Benefits of Granite Countertops and Edge Profiles

Kitchen countertops are the centerpiece of large kitchens. The right countertop material can draw more attention than cabinets or your kitchen appliances. But how do you choose the right countertop material? It might sound easy but choosing the right kitchen countertop is harder than it sounds, there are so many materials for kitchen countertops to choose from like quartz, quartzite, granite, concrete, marble, wood, and laminate. The right countertop material should be elegant, durable, and should be easy to clean. When it comes to kitchen countertops, granite offers the most benefits. Granite countertops are one of the most popular kitchen countertop options in Los Angeles. We’ve written this blog article to help you with your kitchen remodeling project, so you can design and build the kitchen you have always dreamed of. Our experience in designing and building hundreds of kitchen remodels in the South Bay region of Los Angeles makes us the best source for home remodeling tips.

Easy to Clean

(granite is easy to clean – no harsh chemicals needed)

Granite countertops are beautiful and easy to clean, making them one of the best options for kitchen countertops. Granite is scratch resistant, stain resistant, heat resistant, and easy to take care of. Choosing the right color for your kitchen counters is a matter of personal taste. You’ll have no trouble finding a slab of granite that fits the look you are going for. When considering a solid countertop, you should always start with granite. Granite slabs are the polished sheets of stone that your granite countertops start from. But know that you’ve decided on granite, it’s time to choose the right color and edge combination for your kitchen. Granite edges might go unnoticed by most people, but those with peculiar taste will know that details like edges matter. As a non-porous stone, granite is also resistant against bacteria. If cleaned and maintained properly, your granite stone can help you against bacteria during food preparation. When using granite as a food preparation surface you should take special care to disinfect your countertops daily, because traces of fats and proteins can harbor bacteria if not cleaned thoroughly. Just keep in mind that the characteristics and performance of granite may vary by the color of the stone:

Light or Dark?

Light granites usually have swirling or flowing patterns. They may also have randomly placed crystals, large and small.  These granites hide messy counters well.  Light granites are often more porous and softer than darker colors.  Light colored granites require sealing with multiple coats of penetrating sealer before use.

(Light Amarone Granite – image courtesy of Houzz)

Dark granites are more subdued than the lighter ones. They are also more consistent in crystal pattern.  Dark granites usually require few or no coats of sealer.

Black granite such as Galaxy Black or Absolute Black is not really granite but rather a gabbro or dolomite.  It performs better than true granite because it requires no sealing, and is very consistent.

(Dark Colored Granite Slab – image courtesy of MSI International)

Edge Profiles

Granite Edges

After choosing the slab for your countertop, it’s time to choose the kind of edge you want for it. Stone edges are a design element that you choose prior to fabrication. The edge that you choose can have a dramatic impact on the look and feel of your kitchen and countertops. There are so many choices to choose from. Depending on the shape, it will affect cost, function, and cleanliness. Choosing a premium or custom edge requires professional installation that only experiences master masons can install. Our team includes masons with years of experience installing high-end countertops.

(Typical Countertop Edges)

Eased Edge:

This edge is most commonly used on backsplashes but can also be used on countertops to give it a clean look. Eased edge offers a square flat face with the sharp edge on top rounded slightly.  Sometimes, the eased edge is rounded enough to be called a quarter round granite edge.

(image courtesy of RE Marble & Granite)

Half Bullnose/ Rounded-Over Edge:

The half bullnose edge can also be called the round-over because instead of being squared off, it is rounded over.  It offers a smooth and round surface. It shows a larger cross section of your stone.

Demi Bullnose Edge:

This is not the half bullnose. This edge is very smooth, flowing and shows a larger cross section of the countertop making it appear thicker. This edge is usually the least expensive treatment that gives you similar rounding to the half bullnose.

Full Bullnose Edge:

The full bullnose has the most contemporary look of all the granite countertop edges. A side view of full bullnose shows the shape of a half circle. The full bullnose is gentle on the body and has no edges. It tends to make the countertops look thinner.

Bevel Edge:

Bevels are 45-degree cuts into the edge of the stone. The deeper the cut, the wider the bevel face is.

Ogee Edge:

From the side, an ogee edge forms the shape of an "S". This is often the most elaborate edge offered by granite fabricators. Ogee is used to achieve a more traditional look.

Dupont Edge:

Also known as the "Bird's Beak", the Dupont edge looks like a demi bullnose with a notch at the top. It may tend to chip depending on the stone. More elaborate profiles can be made with special router bits like this Triple Waterfall. Real craftsman can create an unlimited array of edges by gluing together different profiles. To achieve a more natural or rustic edge the stone has to be chiseled. Some fabricators chisel this edge by hand. Others may use pneumatic chiseling machines. The chiseled edge is rough and looks like a naturally broken piece of granite. It is slightly smoothed and sprayed with a clear coat finish for shine.

Watch: Countertop Trends for 2021

Want to Learn More?

If you want to learn more about kitchen & bathroom remodeling I have over 200 articles for you to learn the ins-and-outs of home remodeling in the South Bay. Here are some articles that I think you will find useful.

• How Much Does it Cost to Remove Load-Bearing Walls?
• Top Kitchen Trends in the South Bay
• Popular Kitchen Designs & Layouts
• Open Concept Kitchen Design Ideas.

For over 15 years Bay Cities Construction has helped hundreds of homeowners with their home remodeling projects, helping them transform their house into a home they love. Our team has the experience and expertise to help you with home remodeling, kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling, home additions, soft-story retrofits, and home additions. When you hire Bay Cities Construction you don’t just hire a contractor, you also hire an entire team of Pros. With several years of experience, our team has the expertise to help you with Interior Design, Architectural and Engineering Services, City Representation, Permit Processing, Construction Project Management, and Construction services. If you think Bay Cities Construction is the right team for you, contact us today.