Granites are an excellent choice if you are looking to add longevity to your home while giving it a touch of elegance. However, with some many varieties available in the market, it is natural to get confused while making the pick.
For example, when choosing for flooring, you’d want harder granites (Mohs hardness above 5) with a honed or leather finish. While for backsplashes you get more freedom and can go with any granite that matches your aesthetics.
Such minor yet important tips and tricks can make it easy for you to choose the right granite for your space. So if you are curious to learn about how to choose granite for home in 2024, keep on reading!
How To Choose Granite Based On Quality & Grade
The grade of granite is a classifier, that is used for separating high-quality granites from entry-level ones.
The grading also helps you understand which granites are more premium and can uplift the style quotient of your home compared to the ones that are for commercial use.
So let’s take a look at the different grades of granite and which ones to pick for home.
Grade 1: Entry level (commercial grade)
These are the most common and affordable granites. They often have simpler patterns and may be thinner, making them suitable for lower-traffic areas or budget-conscious projects.
Grade 2: Mid level
These offer a good balance of affordability and aesthetics, with more varied patterns and colors than Level 1. They are often a good choice for countertops in kitchens and bathrooms.
Grade 3: Premium level
These are considered the most premium granites, featuring unique patterns, rare colors, and superior durability. They are typically thicker and require more expertise for handling and installation. Costs also tend to be higher, but they are worth every penny.
Apart from the grade, the quality of the granite also depends on factors like thickness and porosity. If your question is how to choose granite for flooring, you must take these two factors into consideration.
Thicker slabs (usually ¾ inch or more) are considered higher grade as they offer greater stability and are less prone to cracking or breaking.
Plus, denser granites with less porosity are typically considered higher grades as they resist staining and require less frequent sealing.
Therefore, when choosing for flooring, ensure that the granite slabs are of the right thickness and are dense enough.
Tips On How To Choose Granite For Home Based On Aesthetics
Apart from grade, quality, and all that technical stuff, your home needs to feel aesthetic enough. For that, you can follow these simple tips and make your interiors look more cohesive and put together.
1/ Go With The Overall Style:
You can match the granite with the overall style of your home. Here are some examples.
- Modern and minimalist: Opt for granites with clean lines and subtle patterns. Colors like white, light gray, or black with minimal veining can create a sleek and sophisticated look.
- Traditional and elegant: Choose granites with richer colors and bolder patterns. Consider options like brown, cream, or burgundy with prominent veining for a timeless and luxurious feel.
- Rustic and natural: Embrace the natural variations of granite. Look for granites with a mix of earth tones, like green, brown, or gold, and prominent mineral inclusions for a warm and organic aesthetic.
2/ Play With Harmony And Contrast
You can either match the granites with your existing home aesthetics to create harmony or go the opposite to create a lovely contrast. Here are some ways of doing it.
- Coordinate with existing elements: Choose a granite that complements the color scheme and style of your cabinets, flooring, and appliances.
- Create visual interest: Use contrasting colors or patterns to create a focal point. For example, a dark granite countertop can add drama against light cabinets.
- Balance is key: Avoid overwhelming the space with too much busyness. If your cabinets or flooring have a lot of patterns, opt for a simpler granite with minimal veining.
3/ Consider Lighting And Texture
The way light interacts with granite can significantly impact its appearance. Polished finishes reflect light more, while honed or leathered finishes offer a more subdued look. Choose a finish that complements the natural and artificial lighting in your space. Plus the texture of granite can add visual interest and depth.
4/ Play With Patterns
Choosing the perfect granite pattern that compliments your home interiors can be tricky. They usually come in three styles.
- Large movement: Bold, swirling veins and large mineral clusters that create a focal point.
- Small movement: Subtler veining and more uniform flecks for a harmonious look.
- Solid or nearly solid: Minimal veining, offering a clean and modern feel.
You can pick anyone based on the style you are leaning towards. For bold and dramatic statements you can go with large movements while for a minimalistic approach small or nearly solid patterns do better.
Final Thoughts
Hope this guide helped with your query of how to choose granite for home. But if you are still in doubt, here is a last-minute tip for you.
If you are having a problem with visualizing the final look, try using design software. These tools can create mockups of your space and help you understand better.
You can also connect with granite experts who can offer you valuable insights and recommendations based on your specific needs and preferences.
