21 Granite Kitchen Countertop Ideas for a Perfect Cooking Space

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Granite Kitchen Countertops

Full Kitchen Granite Countertop gray tile wall — Andreas Trauttmansdorff

Granite is a beautiful and versatile stone ideal for kitchen countertops. Naturally resistant to heat, water, scratches, and bacteria, it's one of the most durable countertop materials. Plus, its natural variety of colors and textures, created by various minerals within the stone, allows you to add a unique look to your kitchen.

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Granite Countertop Colors

kitchen's copper features Granite Countertop — Anthony Masterson

Granite is found in almost any color, including white, black, blue, red, and gold. Choose a colorful granite to accent a specific part of your kitchen or coordinate with the overall color scheme. For example, this countertop's warm, neutral hue complements the kitchen's copper features.

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How to Clean Granite Countertops

connecting granite counter and backsplash in kitchen — Rett Peek Jr

Granite countertops provide a highly durable surface that's easy to keep clean. Wipe down the surface using mild dish soap and water or a cleaner made for granite ($7, Target). Avoid using acidic cleaners, including vinegar and lemon juice, which can damage the natural stone surface. To best protect your granite countertops from stains and damage, re-seal them annually using a product designed for natural stone.

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Granite Countertop Patterns

dark granite island countertop small kitchen — Janet Mesic-Mackie

Granite countertops come in three basic patterns: solid, marbled, and speckled. Solid-looking granites have little variation in pattern and maintain a consistent appearance throughout. This style is a good option for small kitchens where busy-looking surfaces might make the room feel small.

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Marbled Granite Countertop

black marble countertop pull out cutting board — Werner Straube

Marbled granite features streaks of color and texture that run throughout the stone. With this pattern, a light-colored granite can have a high-end feel similar to natural marble. Darker tones allow the veins and swirls to stand out for a dramatic effect.

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Speckled Granite Countertop

Kitchen counter with geometric backsplash — Annie Schlecther

Speckled granite countertops show a lot of variation in color and texture. They can provide dramatic visual interest to the kitchen and are a great accent to simple cabinetry and stainless-steel appliances. Pick out colors within the granite to use on cabinetry, tile, and kitchen accessories for a bolder look.

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Honed Granite Finish

matte finish black granite countertop kitchen sink — Edmund Barr

Like most countertops, granite comes in a variety of finishes. Honed granite countertops, for example, have a matte finish, which can result in granite taking on the appearance of other materials. For instance, a honed black granite countertop can look similar to soapstone.

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Glossy Granite

neutral kitchen sink with dark granite — Rett Peek

Highly polished granites are a practical countertop choice for small kitchens because the glossy finish reflects light. This trick can make small spaces feel larger and more welcoming. Besides the aesthetic component, polished granite countertops are easier to clean and maintain than matte finish.

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Tile Granite Countertops

stone slabs granite countertop — Jay Wilde

Granite is generally installed in stone slabs with few or no visible grout lines. However, this process can be costly for the material and labor since the installation is of such large, heavy pieces. For a more budget-friendly granite countertop idea, consider using granite tiles, which are much cheaper, more lightweight, and easier to install.

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Mixing Granite and Other Countertops

modern light gray kitchen marble island with brass stools — Brie Williams

Another way to cut costs is to limit the installation of granite countertops to hardworking areas only. An island, for instance, which provides a landing place for items hot out of the oven and prep space, is an ideal location for durable granite. Auxiliary countertops can be made from less expensive materials. If you still want the look of granite throughout your kitchen, consider laminate or solid-surfacing with a similar appearance and texture.

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Granite Countertop Edges

eased edge granite counter kitchen sink — Jo-Ann Richards

Edge details make a big statement when it comes to countertops, and natural stones like granite offer the most options. An eased edge, shown here, is the most simple and contemporary detailing. It provides a clean look that works well in modern and transitional-style kitchens.

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Bullnose and Beveled Edges

Bullnose beveled edges classic granite countertop — John Granen

Bullnose and beveled edges are classic granite countertop treatments. Softer and more rounded than an eased edge, these two styles also have more details. A bullnose has a smooth, flowing downward edge, while a bevel tends to cut at a sharper angle before rounding.

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Other Granite Countertop Edges

triple waterfall edge granite countertop — Gordon Beall

Ogee, DuPont, and triple waterfall edges are more detailed edge treatments. They offer high-end looks but also tend to cost more than other options. These countertop edges complement many styles and are often a finishing touch for more elaborately designed and decorated kitchens.

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Curved Granite Countertops

Stone granite countertop kitchen view — James R. Salomon

With a broader application of edge detailing, curved granite countertops are a practical consideration for busy kitchens. Stone has hard edges and sharp corners, especially with a material as strong as granite. Curves soften the edges and are more comfortable for cooks and guests who work and gather in the kitchen.

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Granite Countertops in Traditional Kitchens

traditional kitchen cabinets black granite countertop — Jon Jensen

In traditional kitchens, granite countertops add the color and texture needed to match classic furnishings. Black and silvery tones in this granite countertop complement the shine of glass-front cabinets and polished nickel hardware in this kitchen. An Ogee edge contributes to the elegant look.

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Granite Countertops in Modern Kitchens

Unembellished granite countertop green kitchen dishes — Jo-Ann Richards

Consider highlighting the natural beauty of unembellished granite countertops for a modern kitchen. Opt for clean edges, simple colors, and minimal patterns for a strong, sleek surface. Here, the light but earthy material balances this contemporary kitchen's saturated cabinetry color and multi-hued backsplash.

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Contrasting Granite Countertop

black granite countertops light cabinetry — King Au

When choosing materials for your kitchen, consider using granite countertops to balance cabinetry and hardware. This black granite contrasts the white cabinetry and reflective finish of the cabinet knobs. The stone's dark color and subtle texture introduce visual interest to the otherwise simple space.

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Coordinating Granite Countertop

transitional surface granite countertop sink strainer — Michael Partenio

For a less dramatic shift, use a granite countertop as a transitional surface between walls and cabinets. The variety of available colors allows granite to transition between almost any backsplash or wall treatment and cabinetry color. Here, a light shade of green is an easy choice to work with the gray-blue tiles and white cabinets.

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Creative Granite Countertop Design

organic stone granite countertop wood base — John Bessler

Granite can be custom-cut and laid to match your design ideas and kitchen needs. This granite countertop creates an apron, which protects the island from daily wear and tear and adds visual interest. The organic stone top is a natural complement to the wood base.

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Granite Countertops and Backsplashes

granite countertop wall backsplashes — Werner Straube

Granite is naturally durable and easy-to-clean, making it ideal for backsplashes. Consider running a granite countertop partially up the wall for a seamless look. Granite can also be installed behind the range for hardworking but beautiful coverage.

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Integrated Granite Sinks

Integrated Granite countertop Sink — Andreas Trauttmansdorff

Go beyond granite countertops to make an even grander statement. Fully integrated into a matching countertop, this custom granite sink is an eye-catching use of materials that forms a focal point for this kitchen. Vintage-style faucets complement the striking stone.