Granite worktops in Tenerife

A granite worktop is the classic natural stone option and still makes sense in Tenerife, both in traditional houses in the north and in outdoor kitchens. Granite is a rock made up of quartz, feldspar and mica crystals, very hard and stable, which is cut into blocks and polished into slabs. No two are alike, and that sets it apart from the other kitchen worktops we work with.

How granite behaves in the kitchen

Granite stands up very well to heat, scratches and everyday knocks, and the stone itself contains no resins that break down in the sun. You can put down a hot pan without the risk you run with quartz, although with sudden temperature changes in a small area it is always wiser to use a trivet. Its weak point is porosity: the stone absorbs some liquid, more or less depending on the variety. Light granites tend to be more porous than dark ones, although there are exceptions. On top of that, many slabs leave the factory with a surface resin treatment that fills hairline cracks: indoors it makes no difference, but for a worktop in the sun it is worth asking whether that resin is UV-stable.

Sealing and maintenance

A granite worktop needs sealing with an impregnating sealer for natural stone when it is fitted and then every so often, depending on the variety and how much it is used. To find out when it is due, leave a few drops of water near the sink: if the stone darkens within a few minutes, the sealer has worn off. Day to day, water and mild soap are all you need. Avoid neat bleach and acidic cleaners, which gradually wear away the protection.

In homes near the sea, salt air and humidity call for checking the seal more often, especially if the worktop is on a terrace or next to a window that is opened a lot.

Granite colours

There are granites for almost any kitchen, grouped into three broad families:

• Blacks, such as Zimbabwe Black or South African Black: very uniform and not very porous.
• Greys and whites, such as Gris Quintana, Gris Mondariz or Blanco Cristal: visible grain and a more traditional look.
• Warm and pink tones, such as Rosa Porriño, typical of rustic kitchens.

Besides the colour, the finish also changes. Polished brings out shine and depth of colour; honed or matt is more understated; textured finishes, such as leathered, hide wear better and are a good option outdoors.

Choosing the slab and planning joints

Because every piece is unique, the right thing to do is to see the actual slab, or a photo of it, before cutting, rather than deciding from a small sample alone. Slabs come in a limited length, so L-shaped kitchens or long runs will have a joint; we position the pieces so the pattern flows and the join sits away from the sink. Granite is usually worked in 20 and 30 mm and takes an undermount sink and square edges with an eased arris, rounded edges or mitred edges.

Granite or an engineered material

If you want the look of natural stone and do not mind sealing it now and then, granite is a durable choice. If you would rather have nothing to maintain, Silestone quartz or stone-effect porcelain give you a non-porous surface. For a barbecue or a kitchen on the terrace, granite does stand up to the sun; check the key points for outdoor kitchens. Our comparison of worktop materials sets out the differences point by point.

A granite worktop is normally priced per linear metre, and the price depends on the variety, thickness, finish, edges and the hob and sink cut-outs.