Among the different minerals used for countertops during remodeling and renovations, granite is one of the most popular and sought after. Majority of the customers choose granite because of its durability, low maintenance and cleaning requirements, and its eloquent aesthetics for timeless beauty.
In terms of color, granite usually comes in gray, black, red, blue, off-white, and brown. Among these colors, gray and black granite provides the best dramatic atmosphere for your kitchen and bathroom remodeling. For this session, we are going to discuss more on the beauty of black granite countertops.
Black Granite Variety
Under black granite countertops, we have a few varieties to choose from such as black galaxy granite, black pearl granite, and black forest granite.
Black Galaxy Granite
Black galaxy granite slab has several flecks of white or gold and background of deep black color like the universe. It has versatile applications for countertops, wall, backsplash, and flooring. Similar to other granite colors, it has good consistency with texture and tone but the presence of these tiny flecks makes it more attractive.
Granite countertops are classified into five based on quality – A, B, C, D, and E (from highest to lowest grade). The average price of black galaxy granite is between $70 to $90 per square foot.
If you go for a prefabricated black galaxy granite, the cost will be $300 to $400 per slab. For prefabricated island tops, the price is around $400 to $600 each, while black galaxy granite backsplash is under $100 per slab.
Black Pearl Granite
Black pearl granite is also called silver pearl granite where its black ground is covered with specks of gray and silver color. Compared to other variety of black granite, this one has a more consistent pattern with no overwhelming specks of white or silver. Typically, this black granite is made of 60%-80% granite mineral.
This type of black granite is known to have excellent resistance against scratch and stain. However, dirt and smudges from fingerprints are easily left on the surface of a black pearl granite. The price of this black granite is $40 to $50 for thicker ones while for the thinner slabs, it is priced at $25 to $35 per square foot.
Honed Black Granite
The color of your black granite slab changes depending on the treatment of its surface. For honed black granite, you will not expect a rich black color rather grayish tone can be seen.
When you apply any colour-enhancing agent or it gets wet, then your honed black granite takes the rich black color. However, you do not get a polished look even with the color enhancement. Similar to black pearl granite, this one is also prone to smudges on fingerprints.
Black Forest Granite
The patterns in a black forest granite are much bolder compared to the previous types. It has a polished surface so you will get a rich black color, unlike the honed black granite. Typically, the obsidian black color of this granite is flourished with streaks of white and specks randomly scattered over the surface.
It is also known by other names such as Nero Foresto Granite and Oscuro Mist Granite. You can have two textures for this type – honed and polished. A polished black forest granite is best used for interior designing while the honed type is for exterior renovations.
Black Granite Kitchen
If you want your kitchen remodeling to become more dramatic and classic, then choosing for a black granite kitchen is the best choice. You will have low maintenance and cleaning requirements for your daily usage. Likewise, it has good resistance against heat, scratch, and stain.
Black Granite Countertops Pros and Cons
Despite the elegance and timeless beauty of granite, you need to know the positive and negative features of this mineral. Overall, the positive features of black granite outweigh its gripes and still a popular choice among homeowners.
Pros of Black Granite
- Elegance – Most people who chose black granite would tell you they chose this mineral because of the immense sophistication and elegance it adds to their kitchen and bathroom renovations.
The rich dark color of granite creates a sense of depth in your space which is a head-turner for most guests.
- Uplifts Other Colors – Because of the lack of color, it is capable of enhancing other bright colors inside your kitchen or bathroom. It provides a great contrast with your stainless or chrome finish appliances and white cabinets.
- Durability and Easy to Maintain – Granite is a mineral known for its hardness and beauty. Its durability is comparable to quartz but with more natural aesthetics to admire.
Cons of Black Granite
- Pricey – The main gripe of black granite or granite itself is price. On average, it costs around $40-$60 per square foot and price varies depending on some factors which include design, quality, color, and thickness.
There are different levels of quality with specific prices for granite slabs. In the market, there are five levels with level 1 as the lowest quality and cheapest, while level 5 as the highest quality with the most expensive price.
Level
1 – $40 – $50 per s.f.
2 – $50 – $60 per s.f.
3 – $55 – $65 per s.f.
4 – $65 – $75 per s.f.
5 – $75 – $100 per s.f.
- Prone to Smudges – Because of the lack of color of black granite, it is highly prone to smudges from the oils in our fingers and water rings. However, no problem with that as it can be easily removed by wiping with a non-abrasive cloth.
- Sealing and Polishing Maintenance – This setback is not that bad as it can be done once or twice a month for the sealing maintenance. Meanwhile, polishing can be done periodically or at instances where the granite’s color becomes dull.
You must never use too acidic or basic cleaning agents on granite countertops as it can remove the sealing cover you have applied for its resistance against moisture.
Black Granite Countertops price(cost)
Generally, the price of black granite countertops is more affordable compared to the rare white granite which is priced at $40 to $60 per square foot. Black granite countertops are easier to find in the market, making it more affordable for most customers.
The average price of black granite is between $20 to $70 per square foot and varies on different designs such as black galaxy granite, black pearl granite, honed black granite, and black forest granite.
Black Galaxy Granite
For this black granite, there are five grade levels to choose from A to E, where A is the lowest grade and Eis the highest grade black galaxy granite. The average cost of this type is between $70 to $90 per square foot.
Meanwhile, prefabricated slabs will cost you more ranging from $300 to $400 for each slab.
Black Pearl Granite
In the market, black pearl granite has two average prices. For the thicker one, that cost around $40 to $50 per square foot while the thinner slab is $25 to $35.
