Question about granite kitchen countertops?

[chrissyk]

We have tile countertops in our kitchen right now, courtesy of the last owners. I think that they're pretty, but I'll admit that they do look dated. We are thinking of upgrading all of the counters to granite, as we are also adding some counter space in another part of the kitchen right now. What I am wondering is whether one color/type of granite is more desireable than another when it comes to resale? Black or dark-colored granite seems to be what I see the most in model homes, but I don't know if that means anything. Is there a general concensus on this

 

[BunsenH]

I think that you should choose a style/pattern that you like, but keep in mind that new owners will need to decorate with it or have it replaced. If they hate it, they'll be thinking about the cost of removal and replacement. If they like it, they save money in the future.

 

[vacanut]

I don't think the color matters, I think you should go with something neutral and something that you like. I personally don't like the black colored granite. I have giallo napolian granite in my kitchen and desert rose in my bathroom. I absolutely love it.

 

[sleepy1]

I have the Tan Brown granite, my cabinets are a light ash so we felt we needed to go with a darker granite for a contrast. I love my kitchen, go with what you like and what compliments your cabinets.

 

[pattyT]

I don't think you can go to far astray with granite colors
I agree the darker colors are what tend to be in model homes, etc...
we are doing granite in the new house -
and I am actually terrified of it (kids-cool-aid etc)

 

[hydster]

We have grayish color granite for our countertops and love it but my sil and bil installed blackish/greenish granite in their house and she hates it! It is so dark that you can see all the smudges from the kids when you hit the light or angle just right. Mine you can see very rarely but hers you can see every single mark/smudge/missed wipe up/spill. They look gorgeous in a model home because it's all clean but in real life they are really hard to keep looking nice according to my sil with 4 kids.

 

[m&m's mom]

We have black granite that is on all countertops, bar, island and backsplash up to the cabinets and, believe it or not I think it looks great. We also have a black undermount sink and it still does not look too dark in there.
I had a friend that had the tan granite and accidently put a pan down that had grease on it and it took forever for the stain to work itself out.
I heard the lighter the color the more porous.

 

[Mackey Mouse]

I have cherry cabinets and black granite counters....I cannot tell you about the other colors but will tell you I am a slave to my black granite. If someone has a secret to make it shine, please let me know. I am always cleaning them, they show even the slightest fingerprint..

And while I am at it, do not get stainless fixtures unless you want to be slave to them as well. The whole thing looks nice, but it is constant care to keep up.

 

[Mercy]

We have Venetian Green granite counters and love them. I would go with the color that you like the best and goes with your cabinets, etc. The only thing I have heard is that the lighter granites are prone to staining, so be careful.

 

[Mercy]

I have cherry cabinets and black granite counters....I cannot tell you about the other colors but will tell you I am a slave to my black granite. If someone has a secret to make it shine, please let me know. I am always cleaning them, they show even the slightest fingerprint..

And while I am at it, do not get stainless fixtures unless you want to be slave to them as well. The whole thing looks nice, but it is constant care to keep up.

The microfiber cloths are great for cleaning up your granite counters, I love them. I also have stainless appliances, and I personally don't find them all that much work, I use the microfiber cloths on them too.

 

[vacanut]

I use the granite cleaner once a week and that makes it shiny and clean.
I'm hearing more and more about the microfiber clothes, where do you get them?

 

[jx3smom]

We had Zodiaq installed last year and really love it. It is a little pricier than granite but never needs to be treated, is stain, heat and scratch resistant and comes in a large variet of colors.

 

[jodifla]

we are just making this decision now, too! We are putting new beadboard doors on our wood cabinets, and painting them white. We've ordered all new white appliances, putting in a wood laminate floor. I'm planning to do the countertops in blue. I love the look of a white and blue room.

 

[GIOny]

I would love to get new countertops and thinking about granite but I'm hearing light colors tend to stain too much, dark colors smudge and you are a slave to them, I am soooo confused . Maybe I should just stick with formica . I've seen ads for silestone, does anyone know anything about that surface? Chris, you should get the countertop that you like, I wouldn't worry about the color of the granite for resale purposes because right now you are the one who has to live with it. I am sure you have good taste and will pick out something that compliments your kitchen.

 

[m&m's mom]

I have cherry cabinets and black granite counters....I cannot tell you about the other colors but will tell you I am a slave to my black granite. If someone has a secret to make it shine, please let me know. I am always cleaning them, they show even the slightest fingerprint..

And while I am at it, do not get stainless fixtures unless you want to be slave to them as well. The whole thing looks nice, but it is constant care to keep up.

I use this stuff I got at Lowe's or Home Depot. Forgot the name but it is a blue and orange squirt bottle. Spray it on and wipe it off. Makes them super shiny and does not appear to leave a residue.

 

[Mercy]

I'm hearing more and more about the microfiber clothes, where do you get them?

You can get the microfiber cloths at WalMart or a place like Costco, they are in the auto department. I guess they are good for washing your car.

 

[Ranatra]

. If someone has a secret to make it shine, please let me know. I am always cleaning them, they show even the slightest fingerprint..
And while I am at it, do not get stainless fixtures unless you want to be slave to them as well. The whole thing looks nice, but it is constant care to keep up.

We had our new kitchen installed in March and we have a green/mahogany granite. I love it.
I use the Stone Care International cleaners and the polish that you put on and buff when dry. It does make it shine.

I also have all stainless steel appliances. You definately have to keep up with the fingerprints!

 

[ChrisnSteph]

Going neutral and staying with the tans/browns is probably the best way to go when choosing a color.

As far as worrying about stains, watermarks, ect., how about considering Caesarstone?
www.caesarstoneus.com

This is what we have in our house, and we love it! It has the look and feel of granite, but it's supposed to be more durable, and you don't get the watermarks and stains like you can with granite. I don't think the sheen is as glossy as granite, but it is very pretty. It cost less than granite too. Our countertops are in the "Carmel" color.

 

[jleslie48]

granite is the only way to go. unbelievable. your entire workspace is a hotplate and cutting board. never have to worry about them. We got very smart after being very stupid with formica, this time we picked a granite top with a speckle pattern in it, and it was dark green/black granite. You can't tell if its dirty or clean, it all looks like a speckle pattern. We never worry about any spills/stains/ burns/cuts, anything now. I even think at the time is was the same price as corriander (?sp?) because that was the hot item. how stupid, corriander is plastic!, it melts!!! one iron skillet set down on the counter and your done.

 

[pattyT]

Going neutral and staying with the tans/browns is probably the best way to go when choosing a color.

As far as worrying about stains, watermarks, ect., how about considering Caesarstone?
www.caesarstoneus.com

This is what we have in our house, and we love it! It has the look and feel of granite, but it's supposed to be more durable, and you don't get the watermarks and stains like you can with granite. I don't think the sheen is as glossy as granite, but it is very pretty. It cost less than granite too. Our countertops are in the "Carmel" color.

Dang I tried showing DH that -
but he is so ABOUT the Granite - thats because he won't have to clean it or police the kids all day