How to Choose a Granite Slab

Your countertops are one of the most important design elements in your kitchen. They can impact whether your space feels traditional or modern, and make the difference between a luxurious space and one that feels underwhelming. Granite is one of the most popular kitchen countertop materials because it's not only durable and practical, but beautiful -- it's a stylish choice that can accommodate almost any budget. If you've settled on granite for your countertops, however, you're only partially done with your decision making, because granite comes in a huge variety of styles, colors, and thicknesses. The best way to decide what's right for your kitchen is going to a stone yard with your kitchen designer, or asking for samples you can see and feel in person before you make your choice. After that, you'll need to know what to look for in order to make your choice. Here, we're sharing a few of our tips for how to choose a granite slab.

1. Consider the style of your kitchen. Different types of granite will work better for different kitchen styles, so it's important to consider the look you're after before making your choice. Earth-tone slabs with a striated, natural look will go best with traditional, country, or rustic spaces, while white, black or gray slabs with minimal color variations will match the sleekness of modern or contemporary spaces.
2. Get a feel for thickness. Granite that is half an inch thick or less will save you money, and in certain circumstances, like in a small, clean-lined space it cane be the right choice. However, in a large kitchen with traditional-style cabinetry and ornate details, thin granite can look cheap and insubstantial; in this instance you'd want to opt for a slab that's at least 3/4 inch to an inch thick.
3. Take it home. Like paint colors, the look of a single granite slab can vary under different lighting conditions. Take home samples of any slab you're interested in to make sure your granite upholds your expectations in your kitchen.
4. Ask about granite grade. Granite yards will typically give different slabs a grade, which will make them more or less expensive depending on the rarity (but not necessarily quality) of the granite. Ask about the grades in your price range before you get your heart set on something that's out of reach of your budget.

Want to know more about choosing the perfect granite for your home? Stop by our Wellesley, MA showroom to talk with one of our design experts, or get in touch about a project here.