Natural stone kitchen countertops are relevant today. Granite countertop – trendy and useful. The white granite countertop is stylish, spectacular, and luxurious. This extraordinary rock’s decorative properties have been known for a very long time – it is not without reason that it remains an attribute of exclusive finishing for more than a decade. Incredible design, created by nature itself, and almost unmatched strength characteristics make white granite an ideal material for making a work, dining, or counter bar surface in the kitchen.
In principle, Granite conquers with a variety of shades, but it is the white varieties that have been at the peak of popularity over the past few years. This is primarily due to the demand for laconic and restrained interior styles and trends for a light palette. However, even if we ignore the trends, the white granite countertop will adorn any kitchen. What is the secret of its magnetism, why it is worth thinking about such a design solution, and with what such surfaces can be combined – let’s talk more in detail.
White granite kitchen countertops: pros and cons
The main reason that inspires the installation of white granite surfaces remains the stone slabs’ fantastic beauty. A variety of shades of white and a unique vein pattern in each case make it easy to create an exclusive kitchen design. However, granite slabs have many other advantages:
With all its advantages, the operation of white stone countertops also has certain disadvantages. While they are not critical in some cases, understanding them can help avoid disappointment. In the case of granite, there are only two of them – this is a relatively high porosity of some varieties and some types’ tendency to oxidize at high humidity due to their iron content. That is why it is worth purchasing materials from trusted suppliers who have been working for a long time and have a solid reputation.
White granite: varieties and properties
White granite is rare in nature. Today, most of its deposits are located in Brazil, and the rest are in India’s various regions. From these two countries, granite and slabs for finishing are exported to the USA and Europe, and in each of them, only certain varieties are found.
Before talking about the varieties of white granite, it is worth mentioning a significant fact. If you expect from this stone the snow-white smoothness of statuario marble or the warm and uniform purity of Calacatta, then you will be disappointed. White granite will never be flawless white due to the massive amount of inclusions of various types of spars, quartz, and mica, and it never has a uniform color for the same reason. If the ambiguity of the color texture attracts you, then it’s time to learn about the varieties of white granite, which is now widely in demand in the production of kitchen countertops.
Alaska White
This variety is granite with a white background and brown, gray and black spots. Contrary to the name, this famous variety is mined all in the same Brazil. However, this stone’s stunning blend of cold and warm colors, including icy silver, frosty white, rich cocoa, and deep onyx, is reminiscent of the spectacular northern landscape. Moderate variations in tone, grain, and pattern ensure Alaska White blends perfectly with dark, light, and wood kitchen fronts.
Alps White
Another variety from Brazil is a contrast etude composed of shimmering white crystals, ash spots, and bright black – all on a warm white background. This sophisticated shade will organically fit into the interior of any kitchen – both traditional and modern. In terms of price, a countertop made of such granite will not cost too much: its slabs belong to the middle price segment.
Andino White
Brazilian Andino White granite captivates with soft gray-white tones with beige and charcoal accents – while the background is reasonably uniform and can range from brighter to more subdued. Stone countertops of this type are perfectly combined with light and dark tones of kitchen fronts, stainless steel, and natural oak – and at the same time, Andino white granite countertops are not too expensive.
Colonial White
Colonial White is white granite from India with a soft creamy background with black highlights and smoky silver accents. If you plan on installing a white granite countertop but go for a warmer palette, colonial white is the best solution. Designers recommend combining it with light-colored furniture to create a cozy and airy space.
New River White
New River White is another of the few varieties harvested in India. This scenic light-colored granite is composed of alabaster rock adorned with small crimson blotches and silvery veins. Looks excellent with light-colored furniture and backsplash, but it is most often matched to dark environments due to its ability to create an extremely effective contrast.
Moon White
Indian white granite in a bright shade, eye-catching with outstanding uniformity of color. Designers see it as one of the most sophisticated varieties, with ivory, silver-gray and bold black creating a unique pattern. Relative affordability and compatibility with a wide variety of shades and materials – from very light to neutral, from glazed tiles on a backsplash to stainless steel – are other significant advantages of this type.
