Granite countertops are beautiful, durable, and complement any kitchen design. The stone also provides a natural look and vast color options, making it easy to find the perfect choice for you. However, you’ll need to take practical factors into account as well. To ensure you are getting the right slab for your home, here are five characteristics to consider.

How to Choose Granite Countertops

1. Plan Out Usage

How much usage your granite countertops will get will affect how strong a piece you need to keep up with your food prep and other activities. If you cook a lot or have a house full of children, choose a piece without glittering mica spots since it tends to be more fragile.

2. Opt for Seamless

For a smooth, clean, and durable result, invest in granite countertops without seams. Over time, the space between sections of your countertop installation will get dirty and discolored. You may even notice crumbling between pieces of stone. To avoid this inevitable damage, have only one large piece installed.

3. Pick a Good Thickness

Invest in at least one-inch granite countertops for a more durable work surface. The thicker the piece, the less you have to worry about weak spots and extra supports to keep them stable. While a thinner style works well in a bathroom, opt for a thicker width in the kitchen.

4. Understand Slab vs. Installation

Keep in mind the slab you select will look different from the final piece in your kitchen remodeling project. Each piece of granite must be cut and fabricated to suit the dimensions of your kitchen and to sit flush with cabinets and other features. On a full slab, veining and other unique characteristics are more visible than when they are reduced to smaller sizes.

5. Be Wary of Imperfections 

While the natural pits and cracks on granite give the piece a unique beauty, certain dings may indicate a weaker slab. However, not all natural imperfections are the same, and may not have any effect on thicker pieces. Consult your stone fabricator and installer first before selecting granite with cracks and pits.

To find quality granite countertops for your kitchen remodeling project, head to the family-owned Ceramic Tile Plus & Exclusively Yours in Kahului, HI. Their team brings more than 41 years of experience to every countertop installation. Beyond stone countertops, they also offer tile flooring and cabinetry selections. Visit their website for a look at the various granite slabs available, and call (808) 871-7595 with any inquiries.