Granite countertop quotes for kitchens and vanities

Why granite

Granite is natural stone, quarried in large blocks and sliced into slabs. It's hard, resists scratching, and copes with heat better than most countertop materials, so you can put a warm pot down without worrying. Because it's natural, no two slabs are identical: the speckles, veins and colour shifts are part of what people choose it for.

South Africa produces granites of its own, alongside stone imported from elsewhere, so suppliers often have a wide range of colours and prices in stock.

Choosing a slab

With a manufactured product, the sample matches the countertop. With granite, it may not. Colour and pattern can vary between slabs from the same quarry, and a small sample tile doesn't show the large-scale movement in a full slab.

If you can, visit the yard and choose your slab, or ask for photos of the actual slabs that will be used. Look at it under daylight, and think about where any strong veins or markings will fall once the tops are cut, particularly near joins and cut-outs.

Sealing and care

Granite is porous to varying degrees: some types barely absorb anything, while lighter, more open-grained stones can soak up oil and wine and stain. A penetrating sealer reduces absorption. Ask your supplier whether your chosen granite needs sealing, how it's done at installation, and how often to reseal.

A simple test: put a few drops of water on the surface. If they bead and sit for several minutes, the seal is working. If the stone darkens quickly where the water sits, it's time to reseal.

Day to day, clean granite with warm water and a pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid acidic cleaners, vinegar and harsh chemicals, which can dull the polish and break down the sealer over time.

Vanities and other uses

Granite is equally at home in bathrooms, as vanity tops with undermount or vessel basins, and outdoors, where it handles sun and weather better than engineered quartz. It's a popular choice for outdoor braai areas and bar counters.