Choosing granite countertops is a big decision because it can make or break your home. As such, there are many factors to consider when choosing granite, including color, pattern, thickness, durability, and maintenance. 

While you may be tempted to opt for the most expensive option, you don’t want to skimp on quality. Here are several tips to help you pick the perfect granite countertops for your home.

Consider your budget

You can get beautiful granite countertops for every budget, from $25 per square foot to $50 per square foot. 

The most important thing is to ensure you get enough information about each type of stone to find precisely what you need within your budget without compromising quality or beauty.

Think about maintenance

Granite is a natural material that requires some maintenance over time, especially if you have kids who like to leave dishes in the sink overnight or cook in their high school chemistry class. 

You, therefore, want to ensure that your choice of granite matches your lifestyle so that cleaning won’t become too much work.

Think about the size of your countertops

The size of your granite countertops depends on how much space you have available in your kitchen and what type of sink you want to install. A single-bowl sink is usually between 36 and 48 inches wide, while double-bowl sinks are generally between 42 and 60 inches wide. 

A standard-size countertop is 30 inches deep, so you should add another inch if you plan to install an undermount sink instead of an overmount one. 

If your cabinets are taller than 30 inches, consider getting custom-made cabinets if possible. Otherwise, ensure that there are at least 6 inches between the top of the cabinets and the bottom edge of the granite when installed so that people can still reach their appliances comfortably without having to bend over too much.

Consider the pros and cons of your kitchen style.

Your kitchen style will help you decide if you want a natural stone or a man-made one. If you have an industrial or modern kitchen, granite is a great choice because it offers a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures. 

Granite can also look great in traditional kitchens with country or farmhouse themes.

Choose a slab that matches your style and budget.

Granite is available in many colors and patterns to find the right look for your kitchen or bathroom. Slabs are also available in different thicknesses, which affects price and weight. 

Thicker slabs are more expensive but are also heavier than thinner slabs. If you can’t lift heavy objects with ease, consider using thinner slabs instead of thicker ones.

Look at samples before making your final choice.

Granite varies widely in color and pattern from slab to slab, so it’s important to see lots of samples before deciding on one that works best for your kitchen or bathroom. 

Ask your installer if they have any samples on hand that they can show you. Better still, you can ask them where they get their samples from so you can see some yourself before choosing one for your project.

Consider whether or not you want to have polished or brushed edges.

Granite is available in many different finishes, including polished and brushed surfaces. Polished edges are more expensive but tend to look better than brushed edges. 

The only downside is that they show fingerprints more easily than polished edges. Brushed edges, on the other hand, can be cheaper than polished ones but also show dirt more easily, and they are less attractive overall compared to polished edges.

Bottom Line

For a good reason, granite is one of the most popular home countertop materials. It’s durable, timeless, and easy to care for.

If you’re considering getting granite kitchen countertops Raleigh NC, these tips will help you pick the perfect ones for your home.