Mystic Spring
Mystic Spring is granite from Brazil with an expressive veining pattern and rich color transitions. Eye-catching thanks to its subtle, intricate combination of grays and whites, shaded with charcoal patterns. Versatility is the hallmark of this variety; it perfectly matches many premium materials, from porcelain stoneware to mosaic. Countertops made from this type of granite look great in traditional interiors, and in combination with darker facades, they acquire a sophisticated warm tone.
Salinas White
Salinas White is a mid-priced Brazilian variety. This creamy white stone features dense clusters of onyx-colored patches with less contrasting accents of light pewter and smoky brown. Designers love this variety for its delicate shimmer, pattern stability, and versatility. Surfaces made of such granite organically fit into any interior and environment but look especially beautiful against a dark wood background.
White Ice
A luxurious shade native of Brazil, captivating with a snowy sheen, accentuated by contrasting gray-blue veins. This variety is most often chosen for modern kitchens decorated in cool light and dark tones and is exceptionally well combined with metallic elements and surfaces.
White Valley
One of the relatively new Brazilian varieties in design. Laconic and surprisingly even gray veins set off its charming white background. The palette’s restraint and depth give this variety of granite countertops a unique aesthetic distinguished by an authentic classic style.
White Ornamental
White Ornamental is light and relatively inexpensive Brazilian granite that combines soft white, cream, and gray-brown shades. This symbiosis creates an extremely sophisticated and delicate color texture that perfectly complements the monochrome environment. Such white granite countertops look no less impressive with contrasting furniture and bright color accents.
White Spring
White Spring is one of the most expensive granites from Brazil with a white crystal base, complemented by white, gray, and crimson patches, which can make the background darker or lighter depending on their frequency and density. Cherry and mahogany furniture fronts accentuate broad red accents on the granite surface, while whites create a striking contrast.
Bianco Romano
Luxurious white granite with a texture incredibly similar to the famous Carrara marble with silvery gray veins. At the same time, it is closer to the so-called Carrara Dark variety with a very dense and frequent pattern – a stone similar to pure white marble with a minimum percentage of inclusions does not occur in nature. Granite countertops of this type perfectly complement exclusive classic interiors.
White granite countertops: matching furniture color
White granite is an exquisite and quite expensive yet versatile material. The priority area of its use remains classic design. However, in a modern setting, it is no less organic. In this case, the essential thing is to choose the right type and texture of the slab for your countertop. Since a kitchen set and a backsplash are located closest to it, you have to consider their shades when choosing a white granite variety.
Light cabinets
Since pure and monochrome white granite simply does not exist, you can easily choose an option to match any light shade furniture, focusing on its tone – warm or cold. If you want to get by with smaller color accents, look at varieties with less variegation and density of veins – White Ice, White Valley, and Bianco Romano are perfect. For contrasting solutions, designers recommend using white granite slabs with expressive dark veins – for example, White Alps and Andino White.
Dark cabinets
A white granite countertop in a kitchen with a dark set will help you avoid unnecessary gloom. To do this, we recommend choosing varieties with a base color from light to medium without any intricate pattern. The optimal solution would be such varieties as Salinas White and Moon White.
Bright cabinets
Modern colored facades are rarely complemented with white granite countertops due to the difference in texture quality. However, if you still cannot give up the idea of installing such a surface in your kitchen, give up varieties that are overly saturated with color transitions, preferring a uniform warm background and a clear uniform pattern.
Cherry and mahogany furniture fronts
Cherry and mahogany are expensive woods that delight the eye with exquisite dark red tones. Cream white granite or soft white granite with brown veins. Warm Colonial White notes and reddish New River White inclusions create an excellent combination for interiors in classic or American style or noble country.
Backsplash for a white granite worktop
Granite countertops, especially those made of white stones, require an organic addition – therefore, it is essential to approach the selection of materials for a backsplash with great care. You can use matte tiles, mosaics, and porcelain tiles, but the most important thing is to match the color. In this regard, focus on the background tone and shades of the veins. However, expressive and vivid ornaments and printed backsplashes should be avoided as they inevitably overwhelm the natural beauty of granite.
White granite countertops: Conclusions + Photo Gallery
The countertop made of white granite is a sign of discreet luxury and impeccable taste. By intelligently integrating the material into your kitchen or dining room’s interior, you will take another step towards an exclusive and memorable interior.