Black Forest Granite
Black Forest granite is quarried from India and Brazil. Its rich deep black color is filled with streaks of ivory or gold that randomly flows over the surface. The average price of this type range from $22 to $25 per square foot.
Absolute Black Granite Countertops
AB or Absolute Black granite countertops is also known by other names such as Jet Black granite, Telephone Black granite, and Nero Absolute Granite. Its rich black bedrock uniformly flows with white or gold specks. Among other granite types, this one has the least variations available.
In terms of price, on average, it hits between $50 to $60 per square foot. Moreover, Absolute Black granites pair best with white cabinets. The contrast when pairing the two is breath-taking and mesmerizing.
You can also have your AB granite as honed or polished. The former is best for exterior designs while the latter is for interior applications. There are plenty of fake absolute black granites in the market, so you have to be keen on speculating if it is true or just dyed.
Black Granite Countertops reviews
For those homeowners who want a change in their kitchen and bathroom experience, a black granite countertop will provide them with the best aesthetics and dramatic atmosphere. Among the variations of black granite, the most popular and in-demand ones are the black galaxy granite, black pearl granite, and absolute black granite countertops.
Black Galaxy Granite
This black granite is highly dense with good resistance to liquids and does not require periodic sealing. You will never be disappointed with its resistance to scratch, heat, and stains. However, the main gripe about black galaxy granite is its expensive price.
Black Pearl Granite
Most customers love the shimmering impact a black pearl granite countertop creates with white cabinets and the chrome finish of some metal claddings and appliances in your kitchen and bathroom area.
Your eyes will be mesmerized with the lighting effects of gray and silver flecks present in a black pearl granite countertop. Likewise, you can also see specks of blue and green for this type of black granite.
Absolute Black Granite
Meanwhile, if you are looking for something versatile and flexible with various types of home design, then an absolute black granite is best for you. Compared to the previous two designs, this one is best for its consistent tone and texture with its rich obsidian black background.
You just need to be careful as some stone yards sell fake or dyed absolute black granite countertops because of its high demand among clients. If you want authentic absolute black granite countertop, then simply order from us and we will provide you with the best offer and service.
Black Granite Countertops for bathroom
For your bathroom remodeling, choosing for a black granite countertop will have a rich contrast with your white cabinets, fixtures, tile floors, or even a white bathroom wall. Meanwhile, if you want other colors aside from white to contrast with black granite countertops, then choose bronze or gray.
The bronze color provides a smooth transition between gold and brown. These earthy colors complement well with your black granite to exhibit a rustic and classic look in your bathroom renovation. Your black granite also pairs well with a natural wood tone from your vanity cabinets.
In contrast, a gray color paired with your black granite countertop provides a smooth transition from white to black tone. Overall, you will get an elegant modern looking bathroom for this combination.
You can also create a different style with black granite countertop to reflect various periods in time. To achieve a 20s look, your black granite countertop must be paired with white fixtures, flooring, or bathroom wall. If you want a contemporary look, then have your black granite countertops pair with metallic fixtures.
Black Pearl Granite
Black Pearl granite is also called Silver Pearl because of the glittering effect of gray and silver flecks around the obsidian black background which mimics the appearance of a shiny pearl. Aside from that, you can also see specks of gold, brown, green, and gray on a black pearl granite.
Using this black granite for your bathroom and kitchen renovation will provide a great balance between light and dark tones. It provides endless opportunities to achieve an elegant modern or classic atmosphere for your home remodeling.
What color cabinets with Black Granite Countertops
Creating a masterpiece with your black granite countertop is possible when you pair it with the right color of the cabinet. So far, your black granite countertop can fit well with white, gray, and black cabinets.
White Cabinets and Black Granite Countertop
This traditional combination provides a timeless beauty that can fit for a modern or oldy appearance for your kitchen and bathroom. A sleek white cabinet with modern appliances will have a perfect marriage with your black galaxy or black pearl granite countertop.
Meanwhile, having wooden furniture will create a warmer and earthy atmosphere in combination with your black granite countertop and white cabinets.
Gray Cabinets and Black Granite Countertop
To achieve a solid and wide-area ambiance, then pairing your black granite countertop with gray cabinets, stainless steel fixtures and appliances is your best shot. The light inside your kitchen and bathroom will reflect in your stainless steel appliances and fixtures creating a wider perspective and touch of modernization.
Meanwhile, the low tone gray cabinets will strike a balance with the reflective lighting effect from your chrome finish and polished/honed black granite countertop.
Black Cabinets and Black Granite Countertop
You might think that combining black granite with black cabinets will result in a dull atmosphere. This is simply wrong because the two leads to a perfect marriage creating a sleek black contemporary look in your kitchen renovation. You elevate the warmth for this setting by having wooden chairs and tables in your kitchen.
How to clean a black granite countertop
Cleaning your black galaxy granite or black pearl granite is straightforward and simple. It requires low maintenance and cleaning levels unlike other minerals with lower durability and resistance to scratch, heat, and stains. We are going to share some cleaning tips to take enough care with your black granite countertop.
- Use a neutral pH dishwashing solution as your cleaning agent
- Use a non-abrasive cloth for wiping the surface
- You can also spray little amounts of acetone or alcohol in your black granite countertop to disinfect and remove soft stains
- Most black granite countertops do not require sealing maintenance because of its high density and resistance to stain.
- For honed countertops, you can apply a sufficient amount of wax or oil to create a shiny and rich obsidian appearance on your black granite countertop.
