performed by professionals.
• To prevent staining, granite tops must be sealed annually. This can also help to minimise the growth of bacteria.

Maintenance

Upkeep is minimal, but not non-existent. A naturally porous material, it needs to be resealed annually. Its strong surface means it won’t chip easily and it’s scratch resistant. A simple daily wipe down with mild soap and water is all you need to keep it looking its best.

And avoid harsh detergents because they might cause discoloration. If your surface does get chipped, it can o en be repaired using specialised epoxy resin in a matching shade.

Enjoyed this post? Click here for our guide to porcelain surfaces

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