4 Reasons Homeowners Prefer Countertops Made of Black Granite

The primary materials used to build the ancient pyramids of Egypt included large bricks made of mud and basalt, slabs of limestone for the exterior cladding, and black granite panels to line the interior walls in the vestibules of funeral chambers. Granite comes in many colors, but the darker tones are more difficult to find as large blocks, which is why few monumental sculptures are made entirely of black granite, but there’s enough of this natural stone to be cut into slabs for countertops. To understand what makes this type of stone such a popular choice, here are a few things you should know. 1. They Add a Touch of Luxury to a Home The trend of black granite countertops started in the early 1980s, a time when interior designers favored stylish black and white living spaces contrasted by primary colors. In the beginning, laminate and solid surface materials were preferred, but homeowners who wanted more upscale looks settled on white marble and black granite, particularly with honed and polished finishes. Black granite can add depth and luminance to a kitchen or bathroom. When caring for your black granite countertops, there are three important steps to remember. Watch this quick yet informative video explaining the process of properly cleaning, sealing, and polishing natural stone: 2. There Are Many Options to Choose From With more than 40 countries operating quarries where dark granite blocks are extracted, you can find a great variance in tones and veining patterns. A popular type of black granite is the “absolute” kind, which as its name suggests is very dark and nearly devoid of veining, thus resembling exotic dark onyx. Galaxy black granite is filled with white flecks, thus evoking the beauty of a starry night. Black beauty granite from Brazil features bold veining that looks like a colorful mosaic. There are dozens of black granite surfaces to choose from, and no two slabs look the same. 3. They’re Durable Not everything about black granite is limited to its gorgeous looks. Dark granite is a great choice for a kitchen countertop where a lot of food preparation is expected. Granite is hard, and its surface offers low porosity, which means it won’t stain easily, provided it’s cared for properly. 4. They’re Easy to Maintain By virtue of its durability, granite is a natural stone that isn’t difficult to maintain. With a granite cleaner such as Granite Gold Daily Cleaner®, keeping your black granite countertops clean is as easy as spraying the surface and wiping them down. Its special formula doesn’t leave streaks, and you don’t have to worry about weakening the protective seal when using it. You should also use Granite Gold Sealer® and Granite Gold Polish® to further help you protect your investment. Keep in mind the popularity of black granite can boost the value of your home, thus making proper maintenance crucial. To ensure you have plenty of cleaner on-hand to keep your dark granite countertops well maintained (or any other type of natural-stone counters you might have), purchase a handy granite daily cleaner refill. If you have any questions about caring for natural stone, reach out to the Stone Care Experts at Granite Gold® at 1-800-475-STONE. Also, make sure to follow us on Twitter for even more tips on quartz and natural-stone care.