When it comes down to modern countertop options, granite is one of the best available today. There are many great benefits to having granite countertops, from their elegant appearance to their sheer durability. However, the color granite you decide to get can make a big difference. In this article, we’ll be looking at black and white granite and which is better!
White and black are two of the most popular granite color options. White granite is great for brightening a room and giving it a more spacious feel; however, you might struggle with stains going with the white. Black granite is great for enhancing other colors and hiding stains on the countertop but can show fingerprints and watermarks more easily.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about granite and the different color options available to you – namely, black and white granite. We’ll guide you through the pros and cons of each color so that you can make the best decision for your home. Let’s get started so you can make up your mind!
Your Guide to Granite
Granite is an ever-popular choice for countertops. In fact, granite can be a great investment where your home is concerned, adding additional value to your kitchen and home. While granite counters won’t have a major impact on the resale value of your home, they will help appeal to interested buyers.
When you choose granite counters for your kitchen, you’re picking a highly modern and stylish countertop option. There’s a timeless appeal to having granite countertops in your home. However, granite has far more benefits than just its sleek, refined appearance.
For starters, granite is an earth-friendly material. Granite is a great way to bring outside elements into your home. The natural look of granite, regardless of which color you choose, can help create a warm, homey atmosphere.
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Speaking of stone-based countertops, you’d have a hard time finding one more durable than granite. Granite is notoriously heavy, which only adds to its strength and robustness as a countertop option. Couple that with a sealer for the granite, and you have yourself a countertop with a long lifespan.
Granite is also known to be stain-resistant, especially when the granite countertop is resealed regularly. This sealant also makes granite impervious to bacteria and dirt. Furthermore, granite is resistant to scratching and handles heat well, making it the ideal choice for those who spend a lot of time in the kitchen. This makes it especially perfect for kitchen countertops.
While there are many benefits to having granite countertops in your home, you might have a hard time picking the right color granite for your countertops. Today, there is a spectrum of granite colors for you to choose from – from red granite to blue granite and everything in between.
However, did you know that the color granite you choose has its own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to these countertops? While there are many brilliant granite colors to choose from, we’ll be focusing on white and black granite in this article. Keep reading as we break down the pros and cons of white and black granite!
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Black Granite
As we discussed earlier in this article, there are many advantages to having granite countertops in your home. However, when it comes down to picking a color for your granite countertops, you may be struggling to decide on whether or not to get white or black granite. Keep reading as we break down the pros and cons of black granite!
The Advantages
Here are the advantages of black granite!
#1: Black Granite is Easier to Clean
In general, black granite countertops are easier to maintain in the long run. Due to the dark nature of this material, stains and marks are not as visible as they would be on a lighter color granite. Black granite hides marks like a magician!
Furthermore, the overall effort that goes into cleaning your black granite countertops is less than that of white granite. Kitchen countertops need to be cleaned regularly to maintain cleanliness – and wouldn’t you want to trim a few minutes off each cleanup? Black granite could be the answer!
#2: Black Granite Adds Depth to a Room
Picking a color of granite for your countertops is an important decision that requires sufficient consideration. After all, the color you pick will have an effect on the overall aesthetic of your home. Opting for black granite is a great way of adding more depth to a space.
There are few colors that can be considered as ‘deep’ as the color black. In terms of using the color black to add depth to the interior design of your home, black granite countertops would function in a similar manner to adding a black feature wall.
#3: Fifty Shades of Black Granite
Above, we discussed the importance of picking the right color for your granite countertops. However, that decision isn’t as simple as just choosing between black or white. You’ll find black granite comes in many different shades.
The fact that there are numerous black hues and granite patterns for you to pick from is a testament to the versatility of this material. Picking the right shade of black granite for your countertops is a great way to accentuate your kitchen.
#4: Black Granite Enhances Other Colors
It’s a known fact that black goes with anything. While this rule typically applies to clothing choices, it can also refer to black granite! When it comes down to pairing the color of your countertops to your furniture and the interior of your home, black is always a simple – yet effective – choice.
That’s because black truly does go with any color, meaning that it will likely already fit into your design scheme. Furthermore, the black color of the granite will enhance those other colors and make them pop. In this way, black granite can increase the vibrance of space by enhancing the other colors present there.
The Disadvantages
Here are the disadvantages of black granite!
#1: Black Granite is Prone to Marks
While spills and stains won’t be easily visible on black granite, fingerprints and watermarks will be. For all the benefits black granite offers, this is one of the harsh realities about this material. If you’ve ever noticed your fingerprint marks on your phone screen, then you essentially know what to expect when it comes to black granite countertops.
However, fingerprints on your countertop could be a gentle reminder to clean your granite ‘tops. This will help you extend the lifetime of your granite countertops. You can supplement this by sealing your granite at least once annually. This will protect your investment from watermarks
#2: Dust is More Noticeable on Black Granite
Like fingerprints and watermarks, dust is another downside of choosing black granite for your countertops. Dust is more visible on dark surfaces, like black granite, which can make the countertop feel unclean.
