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When it comes to natural stone surfaces, granite benchtops are often considered the gold standard – and for good reason. Granite has long been prized for its incredible durability and the majestic patterns it brings from the heart of the earth. In Perth, granite benchtops remain a popular choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor entertaining areas alike. At Schmick Stone & Cabinets, we specialize in designing and installing granite benchtops that add a touch of timeless beauty to your home while standing up to the demands of daily life.
Granite is a 100% natural igneous rock formed from molten magma cooling slowly beneath the earth’s crust. This slow cooling process gives granite its characteristic large mineral grains (hence the name granite, from the Latin granum for “grain”). Each slab of granite is unique, with a mix of crystals – typically quartz, feldspar, and mica – that create beautiful speckled patterns and flecks of color. Granite colors can range widely: classic black granites with subtle silver or gold sparkles, elegant white and gray granites with intricate swirls, warm golden and beige tones, even exotic shades of green, red, or blue. No matter the color, granite has a depth and natural artistry in its pattern that is impossible to replicate artificially. When you choose a granite benchtop, you’re truly getting a one-of-a-kind piece of nature in your home.
Granite isn’t just about looks – it’s also one of the most practical natural stones for benchtops:
Granite is extremely hard (rated 6–7 on the Mohs hardness scale, where 10 is diamond). It’s highly resistant to scratching – you could cut on it, but it will dull your knives before the countertop is harmed! (We still recommend using a cutting board to protect your knives and to keep the surface pristine.) It’s also very difficult to crack or chip under normal use due to its robust nature.
One of granite’s star qualities is its ability to handle heat. You can place hot pots and pans directly on many granite benchtops without fear of burning or scorching the surface – something you’d never dare to do with laminate or even most engineered stones. This makes granite ideal for busy kitchens and cooking enthusiasts. (As a precaution, avoid extreme temperature changes to the same spot repeatedly, but generally granite can take the heat of everyday cooking with ease.)
Each granite benchtop is a unique work of art. The swirling patterns or peppered grains in the stone add character and luxury to your kitchen or bathroom. Unlike manufactured materials, no one else will have the exact same countertop as you. Granite has a way of becoming a focal point in the room – a conversation piece that showcases your appreciation for natural beauty.
High-end features like granite benchtops are highly sought after by home buyers. Installing granite can increase your home’s value and market appeal. It’s seen as a mark of quality and durability. Many people consider a kitchen with granite benchtops as “upgraded” – it can even become a selling point if you ever list your property.
Perth’s lovely weather means outdoor kitchens and BBQ areas are popular. Granite is a fantastic choice for these spaces because it’s a natural stone that can withstand the elements. It won’t fade in direct sunlight (UV rays don’t break down granite like they can some resins in engineered stone), and with proper sealing it can resist the effects of rain and changing temperatures. We’ve installed granite tops in alfresco areas that remain beautiful year after year in the Perth sun.
Maintaining a granite benchtop is straightforward, but there are a few considerations to keep it looking its best. Granite, being a natural stone, is porous to some degree. This means it can absorb liquids and potentially stain if left unsealed or if spills are not cleaned promptly. The good news is that sealing granite is easy and highly effective. We seal all our granite benchtops upon installation with a premium penetrating sealer that doesn’t change the look of the stone but blocks out moisture and stains. Depending on the type of granite and usage, you’ll need to reseal it every so often – typically every 1 to 3 years for a kitchen benchtop (we’ll advise you based on the specific granite you choose; some very dense dark granites barely absorb anything and can go longer between sealings). Day-to-day cleaning just requires a mild detergent or stone-safe cleaner and a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or acidic cleaners; they’re unnecessary and could degrade the seal over time. With basic care, your granite will keep its glossy shine and rich color for decades. Should it ever lose a bit of luster after many years, a professional repolish can restore it to like-new condition – but with proper care, that’s rarely needed.
How does granite compare to other stone options?
Marble is another beloved natural stone, but it’s much softer and more porous than granite. Marble offers a different look (often with flowing, dramatic veins) but requires more careful maintenance to avoid stains and scratches. Granite is generally more forgiving and thus better suited for high-use kitchen countertops. Many Perth homeowners choose granite for the kitchen and reserve marble for smaller areas like bathroom vanities or feature pieces where the wear and tear is lower.
Engineered (composite) stone like Caesarstone is a strong competitor to granite because of its non-porous nature and uniform pattern options. However, nothing beats the natural allure of real granite for some people. Granite can handle heat better than most engineered stones and each slab has unique character. On the flip side, engineered stone offers more color consistency (if you prefer a very uniform look) and doesn’t need sealing. We help our clients weigh these choices based on lifestyle and aesthetics. Often, the decision comes down to falling in love with a particular granite slab versus a particular engineered sample – since we offer both, we support you whichever way you lean.
One of the exciting parts of getting a granite benchtop is selecting the exact slab that will be used for your project. We encourage our clients to visit our partner stone suppliers to view full slabs of granite in person. Photos don’t do justice to the depth and sparkle you can see with the naked eye. You might find yourself drawn to the dramatic contrast of Black Galaxy granite (midnight black with tiny shimmering gold specks), the elegant neutrality of River White granite (pale grey-white with gentle grey waves and burgundy flecks), or the bold beauty of Blue Pearl granite (a steel-blue stone from Norway with reflective blue crystals). We’ll help arrange a viewing and selection of slabs. Once you’ve picked “the one,” we reserve it for your project. Our stonemasons then carefully plan how to cut your benchtops from that slab to best showcase its patterns. If your kitchen layout requires multiple pieces, we take care to align the grains or veins so your benchtop looks harmonious across joins.
Granite installation is a task for seasoned professionals – these slabs are very heavy and require precision handling. Our team at Schmick has years of experience working with granite. We ensure your cabinets are level and sturdy enough to support the weight. Using specialized lifting equipment, we gently place the granite pieces into position according to our plan. Where two pieces of granite meet (if a join is necessary), we use color-tinted epoxy and clamps to pull the pieces tightly together, creating a nearly seamless transition. We then polish the join so it’s smooth to the touch. After installation, we apply a final coat of sealant, buff the surface, and inspect every detail to make sure the result is perfect. We’ll also walk you through care instructions for your particular granite. The installation process is efficient and respectful of your home – we aim to leave you with nothing but a beautiful new benchtop and a smile.
Few upgrades make as big an impact as installing a granite benchtop. It can transform an ordinary kitchen into a luxury space and is sure to serve you well for generations. If you’re interested in granite benchtops in Perth, contact Schmick Stone & Cabinets today. We offer a wide selection of gorgeous granites and will handle the entire process, from sourcing to installation, with the utmost care and craftsmanship. Visit us or give us a call to discuss your ideas – we can show you samples and share photos of our previous granite projects for inspiration. With our expertise, your journey to a stunning granite benchtop will be smooth and rewarding. Remember, at Schmick we believe in quality that lasts. Why get a poor quality flatpack kitchen when you can have a Schmick Kitchen? Embrace the enduring beauty of granite with us and enjoy a benchtop that truly rocks (in more ways than one)!