Materials
Granite Countertops in Seattle and the Eastside
A durable natural stone with strong heat tolerance and a one-of-a-kind speckled or veined look.
In plain language
What Granite Is and How It Behaves
- Heat tolerant
- Natural stone look
- Sealing needed
Granite is a natural igneous stone formed as magma cools slowly underground. Its crystalline structure makes it hard and tolerant of heat, and different minerals create a wide range of colors and patterns.
Granite is porous enough to need sealing. Each slab is unique, so we ask you to see the actual slab before fabrication. It is a long-standing kitchen choice and also handles outdoor use well.
Honest trade-offs
Granite: Strengths and Cautions
Strengths
- Very heat tolerant
- Hard, so it resists scratching
- Every slab is unique
- Handles outdoor weather well
Cautions
- Needs sealing, and resealing over time
- Stain resistance depends on the sealer
- Slab-to-slab variation means you must approve the exact slab
Real projects
Granite Colors and Patterns
Where it works
Where Granite Works Best
- Kitchen countertops
- Outdoor kitchens
- Barbecue surrounds
- Commercial surfaces
Real projects
Granite Installed
At a glance
Granite: The Durable, Heat-Tolerant Natural Stone
Granite is a natural igneous rock that forms when magma cools slowly underground and crystallizes into hard, crystalline stone. Different mineral compositions create its color variations, and every slab is one of a kind. It has been the kitchen-counter standard for generations, prized for heat tolerance, durability and value.
Granite is quarried in Brazil, India, China, the United States and South Africa, among other places. Patterns range from black-and-gold speckles to veined slabs in tan, brown, blue, green and red. Varieties clients ask about include Black Galaxy, Tan Brown, Verde Bahia, Uba Tuba and Giallo Veneziano.
Granite is porous enough to need sealing, which keeps it looking good for decades. We help you choose the actual slab in person before fabrication.
Side by side
Granite Compared with Other Countertop Surfaces
| Criterion | Granite | Engineered quartz | Quartzite | Marble | Porcelain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Composition | Natural igneous stone | Mostly ground quartz bound with resin | Natural metamorphic stone | Natural metamorphic stone | Ceramic clay and minerals, fired |
| Hardness | Hard | Hard | Very hard | Soft | Very hard |
| Heat | Very high | Lower: use a trivet | Very high | Good | Very high |
| Sealing | Periodic | Never | Periodic | Frequent | Never |
| Stains | Good when sealed | Excellent | Good when sealed | Stains and etches | Excellent |
| Outdoor and UV | Yes | Most brands indoor only | Yes, with care | No | Yes |
| Best for | Heat-heavy kitchens, outdoor, value | All-around kitchens and baths | Statement kitchens | Vanities, baths | Modern, outdoor |
Questions
Granite: Your Questions Answered
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