Why Flamed Granite Countertops Are Ideal For High-Traffic Kitchens

From kiddos to roommates to messy spouses (we love you, but seriously), modern kitchens are working overtime. For home cooks designing or remodeling a high-traffic kitchenspace built to last the long haul, flamed granite countertops belong on your radar. The two chief benefits of flamed granite are its durability and its low maintenance. The material is wildly resistant to wear, but beyond its tactical appeal, it also happens to be aesthetically stunning in a distinctive, one-of-a-kind way (just like your do-it-all kitchen, and the myriad folks who use it ... and use it, and use it).

Assuming all granite is created equal is one of 12 granite countertop mistakes to avoid at all costs. Granite countertops can be finished in a glossy, reflective sheen, honed to a subtler matte finish, or even leathered. As its name suggests, "flamed" granite is produced by exposing the surface of the stone to the intense, direct flame of an oxygen-propane torch. An oft-praised feature of granite countertops is that they allow home cooks to set boiling pots and hot pans down directly on top of the counter without incurring damage. Thanks to these same heat-conductive properties, during the flaming process, the stone heats up ultra-fast, then quickly cools, creating both a unique, distinctive crystallized look and a functionally superior durability. The grains within the stone literally burst, changing the color and texture of the countertop slab. Under the flame, that already-strong granite becomes even tougher and more wear-resistant. 

Unlike quartz and other popular kitchen countertop materials, durable granite is able to withstand the high temperatures of stone flaming (aka "thermalling") without cracking. Although limestone can also withstand flaming, its look is less desirable than flamed granite in a kitchenscape. More specifically to granite, the minerals within the stone expand at different rates under that intense heat, yielding truly unique marbling and idiosyncratic artistry. It's no mystery why flamed granite is a popular material for both construction and interior design. In fact, beyond countertops, carpenters designing high-traffic commercial spaces often select flamed granite to withstand constant friction in outdoor patios, entryways, and hotels. 

In the kitchen, flamed granite countertops are more resistant to wetness. Here's lookin' at you, congested households: If the space around your kitchen sink is somehow always wet from constantly handwashing dishes and prepping meals, flamed granite won't swell or distort under the moisture. It also forgivingly hides fingerprints and glares, and over time, it will help conceal dirt, scratches, and stains. Also on an aesthetic note, flamed granite is texturally rougher and coarser than smooth, polished granite, which provide be a complementary design element for rustic and transitional kitchenscapes. The stone's rugged, matte, earthy-looking finish resembles natural weathering processes. Regarding maintenance, flamed granite needs to be cleaned less often to still look good, boasting lower upkeep requirements compared to honed (traditional matte) granite countertops, which need to be refinished more often to look good and perform well.