From Neutral to Grand: Granite Countertop Nirvana

Granite countertops are an essential feature to consider while planning your kitchen. It’s highly preferred because it is stylish, heat- and scratch-resistant, easier to maintain and long-lasting. It is therefore possible to create a long-lasting and gorgeous kitchen with granite countertops that suit your needs. You can find a lot of options in the market, from granite tiles which are an alternative to natural granite to actual granite stones in a variety of shades. So, choosing the right and the perfect one will transform the entire look and vibe of the kitchen plus, will give you years of satisfaction and value over time. 

Countertops of Granite

Countertops made out of granite have always been a popular choice in Indian kitchens. Irrespective of the size of your kitchen, big or small, they go perfectly with everything. It is made from an incredibly durable and beautiful natural stone. Because of their strength and colour options, Granite countertops can add a touch of elegance and style to your kitchen. They are heat-resistant, so no worry if you place hot utensils over them and when sealed properly, they become stain-resistant, plus easy to clean and maintain.

Grades & Types of Granite

Grades:

You can find granite countertops in three grades divided by the quality of the stone. The basic quality is affordable, and going forward, you can have the best product at a higher price. Let’s see the difference:

• Grade 1/Commercial Grade: It is basic and affordable. This is the best option if you prefer granite but have price concerns. Also, grade 1 granite has some imperfections in the texture or finish.
• Grade 2/Standard Grade: This mid-range quality offers you a balance between price and quality. It has fewer imperfections and is often thicker and more durable than grade 1.
• Grade 3/Premium Grade: If budget is not an issue for you, then go for the highest quality granite. It comes with fewer or no imperfections, in multiple colour options, and with better thickness.

A Few Granite Types and Selection Secrets

Ever wondered how you select the best-quality countertop? Well, when choosing the right one for your kitchen countertop, look for the same colour, which can make a uniform look. To test the quality, you can do a small test by pouring a small amount of water on the surface. Good-quality granite will not absorb water quickly, indicating it is properly sealed and durable. However, the low-quality granite will create some issues. Let’s understand a few of the types of granite and select the best one according to your kitchen type and budget. 

• Absolute Black: It comes in a dark, deep black colour with a sleek design and absolutely no texture or pattern on it. If you are aiming for a modern look in your kitchen, go for it.
• Ubatuba: As beautiful as its name, this greenish-black granite has gold spots on it. It gives a luxurious vibe to your kitchen space.
• Kashmir White: This type of granite has an off-white colour with elegant grey and brown veins endlessly running through it. You can pair it with a neutral and spacious kitchen for a light and airy feel.
• Baltic Brown: As the name suggests, it has a dark brown colour with lighter brown flecks. You can go for it to create a warm and rich appearance in your kitchen.

Pairing Sense

There are several things to consider when pairing your granite countertops in your kitchen. To add drama to your space, create a bold contrast by using light-coloured granite with dark cabinets or wall tile. 

But if you prefer a subtle and more unified look, opt for coordinating the colours of your granite with your cabinets to create a cohesive feel. Like white granite with white or beige cabinets. To add visual interest and depth, you can even mix different types of granite. 

Finally, don’t forget about lighting! If your kitchen gets very little natural light, consider using shades such as white, off-white, and beige for countertops to brighten the space. On the other hand, if your kitchen has plenty of natural light, you can choose darker-coloured countertops for a good look.

Granalt: New Age Alternative to Granite

Orientbell Tile has come up with a strong and stylish alternative to natural granite. Known as Granalt, it is much easier to install and customise. As you might know, Granite is a heavy natural stone. So, moving and lifting large slabs of it requires strength and proper equipment to ensure safety during installation. But this is not the case with Granalt. Here, you have to put less effort into installing it as it is lightweight. Plus, granalt needs less maintenance than natural granite and is equally durable as granite stone.

You can go with evergreen Granalt Royal Black which comes in 15mm thickness and a size of 800x2400mm and in a glossy finish. You can pair it with a light-coloured eg. beige cabinet to give your kitchen an elevated look. Such granalt tiles can be cut into various shapes, and are available in different colours, patterns, and finishes like glossy, matte, and rocker.

 Another popular design for your countertop is Granalt Galactic Blue in royal blue colour. It is perfect for those kitchens where you are aiming for an extraordinary upscale look. Go for this and keep the rest of your kitchen interior very subtle and light. 

Check out Granalt Statuario if you are planning for a unique look for your kitchen countertop. It comes in a marble design and gives a look of white granite countertops in a glossy finish which hands-down makes your kitchen a showstopper. 

Popular Granalt Colors for Countertops:

It is not the age when you have to choose either quality or style, because granalt offers both. Orientbell Tiles gives you several options with colours. White granite offers a bright and airy feel, perfect if you have smaller-sized kitchens. 

Go with one of Orientbell Tiles’ popular products Granalt SNP White. On the other hand, Black granite countertops exude timeless elegance and luxury. You can choose Granalt Royal Black for a modern kitchen. Alongside, it effectively hides everyday messes as well. 

Whereas if you want to make a statement with the countertop, go for Granalt Portoro Gold which has dramatic gold veins over black colour. And if all of this seems too heavy as a look, choose Cream coloured granite; Granalt SNP Crema or Granalt SNP Ivory because it is the safest choice, making your kitchen warm and cosy. 

These colour choices can help you create various kitchen styles, from classic and warm to modern and bold, depending on your design preferences.

Cost & How to be on Budget? 

Granite prices vary based on quality, rarity, and source. You can find them somewhere between Rs 300-700 per square foot. Kindly note that higher quality with fewer imperfections comes at a higher price. Rare colours or patterns as well as the higher grade granite are more expensive due to limited availability. Furthermore, it includes cutting, shaping, and sealing plus long-term maintenance costs and occasional repairs. To save money on granite countertops, you must compare prices from different suppliers. Getting quotes from several places helps you find the best deal.

Or go with the alternatives. Materials like granite tiles can look similar to granite but might cost less. Also, choosing common colours and finishes can be cheaper than more unique choices. For example, Granalt countertop is an affordable option and ranges between; Rs 202-231 per square foot with Orientbell Tiles.

Conclusion 

Opting for granite countertops as kitchen granite slab offers a plethora of benefits to you from style to durability. However, the cost and weight are an issue for many new homeowners. So, options like granalt from Orientbell Tiles offer both aesthetic and functional appeal. 

From durability to timeless elegance, granite stands out as a top choice for discerning homeowners and designers. Whether you prefer the sleek sophistication of tiles or the design of marble on the countertop, Granalt delivers superior products that meet the highest standards of design and durability.

 If you prioritise the unmatched durability and natural charm of stone, natural granite countertops are the perfect fit. But if you’re looking for a potentially more budget-friendly option that gives the durability of granite with wider design possibilities and easier maintenance, Granalt Tiles are a fantastic alternative. Ultimately, the choice depends on your preference.