When considering the best types of granite for kitchens, the first option that often comes to mind is Black Galaxy. This granite, predominately quarried in India, boasts a stunning black background with speckles of gold and white, giving it a starry night appearance. Its cost varies between $70 to $90 per square foot, including installation. Not only does Black Galaxy add a touch of elegance, but it's also one of the most durable options available, with a compression strength of 180 MPa, making it highly resistant to scratches and heat.
Another popular choice is White Spring Granite, which contrasts beautifully against dark cabinetry. This Brazilian granite features veins of grey and white with splashes of red garnet, offering a versatile design that suits both modern and traditional kitchens. According to industry experts, the average cost of White Spring Granite is around $60 per square foot. Not just pretty to look at, it has an impressive density of 2,630 kg/m³, ensuring longevity and strength.
Ubatuba Granite is another favorite among homeowners. Sourced from Brazil, Ubatuba Granite comes in a dark green color with flecks of gold, grey, and green. The material's low porosity (0.07%) makes it extremely resistant to staining and spills, which is a crucial factor in kitchens. On average, Ubatuba costs between $50 and $60 per square foot. With a Mohs hardness of 6.5, it's durable enough to withstand the daily wear and tear that comes with cooking.
For those who prefer a lighter and more neutral tone, Kashmir White Granite is an excellent option. Originating from India, this granite shimmers with silver and grey minerals, creating a calm and serene space. It's priced at approximately $50 to $60 per square foot. One of Kashmir White’s standout features is its low absorption rate (0.2%), making it more resistant to water damage and staining.
Bianco Romano Granite offers a mix of white, grey, and taupe colors, making it suitable for a variety of kitchen styles. This Brazilian granite, costing around $55 to $65 per square foot, not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also offers robustness. With a density of 2,690 kg/m³, it ranks high in terms of durability. Its unique coloration provides a timeless look that never goes out of style.
Blue Pearl Granite, from Norway, features shimmering blue, silver, and black hues. Its reflective quality makes any kitchen appear more spacious and bright. This luxurious option comes at a higher cost, ranging from $90 to $100 per square foot, mainly due to its scarce availability. Its high compressive strength of 200 MPa and low water absorption rate (0.3%) ensure it remains both durable and functional.
Another top recommendation is Giallo Ornamental Granite, which provides a warm, inviting atmosphere due to its creamy beige tones with dark veins. Extracted from Brazil, this granite sits in the mid-range price category, roughly $45 to $55 per square foot. With a compressive strength of 176 MPa and high abrasion resistance, Giallo Ornamental is perfect for busy kitchens.
Colonial White Granite offers soft white and grey tones with speckles of deep red. Quarried in India, it costs around $50 to $60 per square foot. Its elegant appearance often surprises people with its durability. The material's structural integrity is evidenced by its density of 2,680 kg/m³, ensuring it remains a reliable choice for years.
Viscount White Granite is another exceptional example. Hailing from India, this granite has dramatic swirls of white, grey, and black, making every slab unique. Priced at $60 to $70 per square foot, Viscount White is not only beautiful but also extremely rugged. Its low iron content minimizes the risk of rust, which is a concern for some other white granites.
Absolute Black Granite, as the name suggests, is a pure black granite often used in minimalist and modern kitchen designs. This granite, mined in India, varies from $60 to $80 per square foot. Known for its fine grain and consistent color, Absolute Black has a density of 3,020 kg/m³, making it one of the hardest granites. This durability ensures it can withstand the rigors of a busy kitchen environment.
River White Granite features a predominantly white base with intricate veining of red and grey. This Indian granite captivates with its beauty and versatility, costing about $55 to $65 per square foot. The material's resistance to heat and scratches, alongside its impressive compressive strength of 170 MPa, make it a functional and aesthetically pleasing choice for kitchens.
Dallas White Granite, sourced from Brazil, showcases a subtle mix of grey and white with flecks of black and burgundy. Its affordable price, around $40 to $50 per square foot, combined with its durability, makes it a popular choice. Dallas White has a low iron content, minimizing the risk of discoloration, and its hardness (6 on the Mohs scale) ensures it withstands daily kitchen activities.
New Venetian Gold Granite offers a mix of gold, white, and black speckles, creating a warm and inviting look. Quarried in Brazil, it ranges from $50 to $60 per square foot. Renowned for its aesthetic appeal, New Venetian Gold also scores high on functionality, with a compressive strength of 160 MPa and an abrasion resistance index of 40. These characteristics make it a long-lasting option for countertops.
Among the numerous granite options available for kitchen countertops, Santa Cecilia Granite stands out for its affordability and beauty. This Brazilian granite, typically priced at $40 to $50 per square foot, features a mix of gold, black, and burgundy tones. Its density of 2,750 kg/m³, combined with its low water absorption rate (0.3%), makes it a robust and practical choice for busy kitchens.
Considering all these options, each type of granite offers unique benefits that cater to different aesthetic preferences and functional requirements. Whether one is looking for something elegant like Blue Pearl or something more practical like Ubatuba Granite, there's a perfect option out there for every kitchen.