A granite worktop creates the look and feel of elegance in a kitchen. In addition, most types of granite are easy to keep clean and exceptionally durable. So, it comes as no surprise that granite continues to be a very popular choice as a kitchen worktop.

Granite is an igneous rock formed by nature millions of years ago. It is found in most parts of the world, each quarry producing a stone with its own unique colour and character. Most types of granite are relatively coarse in structure. This often gives granite the appearance of slight pitting on the surface, which is particularly apparent under spotlights. This is not a sign of poor quality, it is a natural characteristic. Colour and structural variations are also inherent in all types of granite. For this reason, colour samples can only be used as an indication.


Granite finishes

The majority of granite surfaces supplied by Jetstone have a polished finish (glossy). In addition to its luxurious look and feel, a benefit of this type of finish is that the top layer is sealed, making it less susceptible to staining.

Certain types of granite can also be supplied with a matt surface, either honed (low sheen), satin (brushed) or flamed (textured). Granite with a matt finish gives the worktop a rustic appearance, however the top layer has a relatively open structure, which means the materials are more susceptible to staining, mainly during the first months of use. This will improve over the course of time and the material will also become slightly darker in colour.


Granite in everyday use

Although characteristics vary slightly depending on the colour, as a guideline the different finishes can be compared as follows:


Scratch resistance

Granite polished + + + + + [good]
Granite honed/satin + + + + + [good]
Granite flamed + + + + + [good]


Heat resistance*

Granite polished + + + + + [good]
Granite honed/satin + + + + + [good]
Granite flamed + + + + + [good]


Stain resistance

Granite polished + + + + [okay]
Granite honed/satin + + + [fair]
Granite flamed + + [moderate]


*Although granite is in fact highly resistant to heat damage, there is a risk of ‘thermoshock’ occurring if the worktop is subjected to large temperature differences (for example, placing a very hot pan on a cold surface). Thermoshock causes irreparable damage.