Choosing a Color

• The more common colors of granite---black, brown, silver, gold and dark green---are likely to buck trends and remain classic choices. Other colors, such as blue or red, are more expensive and may fall out of fashion. Some pieces of granite have much more "movement" than others. Some have large-scale patterns, and others have smaller, more uniform patterns. Stones that have a lot of veining can be dramatic, but they can also be more fragile. Ask the granite retailer about the durability of the style that interests you.
  
  

Incorporating Granite into a Kitchen

• If you are replacing your countertops but keeping the rest of your kitchen, don't concentrate so much on making your new granite fit what's already there. Instead, choose a granite that you can't live without and then consider how to change your kitchen---perhaps with a new paint color for the walls or cabinets---to match your new granite. If you are starting fresh with new cabinets, flooring and countertops, have samples of all materials and colors at the ready when you go to pick out a granite slab.
  
  

Buying a Slab

• Don't try to choose granite by looking at a small sample. Instead, go to a warehouse and take a look at entire slabs. A small block cannot show you all the colors and patterns in a slab of granite. You are about to spend thousands of dollars, so don't be afraid to ask the retailer to move the slab out from behind other samples or into better light. If the retailer is reluctant to move the slabs for you, ask whether you can make an appointment for a more convenient time. If all efforts are refused, find another granite warehouse.
  
  

Caring for Granite

• Granite countertops are durable, but they do need some maintenance to keep them looking as beautiful as on the day they were installed. Sealing the countertops once a year will protect the porous surface of the stone and keep out stains. Your countertop retailer should be able to recommend a sealant.
  
  For everyday maintenance, use a pH-neutral cleaner or a cleaner formulated specifically for granite. Clean up spills as soon as they happen; acidic liquids or oils, especially, can stain your granite. Any grit left on your countertop can scratch the stone if, for instance, a pot is dragged across it. If your granite starts looking a bit cloudy, try a granite polish to restore its shine.