Granite benchtops

 

Granite benches are reasonably porous, but will hold up beautifully and add significantly to the value of your home if they're properly maintained. Image by exfordy, used under the CC BY 2.0 license.

What is granite?

Granite is a hard, relatively coarse-grained type of igneous rock, which is very popularly used in construction, and which is particularly prized in its polished form as a benchtop surface. Granite is the second most expensive benchtop surface behind marble, and is arguably the most attractive.

Granite is a natural product, and for that reason it's prone to colour variations - but like all natural products this adds to the charm of the material and the overall aesthetic. Granite is timeless, stylish and long-lasting.

What are the properties of granite benchtops?

Granite is not porous, and unlike laminate or acrylic it can easily withstand extreme temperatures. Having said that, the natural expansion and contraction of the stone means that it's still best to avoid exposing it to extreme hot and cold, as cracking may occur. Granite's other benefit over many other materials is that it can withstand staining and scratching.

Granite benches are hygienic, easy to keep clean and to maintain. To clean a granite bench, you can just use a non-abrasive household cleaning fluid and a damp cloth.

Granite is mined from a pit, and even though granite can be sourced from Australian quarries, there is considerable energy and waste required to mine it and turn it into a benchtop. if you're after an environmentally friendly option granite may not be your first choice.