Why Flamed Granite Countertops Are Ideal For High-Traffic Kitchens - Tasting Table

"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)."

"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."

Flamed granite provides exceptional durability, low maintenance, and a distinctive crystallized surface created by exposing the stone to an oxygen-propane torch. The intense heat causes the stone to heat rapidly and cool quickly, making grains burst and altering color and texture while increasing wear resistance. Flamed granite tolerates high temperatures that many other countertop materials cannot, enabling cooks to place hot pots and pans directly on the surface. The finish differs from glossy, honed, or leathered options by offering a tactile, one-of-a-kind look and enhanced toughness; limestone can be flamed but lacks the same aesthetic appeal.

Read at Tasting Table