The short answer
For a kitchen that is cooked in every day, choose granite. It resists heat, knives and the acids in lemon, tamarind and tomato that etch marble. Dense dark granites hide stains and need the least care; light granites look softer and should be sealed against oil. Keep marble for the walls or the floor beyond the cooking area.
Key takeaways
- Granite resists heat, knives and the acids in lemon, tamarind and tomato.
- Dark, dense granites need the least care; light granites should be sealed against oil.
- Leather finish hides fingerprints and water marks on dark granite.
Advice for you
Tell us who you are and we will show you what matters most in this guide.
I am building or renovating my home
Think about how you cook. If the counter sees tadka, turmeric and lemon daily, choose a dark or speckled granite. If you love a light kitchen, choose a light granite and seal it.
Book a visit to see full slabsI am an architect or interior designer
Show clients the same granite in polished and leather side by side; the finish decision often matters more than the colour. Samples help with island and backsplash pairings.
Request samples for a clientI am a contractor or builder
Plan cut-outs for the hob and sink around the slab's veining and flecks. Seal light granites before handover.
Work out quantitiesI live outside Bengaluru
Plain granites such as Absolute Black are easy to choose from photographs. Patterned ones such as Black Galaxy are worth a video call.
Choose slabs on a video callWhich granites suit a working kitchen?
- Absolute Black: dense, plain black; very little care.
- Black Galaxy: black with gold flecks; hides crumbs and marks.
- Tan Brown: warm brown-black; hides stains.
- Colonial White and Alaska White: light and bright; seal against oil.
- Azul Bahia: a statement blue for an island.
| Stone | Heat | Knives | Lemon and tamarind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Granite | Resists | Resists | Resists |
| Marble | Resists | Scratches | Etches |
| Onyx | Avoid | Scratches | Etches |
Which finish suits a kitchen counter?
Polished is easiest to wipe. Leather hides fingerprints and water marks on dark granite. Honed looks calm but shows oil more on light stone. See stone for kitchen countertops for every granite that suits.
