Pros and Cons of White Granite Countertops
So, you are considering new countertops for your kitchen and looking for the material, color, and design that will best suit your needs, your aesthetic taste, and the rest of your interior décor? Chances are, you have already decided on granite – the most popular choice among contemporary homeowners – because of its durability, beauty, and ease of maintenance. You may not have set your mind on the particular type of granite to use though, as this beautiful natural stone comes in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and finishes. All of them have their own distinctive peculiarities and different benefits, so you need to research your options very carefully in order to make an informed decision about your new kitchen design.
In recent years, white granite has become the most desirable type of granite for kitchen countertops. This comes as no surprise, considering the many advantages and attractive features of white granite.
Benefits of White Granite Countertops
Strong, beautiful, and versatile, white granite gives any surface a refined, clean-lined, and elegant look. Therefore, it makes magnificent, durable, and low-maintenance kitchen countertops that have all the advantages of granite countertops plus some extra benefits, characteristic of white granite only.
1) Stunning beauty. Ranging from brilliant snow white to creamy or ivory in color, white granite countertops brighten up the kitchen and make it feel more charming and inviting. While the composition of the stone makes it impossible to have “pure” white granite slabs, the beauty of white granite lies in its flecks and variations that add character and warmth to your kitchen decor. It is exactly these subtle variations and/or striking contrasts that make white granite look so luxurious and stylish in any kitchen.
2) Bright and spacious atmosphere. The clean, sophisticated look of white granite makes a room appear bigger and lighter. It’s only natural, then, that white granite countertops are considered ideal for smaller kitchens as they give the small area a brighter and more spacious look. The light color makes the room feel open and airy, setting a fresh and welcoming atmosphere.
But even if your kitchen is large enough, including white granite countertops will help further expand the look and feel of the surroundings. Especially if the flooring or the kitchen cabinets are dark, the room may get a “closed and stuffy” feeling unless you introduce some lighter tones in the color palette – such as white granite countertops.
3) Great compatibility. White granite countertops have a very complementary nature. White goes well with almost any color, so it will suit your needs and aesthetic preferences, regardless of whether you’re looking for a stark contrast (like black and white) or a subtle flow between white countertops and slightly darker (beige or brownish) cabinetry. White granite countertops come in a wide array of shades (from snow white to subdued off-white hues) that makes them work well in all kinds of kitchen designs (you can easily find a shade of white granite that coordinates with the color of your kitchen cabinets, furniture pieces, and flooring).
Besides, white has always been and will always remain a color of fashion and high style. So, even though white granite is considered to be ideal for classic countertops, it can be easily incorporated in a modern kitchen design as well – consider pairing it with dark wood cabinets for an impressive contemporary look, for example.
4) Strength and resistance to wear. One of the hardest natural stones, granite is very strong and makes for durable surfaces that are unlikely to be marred by cutting, scraping or any other commonplace kitchen activities. Besides, when properly sealed, granite is stain-resistant and takes normal wear and tear very well. White granite, in particular, has an additional advantage over other types of granite – it conceals imperfections and blemishes (light colors tend to show less wear and tear than darker hues, especially when the stone is patterned with intricate veining and colorful flecks). Small surface flaws, water marks, dust, and fingerprints are also less visible on white granite countertops.
5) Ideal food preparation surface.
Granite is not susceptible to scratches and resists heat very well which makes it very appropriate for use in the kitchen – you can cut something or place hot pans directly on your granite countertop without any risk of damaging the delicate surface. What’s more, granite surfaces are very sanitary, as they don’t harbor bacteria or mold growth. They are also very easy to clean and maintain – all you need to do is wipe the surface with a cloth dampened with warm water and a mild detergent.
6) Increased value of your home. No matter how you look at it, homes that include granite countertops in the kitchen sell quicker and at greater profit – that’s a fact. So, installing a white granite countertop in your kitchen will not only enhance the practicality and loveliness of the space, but will also add value and timeless appeal to your home.
Disadvantages of White Granite Countertops
Like all other types of granite, white granite is heavy, difficult to install, and quite expensive. Besides, every slab is slightly different in color and patterns from the others, so your granite countertops can never have a consistent, uniform look. Here are some specific reasons to be cautious about white granite, in particular:
- White granite is quite porous and requires regular sealing (have in mind that white granite is more difficult to seal than other types of granite, so you have to be extra careful and make sure the surface is sealed correctly);
- Some white granites contain iron and can oxidize or rust easily when placed near wet areas;
- Stains are clearly visible on the white surface, which makes white granite countertops maintenance somewhat more difficult when compared to other types of granite.
Now that you are familiar with the general pros and cons of white granite countertops, you may want to take a closer look at the specifics of the different types of white granite.
White Granite Options
When it comes to white granite colors, you can choose from a great variety of options for your kitchen design inspiration:
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- Kashmir White – The most popular type of white granite during the last few years, Kashmir white granite is an extremely beautiful and distinctive looking material. It has a unique salt and pepper appearance which results from the presence of white feldspar, grayish quartz, and dark-colored mica in its composition. Kashmir white granite can also include dark red colored specks of garnet. Have in mind though that this stunningly beautiful granite variety tends to be more porous than other types of granite and may stain more easily. It’s also likely to require more maintenance and more frequent sealing;
- White River – River white granite is another magnificent variety of granite, commonly used for kitchen countertops and other applications in the home. Its fluid pattern and delicate flecks make it very charming and impressive to the eye;
- Bianco Romano – The best choice for a classic white kitchen, Bianco Romano granite works great with various materials, colors, and designs. It complements walnut and oak furnishing or flooring perfectly, as well as pure white, warm white, or beige cabinets;
- Alaska – Alaska white granite combines icy white patches with browns and greys to create complex patterns and a distinctive look;
- Delicatus White – Delicatus white granite creates a full spectrum of contrast and works great with all kinds of kitchen designs and color varieties.
White granite slabs come in many other shades of white as well, including Icy White, Ambrosia White, White Spring, Solar White, etc. All you need to do is take your pick!
With its clean and sophisticated look, white has always been the preferred color for a kitchen. Likewise, granite has always been considered to be the most practical and stylish countertop material available. It’s only natural, then, that the luminous look of white granite is more and more often seen in contemporary home kitchens. What about in yours?
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