A guide to choosing white granite worktops for your kitchen
Granite Worktops
A guide to choosing white granite worktops for your kitchen
White granite countertops are becoming more and more popular with modern kitchen designs. They are an important feature in a kitchen, and white granite can easily boost the room with its clean, elegant and sleek designs. Choosing white granite can be an easy solution for some, but for those who aren’t quite sure white granite is for them, we’ve put together this guide to help you out.
Why are white granite countertops so popular?
This natural stone is brilliant for your work surfaces. With its variety of coloured slabs there are more than enough options to choose from but nothing shouts high-end elegance more than beautiful white granite worktops.
White is a modern staple colour for kitchen countertops. The shade is easy to place with any other colour and brings unity between all the elements of your kitchen. For example, if you have an all black kitchen but don’t want it too dark, white granite kitchen worktops will work wonders in giving the space that touch of colour and light it needs. With the range of granite available – white shades in particular – you can always find a unique pattern that is sure to match your kitchen aesthetic.
White granite is also super easy to maintain and clean. All it needs is to be resealed once a year, and cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. The colour itself will also hide any permanent marks such as scratches or small damage better than any other colour granite. This makes it the perfect option for busy kitchens.
What to consider when choosing a white granite worktop
When choosing your white granite worktops there are a few things you need to consider. First, you will need to decide on the type of white granite you want. Believe it or not there are many different shades of white granite to choose from. This can seem a little overwhelming but we suggest trying to fit the worktop with the other colours in your kitchen. To do this, we would also recommend seeing the slab in person. A picture can help with your choice, but each piece of granite is different, so viewing the slab you are buying from will be super helpful in deciding whether it is right for you and your kitchen.
The second thing to consider is the price. Granite slabs are more expensive than your standard countertops. This means the initial price may be higher than you expected, but in the long run, as granite lasts a lifetime if treated and cared for correctly, you will be saving money on not having to replace your countertops. However, caring for your granite – especially white granite – can be a little bit of a chore. Yes, they are simple to maintain and you won’t have to spend a lot on cleaning supplies; warm soapy water will do the trick, but white can and will stain a lot easier than all other colours. This means in a busier kitchen you will have to keep an eye out for spillages a lot more often. Making sure you wipe up the stains immediately will combat this issue, but not everyone can dedicate themselves to being a full time stain remover.
Another factor to consider is the cost it will take to keep your granite sealed every year. This is not just relevant to white granite but to all coloured slabs. Without the sealant your granite countertop will not last, and this could result in your having to spend more money replacing the worktops.
The pros of white granite worktops
If you have gotten this far and are still interested in white granite worktops, then we have compiled together a list of all the reasons white granite may be the one for you.
High-end feel
White is usually associated with cleanliness and expense. The brilliant white of the granite worktops combined with its unique patterning and flecks of the stone that almost glistens, brings a luxurious and sophisticated look to your kitchen. Any home can have a quick modern-look update by purchasing the popular white countertops which makes your kitchen look expensive.
Goes with almost anything
As mentioned previously, white goes with everything. You can easily match it to your kitchen counters, the colour of your walls, and even the flooring. The white shade of the worktops can tie in the theme of your kitchen and easily bring a pop of light and colour back into the room.
Created the illusion of space
The great thing about the white granite countertops is their ability to reflect light. Not only does this provide you with a glossy, brilliant white work surface but it can also make your kitchen look bigger. If you have a smaller kitchen which feels stuffy and closed in, adding white granite worktops can really open up the space and give the illusion of a bigger kitchen.
Strong and resistant
Granite is a very durable stone which is scratch resistant and heat resistant. This means you can use its surface to cut up food items, and even place hot pans down (although we wouldn’t recommend doing this all the time, it is resistant, not indestructible). The white shade of granite also adds an extra layer of “protection’. This time by simply hiding marks such as water stains, fingerprints or even little scratches that may form over time, better than any other colour of granite.
Sanitary and low maintenance
Granite is known to be a sanitary stone. This is because they do not harbour bacteria or mould growth. Again, making it the perfect option for a kitchen worktop, a place where you prepare food.
Along with this, granite is also easy to care for and clean. Simply grab a soft cloth like a microfibre cloth, and some warm water. You can also use a small amount of washing up liquid as well. Have a look at our guide for a greater look into how to properly care for your granite countertops.
Increases the value of your home
As mentioned before, granite can be quite pricey. However, installing granite countertops can significantly increase the value of your home. This is due to many factors, some being simply how nice granite surfaces look – especially white – other being down to the durability of the worktop itself. It is a fact that homes with granite worktops sell a lot faster than other homes, and at a greater price.
The cons of white granite worktops
Like everything else, there are also drawbacks to white granite countertops. One drawback for granite in general is the difficulty of installation. The stone is heavy and sometimes awkward to install, not to mention this could cost you extra in some places. For white granite in general we have listed a few important cons to consider before buying.
Its difficult to seal
White granite is more porous than other colours and shades of granite. This means if left unsealed it will absorb more water at a faster rate and begin to become damaged. However, resealing white granite is also more difficult than other types so you need to be extra careful and make sure it’s done correctly.
Easy to stain
As with anything white, white granite countertops are very easy to stain. This means you need to be on the lookout for colourful spillages so you can wipe them up straight away to avoid the stain. Although cleaning them is very easy – warm water and a cloth – keeping on top of this could be difficult. This may not be ideal for some people, especially if their kitchen is a very busy place.
Changes the size of a room
As mentioned in one of the pros for white granite worktops, changing the room size can also be a negative. If you already have a particularly large kitchen, placing white worktops on your counters may make the room look just a bit too big. Most people like homely, cosy kitchens to match their homes, however if you would like a large-look kitchen then white granite is the one for you!
White granite options
There are many white granite colours for you to choose from. From white ice granite, to Kashmir white, Viscount white. There is a wide variety of different colours and hues and each piece is unique so no one will ever have the same slab as you. The patterning and flecks in the stone also differentiates from each piece of granite, for example, some white granite comes with grey veining. Again, this makes the slab you choose unique to you and your kitchen.
If you are interested in purchasing white granite worktops and would like to view how it could look in a kitchen, visit our visualiser page to view different worktops and cupboard colours.
If you have any other questions or would like a viewing and/or quote contact us and we will be more than happy to help! We also have a showroom in Wakefield and Tickhill for you to visit.