If you live in an area where dust is known to collect, such as a desert region, then you might want to opt for white granite countertops instead. However, wiping down your granite counters to prevent dust isn’t the most tedious chore out there.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of White Granite
Above, we broke down the various advantages and disadvantages of black granite countertops. Now it’s time to consider the alternative end of the granite color spectrum: white granite. Keep reading as we break down the pros and cons of choosing white granite for your countertops.
The Advantages
Here are the advantages of white granite!
#1: White Granite Comes in Many Heavenly Shades
Above, we mentioned the benefit of the many shades of black granite that are available. Similarly, there are numerous heavenly shades of white granite for you to pick from. In fact, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to find pure white granite countertops.
Due to the minerals present within granite slabs, you’ll notice many different shades and colored speckles in your granite. Whether you go for a snow-white granite to a creamy or ivory variation, there are countless options for you to pick from!
#2: White Granite Brightens Your Home
Regardless of which shade of white granite you decide on, one thing is for certain: white granite will brighten your home. White is a pure color that is associated with natural light. White granite brings a sophisticated aesthetic to any space while brightening it.
For smaller kitchens with limited space, white granite can be the perfect option to provide a more spacious feeling. In larger rooms with dark floors or cupboards, white granite can be the perfect way to introduce lighter tones to your interior style to balance it out.
#3: White Granite Compliments Most Colors
White granite is highly compatible with the interior spaces of most homes. Of course, we said the same thing for black granite above. Ultimately, black and white are two opposing colors that can either help you create contrast or visual cohesion.
With white granite, you have the option of using it to create a cohesive color scheme throughout a certain space, or you could use it to contrast your floors of cupboards. What’s even better is that, regardless of how you use the white granite in your kitchen, it’s sure to be compatible!
#4: White Granite is Ideal for Food Preparation
In general, granite is a fantastic kitchen counter option. Not only are these counters rather resistant to scratches, but they also resist heat rather well. Furthermore, granite helps maintain hygiene as it doesn’t harbor bacteria or allow for mold growth.
For food preparation, however, white granite countertops can be even better. The reason is simple: you’ll really be able to see your ingredients on your counter and what you’re doing. If you’re an avid cooker, white granite may be the best option for you!
The Disadvantages
Here are the disadvantages of white granite!
#1: White Granite Requires More Frequent Sealing
When it comes to granite, it is well-known that many white granites are highly porous by nature – more so than black granite! As the sealer on your white granite breaks down over time, your porous granite will become exposed, which can lead to stains absorbing within short spans of time.
With dark-colored granites, the granite will need to be resealed once every three to five years. White and light-colored granites, on the other hand, will likely need to be resealed more often to increase their lifespan and prevent damage. Ultimately, how often you need to seal your granite will depend on the stone and sealant you use.
#2: White Granite Can Be Visually Uneven
Granite is a naturally occurring material. Due to this, no two granite slabs are exactly alike. While it’s possible to match them as closely as possible, it’s not always possible to find a perfect match in color and pattern. Ultimately, this means that you might struggle to craft a cohesive visual style with white granite.
However, it’s not impossible! It ultimately depends on how much granite you need to use. However, if you’re worried about an uneven visual appearance, you might want to opt for black granite countertops.
#3: Spills are Immediately Visible on White Granite
Unlike black granite countertops, spills and stains will be immediately visible on white granite. Unfortunately, it’ll be hard to ignore that little stain. Against the white granite, any stain is sure to stick out like a sore thumb.
For this reason, white granite countertops will require more maintenance to keep clean. However, on the upside, the visibility of the spills and stains means that they can be quickly and effectively dealt with before they do any damage to your countertops.
#4: Some White Granite is Prone to Rust
Granite is often used in kitchens, where it may be regularly exposed to water. After all, water is used for everything from preparing dinner to washing up afterward. However, did you know that some white granites contain iron?
Due to this, certain white granites are known to oxidize or rust when they are placed in close proximity to water or moisture. On a white granite countertop, these rust stains can be very unsightly and can blemish the appearance of the counter overall.
Is Black or White Granite Better?
In the previous sections of this article, we discussed the various benefits and drawbacks of both white and granite countertops. Now you may find yourself wondering which is best. Unfortunately, there’s no clear-cut answer to this question.
As we broke down at the start of this article, there are many great benefits of having granite countertops in the first place. From its durability to its natural beauty, the list goes on. Regardless of which color option you decide on, you can rest assured knowing you’re making a sound investment.
Using our list, you’ll be able to weigh the pros and cons of these granite color options to make the best decision for yourself. If you’re not a fan of cleaning spills, black granite might be the perfect low-maintenance choice for you. If you’re trying to create a more spacious atmosphere, white granite could do the trick. The choice is yours!
Conclusion
In this article, we broke down the pros and cons of both white and black granite. Using our handy list, you’ll be able to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of these color options in order to make the perfect choice for your home. Which will it be: white granite or black granite?