What color granite or slate?
Hi everyone! I just moved into a new apartment and I want to change my countertop. The backsplash is carrara marble subway tile (at least I think it is). I really want natural stone & I was thinking cosmic black granite if I can find a slab that doesn't have too much white but I'm afraid that may look too busy. Slate could be another option. The New Caledonia granite that is currently there is very busy & has no relationship to the marble so it's really bothering me. I would love to have it with a choseled edge of I can find someone who does that. Does anyone have any suggestions of what I should go with? It's a Manhattan apartment so it's a small kitchen. TIA!
Comments (8)
mark_rachel
6 years agoWould you be open to keeping the granite & changing the backslash? That would be much cheaper. Black granite is going to make the space seem smaller. I would keep it light if you are going to replace.
Sunny A thanked mark_rachelRelated Discussions
slate with granite ?
Comments (9)Faye, our granite does go well with multi-colored slate if you like the colors. It's called Lady's Dream (aka Lady Dream, Ladies Dream, Juparana Angelica are some alternate names I have seen.) One of the things I liked was that it contains both warm and cool tones, so you can take accessories or wall paint either direction....I found I loved both warm khaki/olive wall color or a cool juniper-grayish green with it. And it goes very well with "metal" colors which is good for me as I like old copper, rusted iron, and pewter accessories a lot (or stainless steel appliances.) It's a very "busy" granite with lots of pattern and movement, but somehow even with the "busy" slate floor, the overall effect is soft and restful but still rich (or so I've been told.) Here are a couple of pics of slabs: b1.jpg" target="_blank">...See Morepics of granite, help choose grout for slate and backsplash
Comments (1)I'd do the buff grout with the subway tiles. Sometimes the contrasting grout can feel old more quickly than a grout that blends in more seamlessly. Don't think I'd do white grout with your colors, though, too stark....See MoreSlate vs granite farmhouse sink
Comments (20)I'm not sure about the bacteria breeding ground, Quadesl. Is that true of granite? Good point, Trebruchet. I'm not sure about the IAPMO approval. I'm not sure how that process works. I'll have to check into it. Thanks, circuspeanut. I hadn't even thought about that. The slate sink is 1" thick. The granite sink is 1 1/2" thick. I think our granite counter tops will only be 2cm thick. But then I guess the front "edge" of granite countertops is usually thicker. Hmm... circuspeanut, if your slate countertops are 100 years old, then slate must be very durable! Is the maintenance easy? Do you have to seal it periodically, and if so, how often? Thanks so much for the input!...See MoreCare for slate v granite
Comments (22)Hello all!! My husband has been templating for and installing Slate countertops for years! Yes, Slate is WONDERFUL as a countertop! When properly honed, it can be as smooth as butter. As far as maintenance, a little hot soapy water and you are all set! And, yes, I have Slate in my own kitchen. It NEVER needs sealing and is stain resistant. ( It is only 3% pourous) When small scratches occur (and they will!!) all you need is some oooo steel wool to buff it right out. Deeper scratches will require some fine sandpaper followed up by the steel wool. My husband works exclusively with Sheldon Slate in Granville, New York. He does the templating, delivery and installations and they do all of his fabricating. The range of colors and their craftmanship is phenominal! If you are looking for a durable, long lasting, old-fashioned and absolutely beautiful countertop for your kitchen, whether a new building or a remodel, I strongly suggest Slate. It's forever!!...See MoreSunny A
6 years ago
Rita / Bring Back Sophie 4 Real
6 years agolast modified: 6 years agoSunny A thanked Rita / Bring Back Sophie 4 Real
PROStoneshop
6 years agoI agree and think that a dark gray or black granite would look beautiful! While any solid black surface will show more dust, smudges, and fingerprints, you could always opt for a darker stone with a little bit of pattern to conceal the occasional mark. Leathered finish granites also tend to hide marks better than a honed or polished surface will. Some granites that you may like are Jet Mist, Angola Black Leathered, American Black, Soapstone (although Soapstone is prone to scratching), Impala Black, or Silver Pearl Leathered. Below is a photo of Silver Pearl Leathered granite countertops with a backsplash similar to yours--just gorgeous!
Mont Blanc Quartzite & Silver Pearl Granite in a White Kitchen · More Info
Mont Blanc Quartzite & Silver Pearl Granite in a White Kitchen · More InfoSunny A thanked Stoneshop
Janet
6 years agolast modified: 6 years ago
I just re-did a kitchen and used Carrara marble for the counter top with a grey glass tile backsplash. I used quartz on the island because you have to make lemonade somewhere, and marble isn't the place! I would suggest perhaps a quartz counter like this Cloudy Wave color:
I have an Absolute Black bathroom counter and I hate it--water marks all the time!
Sunny A thanked Janet
Sheridan Interiors, Kitchens and Baths