I've got an inherited black granite worktop. Part of the problem I think is that it hasn't been resealed but it constantly has water stains over it and shows every speck of dirt. My kitchen is also East facing and it absorbs a lot of light although you also get the shine. I'm changing it as soon as I can afford to. I also had a black granite floor installed in my old ensuite which had been sealed though and swore never again!

I changed mine last year..to be honest it it was a nightmare! I would wash it and then have to polish it because you could see every mark.this was just my experience but I have a new worktop and it's half the work.

good luck with your decision.

Ours was installed and sealed back in 2002 and I've always been very happy with it. It gets daily wipeovers with whichever kitchen cleaner is on the go at the time. I've probably polished it properly 2/3 times but recently I've used a daily granite cleaner after my other half saw it at half price in the supermarket. We have a south facing and an east facing window in our kitchen but the kitchen doesn't get that much light because of the house design. I've never felt this was too dark although we do have a pale floor. And we're not planning to have a dark worktop in the new kitchen simply because we fancy a change.

Thank you,
We are also having a pale tiled floor so hoping this will lighten the room somewhat.
Thank you for replying X

The pale floor will lighten it but will do nothing for the cleaning issues. A black with more movement in it like the one just above will be a little more forgiving than a Nero Assoluto.
I may not have spelt that correctly...

I've got black work tops but it's not granite it's hi gloss chip board it's already 12yrs old and I've taken it into my re gigged kitchen dining room- kitchen change of rooms
I've included beech wood tops too

I have black granite work tops - they are fab - I use a granite cleaner on them - just literally as you would clean any surface - a rub over.... The make is 'Method' - available from most supermarkets. HOWEVER, if I was choosing again, I would have gone for something less 'safe'!! I chose a granite that was very uniform and wished I had perhaps gone for one with a little more interest in the pattern - if you know what I mean! It is a natural product and wish I had gone for something with swirls or a dramatic line through it..... As I say, was playing safe at the time as it was part of a large extension and had far too many decisions to make!!
Think I am right in saying that darker granites are generally more hard wearing than lighter ones - but don't quote me on that!

I would agree Sherbert, I have pale granite now and have to be more careful with it. I've been told it's easier to chip too but so far so good ;-)

As commented above, we have black in a small kitchen. Its stunning and looks fabulous. Use a micro fibre glass cloth every day and it will retain the glossy look. Its easy. And no its not too dark although we do have ivory cabinets.

I have also inherited black granite worktops and I don't have any issue keeping it clean (water spray and e cloth). It does however sap me of energy and life blood every time I look at it. It's just so...black. never again.

What did you decide on?

I have granite in my kitchen and I am very pleased with it. It does take a little bit of more of an effort to look after than the Formica I had previously. It needs a polish off with a microfibre cloth but it looks so smart.lovely to have a natural stone.

I have black quartz (corian). its lovely. I use an ecloth. keeps it shiny . or power and shine.

Hi Rebecca


Black granite looks good on traditional kitchens, it's always a safe option.

It is also outdated. Black granite uses the same principles as outlining your drawing in black, it will always make things stand out but not always for the right reasons. There are hundreds of colors and textures to chose from these days. If you want some advice on a particular kitchen style don't hesitate to ask for us some free impartial advice



Regards

Kitchenrooms