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Jan

What Are Flamed Granite Countertops? Pros And Cons

One of the most sought-after materials for kitchens are granite countertops. And for a good reason. They’re durable, they’re amazing to look at, and they are available in a variety of price ranges. So, what is a flamed granite countertop? It’s one of types of granite finishes. Let’s know everything about it.

What Is Flamed Granite Finish?

Flamed granite is a very unique finish of the well-loved granite countertops. You have heard of honed, glossy, and leathered finishes, but flamed might be something you haven’t heard of.

Well, flamed granite countertops are made by torching the surface of granite countertops. This causes a reaction on the top part of the slab and it leads to a dull and rough finish. When you feel the flamed granite countertops, you will feel texture underneath your fingers.

Regular granite is smooth to the touch and it is not gritty at all. Well, flamed granite will have a certain grit to it, which not only aids in gripping things but also helps in ensuring that water doesn’t damage the surface.

A lot of people might think that honed and flamed granite countertops are the same, but they’re not. The process is completely different to achieve said finishes. Flamed countertops are made by the use of heat, whereas honed countertops are made by roughing up the texture of the surface. It is basically buffed to give it that matte and gloss-free finish.

So, flamed granite countertops are definitely in a league of their own, so you will surely take a liking to them if you love countertops that aren’t blinding and overly glossy.

Pros Of Flamed Granite Countertops

So, now that you know what flamed granite finish is, here are all the benefits of this amazing-looking stone and the equally unique finish.

They Have A Rough Finish

One of the major characteristics of flame granite countertops is the finish it has. The finish is very unique. It is matte but not just that. It is also quite gritty in texture and feel, and the topmost surface is rough and very interesting to look at.

If you love the varying textures of countertops and want to install them in your kitchen, then this granite finish will surely impress. It is granite, so what’s not to love? It is a finish that will grow on you and you will come to love it.

Easy To Maintain

Usually, with granite, the maintenance is what makes people not want to get it, because it just requires so much work. There is the cleaning, the polishing, the general care of the material, and it is also not naturally waterproof. This is one of the reasons why people don’t go for granite, even though it has such amazing qualities.

So, you will be happy to know that flamed granite countertops are easier to maintain than regular granite. They are naturally waterproof and they are literally perfect for moist places, which is a shocker, considering that it is the same old granite that is extremely sensitive to water. It is just a simple reaction and a change of texture that makes flamed granite so much better.

Have An Antique Vibe

Flamed granite countertops are great, partly because of the look they have. Flamed granite is a very dull-looking and textured finish that is equal parts matte and gritty. This makes the stone look almost vintage.

If like classic and timeless kitchens, then you will absolutely love flamed granite countertops, because they will transform your kitchen for the better.

A Nice Grip

The texture and feel of flamed granite is very unique. It is very gritty in feel and this is amazing for a number of reasons. First of all, scratches will be a no-show and the countertops won’t look damaged at all. The gritty feel also aids in better grip and that is something that not a lot of countertop materials offer.

They are usually very slippery and you can’t use them to tighten your grip or anything, which can be dangerous, especially if you’re working with sharp things. So, this texture is really fun and you will love the practicality of this granite countertop finish.

Perfect For Outdoors

Flamed granite is perfect for the outdoors. It is very robust, rigid, and it doesn’t mind moisture one bit. Regular granite would not last half as long as flamed granite, especially in the great wide outdoors.

So, if you want to choose a countertop material and finish for your outdoor kitchen, then flamed granite is literally perfect. You will not regret this choice and the flamed finish will live up to its hype and properties. You can even use and install this finish in bathrooms or wherever you work with water.

Cons Of Flamed Granite Countertops

Even though flamed granite is amazing, it is not the best. There will be some things that just don’t vibe well with people. So, here are some of the not-so-good things about flamed granite finish.

Can Be Hard To Find

Flamed granite countertops are not exactly as common as other finishes. Most people love the look of more shiny and glossy countertops, and that is fine, but flamed granite countertops don’t have that sheen or smooth surface that everyone knows and loves about regular granite finishes. This is partly the reason why people have a hard time finding flamed finishes too.

Also, because this technique is very meticulous, you can’t just flame any and every natural stone. It is only applicable for granite and a bunch of other natural stones. So, you might have a hard time finding flamed granite countertops.

Might Look Dull

Flamed granite countertops look really rough and they have an almost dull appearance, not in a bad way, but this is something that not a lot of people get used to. It is just not something that everyone will be drawn to. So, if you think that you won’t like the dull and rough finish of flamed granite, then you might want to go for something else.

Even though the rough texture is really good for the stone quality-wise, a lot of people think that flamed granite doesn’t have the same aesthetics as other granite finishes.

Not Everyone’s Favorite

Tying in with the previous disadvantage, flamed granite has a very peculiar look and it is not everyone’s choice. Usually, people prefer countertops that are shiny, because they tend to look good and they add that very nice bright look to the kitchen.

So, flamed granite is not nearly as popular as glossy and honed granite. People will choose the latter 9 times out of 10. Even though flamed granite is not as popular, it is still loved by a great deal of people who don’t mind the dull and rough texture. So, you take your pick.

Conclusion

Flamed granite finish is unique and beautiful. If you’re tired of the regular glossy and matte finishes, you may like this. Get in touch with a granite installer Rockville to take a look at flamed granite finish and other finishes, like leathered, brushed, sandblasted, bush-hammered, and more.