Why White Granite Kitchen Countertops are a Top Choice

by Sweeten September 30, 2024

White granite countertops might be the perfect solution for you. Not only are they a classic and versatile choice, but they also boast impressive durability and easy maintenance – a winning combination for busy homeowners. In this post, we’ll delve deeper into the reasons why white granite countertops reign supreme as a top choice for kitchen renovations, and how they compare to other popular materials like marble and quartz.

Undecided between granite, marble, and quartz for your countertops? Read on.

(Above) White granite kitchen countertop in Hannah’s Sweeten renovation

The all-white kitchen with white granite kitchen countertops and cabinets is a classic go-to style. Lately, bright pops of color on the kitchen island, fully-colored cabinets, and wood tones are becoming more popular.

White countertops are a natural pairing to these playing a supporting role. The look is clean and modern. Sweeten explores why white granite countertops get top billing.

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Why is granite so popular?

Granite, a natural stone formed deep within the Earth, has long been a coveted material for countertops. Its timeless beauty, durability, and versatility have made it a perennial favorite among homeowners and designers alike.

Unmatched Beauty and Versatility

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Natural Variations: Each granite slab is unique, featuring a distinctive pattern of colors and textures. This natural variation adds character and personality to any kitchen space.
Wide Range of Colors: From classic white and black to bold earth tones and vibrant hues, granite offers a vast palette of colors to suit any design aesthetic.
Complementary Styles: Granite countertops pair beautifully with a wide range of cabinetry styles, from traditional to contemporary. White cabinets, in particular, create a timeless and elegant look when combined with granite.

Exceptional Durability

Hardness and Resistance: Granite ranks high on the Mohs Scale of hardness, making it highly resistant to scratches, stains, and heat. This durability makes it an ideal choice for busy kitchens where countertops are subjected to daily wear and tear.
Easy Maintenance: Granite is relatively easy to maintain. Regular cleaning with mild soap and water is sufficient to keep it looking its best.

Accessibility and Affordability

Increased Availability: The global market for granite has expanded significantly in recent years, making it more accessible and affordable for homeowners.
Improved Installation: Advances in cutting and installation techniques have simplified the process of incorporating granite countertops into your kitchen.

Why choose white granite kitchen countertops?

With so many colorful granite options available, why should you consider white granite as countertops? You can also get that clean look in marble, quartz, and quartzite.

Only the white granite kitchen countertop combines durability, easy maintenance, and natural veining
It offers a wide range of looks, but can also emulate the cleaner lines of quartzite, quartz, or marble
While quartzite is harder than granite, it can stain with dark markings, called etching, caused by acidic foods like lemons or ketchup
Granite looks more natural than a manufactured quartz trying to imitate the look of marble
Marble isn’t as durable or easy to care for as granite
There are granite slabs that match the color and patterns of marble veining

Finally, the pros of granite far outweigh the cons.

Pros and cons of granite

Pros:

Extremely durable: heat resistant, won’t etch or scratch
Easy to maintain; needs sealing only once per year
Comes in wide array of colors, with simple or elaborate patterns
This popular material can be easily sourced

Cons:

The natural stone is porous, making it susceptible to staining and bacteria if not sealed properly
Because of typical slab size, granite countertops may require more seams than a quartz slab might

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Cost and care of white granite countertops

Cost comparisons

Because it is more rare, white granite tends to be more expensive than darker colors. Granite in general can range vastly, from $45 to $270 per square foot, installed. Be sure to shop around or ask your contractor. They most likely have good relationships with vendors who can offer better pricing.

Sealing for easy protection

However, it is easy to maintain granite countertops. Seal your countertops with a water- and oil-repellent granite sealer upon installation. Repeat this once per year. Simply clear off your countertops, spray them with sealer, let them sit for 20 minutes, and blot any standing wet spots. Keep countertops clear for 48 hours to allow the sealer to fully dry.

Daily clean

With daily use, wipe down your countertops with a soft cloth and use a gentle cleanser for cleaning. While granite countertops are heat resistant, use trivets and coasters to maintain the sealant’s integrity and avoid potential staining or discoloration.

With so many options in countertop materials, it can feel difficult to make a decision. White granite countertops are the perfect blend of a modern style with lasting utility.

In conclusion, white granite countertops offer a winning combination of timeless elegance, exceptional durability, and easy maintenance – all qualities that make them a top choice for busy homeowners. Their natural beauty and vast array of color options allow you to create a kitchen that reflects your unique style. If you’re looking for a countertop that will elevate your kitchen’s aesthetics and functionality for years to come, white granite is a perfect option to consider.