In addition to serving as functional pieces capable of performing many roles in a kitchen, kitchen islands and kitchen carts are also the focal points of many kitchens. Because of their importance at determining the overall look of the room, manufacturers produce carts and islands in numerous styles, making changes to the materials used in their home furnishings to match different color palettes and the various aesthetic tastes of homeowners.

One of the many ways that designers of kitchen islands and kitchen carts can add variety into their lines of kitchen furniture is to offer choices in counter tops. In today's cart and island collections, you'll find counter top options that traditionally were reserved only for custom counter tops in homes, and among the most popular of these specialty worktops is granite.

A small number of designers of kitchen islands and kitchen carts offer granite counter tops in their models, and those that do have several different styles from which you can choose. This Buyers' Guide to Granite Counter Top Kitchen Islands and Kitchen Carts will introduce you to the various features that set one granite counter top island or cart apart from another. Based around questions that we commonly receive from customers, the guide also provides a thorough background on granite to help you determine if a granite counter top is best for your home.

What exactly is granite?

Granite is a type of naturally occurring igneous rock, a type of rock that is made when lava from volcanoes is cooled. A sample of granite usually receives at least 20 percent of its volume from the mineral quartz and will have noticeable shiny crystals in its surface. The composition of the other minerals in a granite sample determine its overall color, but all pieces of granites will be a noticeable blend of two or more colors, giving them a variegated appearance.

When you are shopping for a kitchen island or kitchen cart with a granite top, you'll want to read the product description carefully. Some retailers carry synthetic forms of granite that are actually pieces of less expensive rock or are another material that is designed to look like granite. These products will clearly mention the word "synthetic" or "engineered," and while they may still be beautiful, high quality pieces, it's important to know whether or not the counter top on your new island or cart is actually genuine or natural granite.

What are the benefits of a granite counter top on a kitchen cart or kitchen island?

Many people prefer granite counter tops because of their beauty. The lustrous, colorful surface of granite looks striking in many settings and gives kitchens an air of refinement. Traditionally, granite counter tops have been viewed as luxury items, so having an island or cart with a granite worktop in your home helps to transform your space into a gourmet kitchen. Also, no two samples of granite are ever the same, which gives a counter top crafted from the rock a one-of-a-kind appeal. The color of granite also does not fade over time, so it remains beautiful year after year.

Granite is also a very durable rock. When used as a counter top, granite can withstand the force and the weight of common food preparation tasks that may be performed on top of an island or counter. In addition, granite typically does not harbor bacteria or mold since its surface is not absorbent. This helps preserve the safety of your food and keeps your kitchen more sanitary. In addition, most cuts of granite can stand up to temperatures of up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit, so it is safe to place hot items on its surface.

Are there any drawbacks to choosing a granite counter top for a kitchen cart or kitchen island?

Although granite is very strong, it can become damaged. When you perform any type of food preparation tasks that involve knife blades, you will need to place a cutting board on the surface of your kitchen island or kitchen cart to protect the granite from becoming scratched. A granite counter top can also become cracked if something very heavy is dropped on its surface. Scratches and cracks in granite counter tops typically require that the entire worktop be replaced, as it's usually not possible to fix a deep scratch or patch a crack. If you are looking for a counter top on your island or cart that does not require a cutting board and that you can make repairs on yourself, you may want to opt for a butcher block counter top kitchen island or kitchen cart.

There are some other features of granite counter tops that you should be aware of before you buy. When granite becomes wet, it can be slightly slippery, so you may need to dry its surface while you work if you're performing messy tasks. In addition, granite can sometimes stain, particularly if you're working with liquids or spices that are given to staining. Both of these problems can be remedied by placing wax paper or another protective covering over your granite counter top when you will be using juicy, watery, or wet ingredients.

How do I care for a granite counter top on a kitchen cart or kitchen island?

When your kitchen island or kitchen cart arrives, you will need to read the care instructions carefully to see precisely what recommendations the manufacturer has made for your new home furnishing. The counter tops on some islands and carts may require sealing with a special coating designed for granite on an annual basis, though some manufacturers apply a permanent seal that never needs to be replenished.

When it comes time to clean the granite counter top on your kitchen island and kitchen cart, a granite cleanser or regular soap and water should be used. Never use an abrasive cleanser or a cleaning agent designed for other materials on a granite counter top.

When items spill or are dripped on the surface of your granite counter top, wipe up the accident immediately and then clean the surface with soap and water. Never simply place paper towels on the mess to absorb it and then return to clean the counter later.

If you develop a scratch or a crack in your granite counter top that needs to be repaired, you will need to contact a professional for assistance. Never try to buff out a scratch or try to add glue or another material to patch a crack at home.

What colors do granite counter tops on kitchen carts and kitchen islands come in?

Because the mineral content of granite can vary greatly depending on where the rock was found, granite counter tops in kitchen islands and kitchen carts can come in many colors. Many granite counters will be a deep black color. Various shades of gray from deep slate to a very pale, nearly white shade are also common. Granite counter tops can even a slightly beige or pinkish in tone. When you're shopping for an island or cart with a granite counter top, keep in mind that the stone shown in the photographs or on a floor model will not be completely identical to the counter top that you receive, since no two pieces of granite are the same.

What styles of kitchen islands and kitchen carts are available with granite counter tops?

The most common style of granite counter top kitchen furnishing that we carry is the cabinet style cart. This piece is something of a hybrid between the classic kitchen cart and the classic kitchen island and offers the best of both worlds for homeowners. A cabinet style cart looks like a cupboard mounted on wheels and consists of at least two cabinet doors placed on casters topped with one or more drawers and then the granite counter top.

The smallest of these cabinet carts is relatively easy to roll and can be shifted throughout a kitchen if you would like to keep the cart in one spot and work on its surface in another. The largest cabinet cart styles are more like rolling islands and can be placed in the center of a room and shifted when you need a bit more space or want to give your floors a thorough cleaning.

Cabinet carts offer a large amount of storage space to free up room in your kitchen cabinets and pantry. They also look like finished pieces of furniture, so they are highly attractive. Cabinet carts typically have natural or painted wood bases with a variety of colors available to match your home.

A small number of manufacturers offer square and rectangular traditional kitchen carts with open shelves and granite counter tops. These pieces are designed to be ultra-portable and can be easily moved throughout your home or even out to the grill. Kitchen islands and breakfast sets that include an island with matching chairs are also available with granite counter tops. These pieces of furniture have ample storage space and are designed to serve as the center of a kitchen.