A few decades ago, the kitchen was considered as a place that was only accessed to satisfy the hunger and was a hidden part of the house. However, when we stepped into the 21st century, the concept of interior designing and the latest approach towards the smart home had transformed the face of home décor drastically. Now, the kitchen is the nucleus of the house, which holds everyone together. People are not stepping back to explore various designs and pamper it with the most lavish accessories. Granite counter tops are in the trend that has taken over the market in a great way. Through this article, we will check the attributes of the latest countertop finishes on trend to help you understand them in a better way.
Kitchen Countertops: Prime Contributors to a Modern Kitchen
Earlier the countertops were not of importance, but with time, it has gained its rightful position. With the advancement of technology and growing social dynamics, the modern kitchen is exponentially accepting the versatile usage of the granite countertops. These are highly resistant to heat and stain, durable, hard, and need a minimum cost for its maintenance. Some of the color options offered by the granite kitchen countertops are tan brown, blue pearl, black galaxy, ruby red, green pearl, raw silk, and more. It is important to choose an appropriate tone of the countertop for your kitchen so that all the other components complement it well.
Finishes of the Granite Countertop
Granite is an igneous rock which is best-suited for the domestic as well as commercial purposes. There are three basic finishes available with the quartzite dealers; honed, polished, and flamed. Individual finishes offer distinct look to the kitchen which can be chosen as per your preference. However, these finishes have its pros and cons, which must be considered before making a rightful selection. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of the granite countertop finishes on trend:
- Honed Granite
Honed is synonymous with a matte or satin finish that gives the countertop a non-reflective finish. It gives a mushy look to the kitchen contributing to the modern theme immensely. If you prefer keeping the cooking area understated to match with the décor of the rest of the house, this is the perfect pick for you. The granite of this finish is achieved before buffing the stone.
Pros:
- Due to its unpolished look, it seamlessly hides the flaws and scratches on the stone.
- The surface of the stone is smooth, similar to that of a polished stone.
Cons:
- Due to its unpolished nature, it is porous to some extent, making it vulnerable to stain.
- It doesn’t expose the rich color of the stone as the honing process tends to fade the original color.
- Polished Granite
Polished granite gives a mirror finish and is the favorite among the quartzite dealers. It dazzles the entire kitchen with its glossy look and also highlights the grains, crystal, and color tone of the countertop. Polished finish gives a richer presentation to the stone by making it appear darker than its raw color. To procure the shiniest finish, the stone is buffed and cured with precision.
Pros
- Glossy surface dazzles and reflects the light present in the room.
- Non-porous surface contributes to its stain-proof nature.
Cons
- Glossy finish can get tampered if cleaned with harsh chemicals.
- Mirror-like shine reveals the flaws very easily.
- Flamed Granite
This finish of granite has a rough appearance and gives an earthy feel to the cooking space. It has a faded and textured outlook to replicate the image of a natural stone. If your house has a contemporary theme, this granite will fulfill the purpose with its rustic look. It plays an appropriate role while setting up an outdoor kitchen. This finish is acquired by projecting the raw stone to a high flame, which causes the bursting of the surface. This bursting reveals the crystals of the granite, giving it an uneven finish.
Pros
- Successfully complements the contemporary look of the kitchen.
- Low-maintenance and scratch-proof attributes make it perfect for outdoor kitchens.
Cons
- With intense crevices, the stone is highly porous that needs sealing of the surface.
- Tends to get dirty and contributes to a tough cleaning.
Which Finish Will Suit Your Kitchen?
As mentioned, all the three finishes have its pros and cons that can make it difficult for you to take the right decision. Here are a few tips and tricks which will help you curb the cons and enhance the pros of a particular finish:
- Always clean the polished countertops with mild soap dissolved in warm water to avoid any damage.
- Re-polish the polished countertop if it loses its gloss with time.
- Chose a high-quality sealant for the honed and flamed finished countertops to avoid any stain.
- Clean the countertops immediately after any accidental spillage.
- Periodical sealing is suggested to increase the longevity of the countertops.
- Select a reliable quartzite dealer for buying the top-notch kitchen countertops.
Conclusion
Kitchen countertops are the prime component of a kitchen as it covers a huge area. Hence, it is important to choose a finish that will not only match the theme of your house but will also support the purpose of usage. Consider the aforementioned countertop options, which will perfectly integrate the look of your kitchen to make it appear trendy yet durable.
