The kitchen top has to face many challenges - water splashes, hot pots and sharp knives. In addition, it should survive dirt and stains well and be easy to clean. Natural stone in the kitchen impresses with its elegant look and practical robustness. You have the choice between: granite, marble and slate stone. A granite worktop is particularly robust and will meet the highest requirements.
Choosing the right worktop for the kitchen
From a practical point of view, the worktop is what defines the kitchen. It has to be able to withstand a lot of stress for a very long time and also have to be visually appealing.Natural stoneis always on trend and is therefore always a good solution. A hard stone like granite enhances the kitchen furnishings and guarantees long-term use. A surface made of this material also offers many advantages for technical reasons.
A granite worktop is optimally designed for everyday use if it is highly polished. This not only gives the surface an elegant finish, but also makes it easier to clean and durable.
What is granite?
Granite is a plutonic rock. It results from volcanic rock melts deep within the Earth that cool over hundreds of thousands of years. Quartz, field fissures and mica are visible in its structure. Granite is available in imaginative color nuances - from light gray to bluish, reddish and yellowish nuances, but also in classic black and brown tones.
No other natural stone comes close to the hardness of granite. It is resistant to scratches and stains, can withstand temperatures of up to 600°C, does not absorb liquids and is therefore less sensitive to acids than marble.
Sealing granite worktops – helpful tips
After the granite slab has been installed by a specialist, it is also sealed. Once properly treated, the stone becomes water-repellent and more durable for ten to 15 years. You can do the same thing later using a sealant specifically designed for granite.
Cleaning tips
Essentially, unimpregnated natural stones are very sensitive to acids.Granite stands out as the most resistant of all to hard water, vinegar, juice and alcohol. Why is the material ideal for everyday kitchen use. Nevertheless, fats and fruit juices can leave unsightly stains after prolonged exposure and should therefore be removed quickly.
The granite surfaces are best cleaned with a little dishwashing liquid and a damp cloth. When cleaning the granite worktop, you should avoid cleaning agents that contain oil or are too aggressive. These can be absorbed by the very fine but open-pored structure of the stone and thus form stains.
The best possible care includes regular cleaning. Although granite is resistant to high temperatures, it is advisable not to leave hot pots, pans, etc. on it for long periods of time.
Choosing a granite worktop for the kitchen – what should you avoid?
Flower pots, vases and containers can leave water stains on the surface over time. Cleaning agents that contain ammonia, orange, lemon or vinegar, as well as abrasive particles, should also be avoided. Spilled coffee and carbonated drinks should be wiped up quickly.
Comparison to artificial stone
Granite is a popular natural material due to its elegant appearance and durability. It offers a wide range of design that synthetic materials are very difficult or impossible to imitate. The same and even grains and noticeable nuances in the depth of the material cannot be achieved with artificial stone. It is characterized by a uniform stone look that matches the modern, high-gloss fonts of the kitchen cabinets. The artificial stone basically consists of resin, color pigments and small pieces of natural stone and can be damaged by heat.
Comparison to marble
Similar to granite, marble is resistant to heat but is therefore extremely sensitive to acids and oils. The material should be impregnated regularly - usually twice a year. Therefore, it is a bit cheaper than granite. A marble countertop is a must for bakers as it maintains a cool temperature even when there is heavy work being done on it.
Comparison to slate and limestone
Another alternative for a high-quality worktop is natural stones such as slate and limestone, which can be considered when designing the kitchen. These are not as expensive, but still more expensive than those made from synthetic materials. Essentially, they are also heat resistant, although not to the same extent as granite.
The price of a granite countertop
Natural stones look very elegant and are extremely robust. A granite worktop is resistant to heat, cuts and scratches, and even water cannot harm it. Due to their durability and longevity, you have to dig deep into your pockets and spend around 250 euros per meter.
If a granite countertop is not acceptable for financial reasons, you can, for example, use granite only for the cooking area and artificial stone for the remaining area. There are countless alternatives and possible combinations - it's just a matter of your own taste.
When choosing a worktop for the kitchen, in addition to the price, the visual factor is crucial. At corners where two panels are joined together, the material should appear as a whole panel. The problem particularly affects natural stone as it can vary greatly in color from one piece to another.
What other factors influence the selection?
The material for countertops in the kitchen should harmonize with the cabinets and floors, as well as be selected to match the style and architecture of the house. For example, a colored worktop will definitely not go well with a white, country-house style kitchen.
