Granite is still the countertop many Baltimore homeowners ask about first. It shrugs off hot pans, resists knife scratches and gives every kitchen a pattern no neighbor can copy. TopStone Granite selects, fabricates and installs custom granite countertops for homes and businesses across Baltimore and within about an hour of our Northeast Baltimore shop.
Granite is in our name because it is the stone we know best. Over 15+ years and 650+ completed jobs, we have learned which slabs hide fissures, which light colors soak up cooking oil, and where a seam will all but disappear.
We are licensed and insured in Maryland under MHIC #145977. This page covers colors, finishes, our installation details, honest pros and cons, and what drives granite pricing.
We handle granite from slab selection to the final wipe-down. Most of our granite work falls into a few project types:
Before we cut, we inspect every granite slab front and back under strong light. Many slabs are resin treated at the factory to fill natural micro-fissures, which is normal and harmless. A true crack running into a narrow strip in front of a sink is different, so we lay out the pieces to keep weak zones in the cutouts or out of the job entirely.
Granite runs from near white to jet black, with speckled, flecked and flowing patterns in between. One honest note before the names: the stone trade sells many hard natural stones as "granite" even when a geologist would call them something else.
That is normal in the industry, and these stones generally perform like granite. It still helps to know what you are buying, so we point it out when it matters.
Alaska White, Colonial White, River White and Dallas White are long-running favorites for bright kitchens. Expect white or soft gray backgrounds with dark flecks, and in some stones small burgundy garnet specks.
Several of these, River White and Colonial White included, are geologically granulite or gneiss rather than true granite. They are still hard and heat tolerant, but light stones are often more absorbent, so we seal them carefully and show you how to check them.
Absolute Black and Black Pearl are go-to choices for a dramatic, formal look. Most black "granites," Absolute Black included, are geologically gabbro or a similar dark igneous rock, which is usually dense and low in absorbency.
Dark polished tops show fingerprints, dust and water spots more than light ones. Honed and leathered black surfaces show oily handprints more, so plan on a daily wipe with a dry cloth. We also check black slabs for dye, since low-grade black stone is sometimes colored to look uniform.
True granite forms as interlocking crystals, which gives it a speckled pattern rather than marble's flowing veins. The closest options in the granite aisle are usually light gneisses and granulites with soft gray movement, such as some River White slabs.
If you want a real marble look with more durability, consider natural quartzite countertops or a marble-look quartz. Be wary of any stone sold as granite that etches from a drop of lemon juice, because that points to marble or dolomite.
The finish changes how a granite looks, feels and lives day to day. Many colors are available in more than one finish, though not every slab yard stocks every combination.
A polished finish brings out the deepest color and the most sparkle in the crystals. It is also the tightest surface, so it resists staining best. On black stone, expect visible fingerprints and smudges.
Honing grinds the surface to a smooth matte. It softens the color and reduces glare, which suits farmhouse and modern kitchens. Honed stone can show oil marks and usually needs sealing more often than the same stone polished.
Leathering brushes the stone into a soft, textured surface you can feel with your fingertips. It hides fingerprints and water spots well, which is why it is popular on black granite. Crumbs can settle into the texture, so a quick brush with a soft cloth is part of the routine.
The full template-to-install sequence is laid out on our process page. Here are the steps where granite needs extra attention:
Granite has held its place because it is tough and repairable. It does ask for a little maintenance, and natural stone always comes with some variation.
Granite pricing depends far more on the job than on the word "granite." These are the factors that move a granite quote the most:
For typical installed ranges and sample project totals, read our Baltimore countertop cost guide. For small vanities and laundry tops, ask about remnant pricing.
Still deciding on a material? Our countertop materials guide compares granite with quartz, marble, quartzite and butcher block.
No. Design trends have leaned toward quieter, marble-like patterns, which sent many buyers to quartz, but granite remains a staple because it is durable and every slab is unique. Calmer patterns and honed or leathered finishes look current in today's kitchens.
Neither is stronger as a rule. Dark stones are often denser and less absorbent but show fingerprints, dust and water spots, while light stones hide crumbs but usually need more attention to sealing. Choose based on your lighting, your cleaning habits and the look you want.
Avoid vinegar, bleach and abrasive cleaners, which wear down the sealer over time. Do not sit or stand on unsupported overhangs, and do not let oil sit on light-colored stone. Mild dish soap and warm water handle daily cleaning.
Granite is not sold under brand names the way quartz is. Quality depends on the quarry, the block and how the slab was processed, including even thickness, sound resin work and no dye. Ask to see the full slab, including the back, before you commit.
A well-installed granite countertop can easily outlast the cabinets beneath it. Most granite is replaced for style or a remodel rather than wear. Periodic sealing and prompt repair of chips keep it looking good for decades.
Yes. Granite is one of the best outdoor countertop materials because sunlight does not fade it and it handles heat from grills. Choose a denser stone, seal it before winter and recheck the seal each spring.
Tell us about your kitchen, bath or bar and the look you want, and we will help you find a granite that fits your space and budget. Bring cabinet measurements or a photo of a slab you like.
Call (667) 400-3297