Whether you are choosing benchtops for your kitchen or the bathroom, you’ll be looking for a material that is both practical and stylish.  Granite fits both of these criteria beautifully but did you know that there are actually different types of granite benchtops available?  Here’s what you need to know. if you'd like to know anything else or want help in choosing your new granite benchtop, speak to your local kitchen benchtops expert.

Solid Granite Benchtops

Solid granite benchtops are those that are cute from solid pieces of granite. They incorporate no other materials. Solid granite benchtops are so popular because of their durability – it is scratch resistant, heat resistant and very easy to clean.  Granite does need to be resealed periodically however to ensure that it is not porous.  The sealing ensures that liquids and the like do not penetrate and cause staining.  You’ll find that solid granite benchtops are available in a massive range of natural colours from whites and beiges through to greys and blacks.  The beauty of solid granite benchtops is that they are unique looking – each one looks slightly different due to the natural variation in the stone.        

Granite Veneer Benchtops

A new innovation in granite benchtops is something called granite veneer benchtops.  These are ideal if you have ugly benchtops that are still in excellent structural condition as you can lay them straight over the top, saving you the expense of replacing the entire benchtop.  The granite veneer itself is actually engineered and it is more durable and easier to care for than traditional granite benchtops are.  In some cases, you may be able to find a solid granite veneer, which is essentially a thin granite “slipcover”.  Granite veneer benchtops are available in a huge range of colours and you also have the option of continuing them up the wall to create a seamless benchtop/splashback combination.