A Bit About Black Galaxy Granite

Granite is an igneous rock made of quartz, feldspar, mica, and other minerals. (Some black granite isn’t technically granite, but it’s still an igneous rock.)

It ranges from almost white to nearly black, as well as everything in between. It also features some eye-catching accent colors such as red, pink, green, or even blue.

Black granite is suitable for both interior and exterior situations because it’s dense and durable. Granite is an excellent choice for heavier-wear flat surfaces like countertops or even floors. It resists some of the chipping, scratching, staining, and etching that plagues marble.

Granite countertops have been gaining a following for several decades now. And black granite is easily one of the most popular looks. The glittering minerals embedded in black look like beautiful sparkling stars.

But it’s not the best choice for everyone—or for every project. Not only that, but it’s expensive. Often, it costs more than $100 per square foot, and that doesn’t include installation. Fortunately, there are alternatives.

Black Granite Alternatives

Cost isn’t the only concern about installing black galaxy granite. It’s also heavy and difficult to work with. And, though it’s hardier than marble, it’s similar susceptible to chips, scratches, and etching.

Many people look for other options instead. And some of the alternatives go right over mdf board, table tops, concrete floors, and other smooth surfaces!

1.    Marble or other natural stone

Marble, quartz, and other stones are a viable granite alternative. But they feature most of the same strengths and weaknesses—including price and difficulty to work with.

Maintenance can be tough, too. Natural stone must be sealed often to protect the surface. Like granite, you’ll need to be careful about stains, acidic foods, and chipping.

2.    IceStone and concrete

IceStone and concrete are much cheaper alternatives to luxurious stone. However, they can be difficult for DIYers to install. Plus, even in dark colors, they don’t look much like black galaxy granite.

These options are durable but they’re very heavy. And their looks typically push them toward professional and industrial applications where aesthetics aren’t as large a concern.

3.    Epoxy with metallic pigment

Epoxy looks just like black granite, but it’s much cheaper, easier to care for, and customizable. As a bonus, it’s incredible easy for DIYers to work with. They can often complete a full kitchen counter in less than 24 hours.

One of the great things about epoxy is that it also works well for floors. So, if you want to do your garage floor, your kitchen, maybe your bathroom… epoxy floor coating may tie a whole room’s look together!

4.    Laminate

Laminate can be made to look like many other materials. It’s affordable, durable, and easy to install. The only real downside of laminate is that it looks like laminate. It doesn’t offer the same depth and luster that epoxy or natural stone provide.

Usually, laminate is what renovators and DIYers are upgrading from. That makes it a poor choice for home improvement, in our eyes!

5.    Paint

If your project doesn’t need to feel like solid stone, then you can spray on paint to look a lot like granite. We’ve seen great results by painting over plywood or mdf with spray-on granite paint!

FAQs About Granite and Alternatives

We’ve helped people epoxy numerous things, from live edge epoxy tables with solid wood to shower walls. In that time, we’ve also helped people decide between epoxy and natural stone.

Naturally then, we’ve answered a lot of questions about black galaxy granite. Here are the few we’ve heard the most:

• Is black galaxy granite expensive? Yes. Next to marble and other exotic stones, it’s among the most expensive options out there. Some granites cost more than most marbles!
• Does black galaxy granite need to be sealed? Yes, it does. Because granite isn’t as porous as other stone, it doesn’t need the same kind of sealer—or as much of it. But most people recommend sealing it every few years.
• Are black granite countertops hard to keep clean? No. However, they should be cleaned shortly after cooking so that food residue doesn’t affect the minerals. And not only should you avoid letting citrus sit on it, you should also avoid using citrus-based cleaners. (Even Clorox has citric acid, so don’t use Clorox on your granite!)
• Should kitchen floors be darker than countertops? If you’re worried about a design faux pas when working with black galaxy granite, here are some tips. First, dark floors look great with dark countertops, so consider epoxy flooring! Second, hardwood and light floors look great, too. Either way, your interior will pop as long as you allow for a little bit of contrast.
• Are epoxy countertops cheaper than granite? Epoxy is much cheaper to granite. Plus, it doesn’t require professional installation.
• How much does it cost to do epoxy countertops? Some of our customers have created their own amazing countertops, floors, and more for just a couple hundred dollars. Our black galaxy granite kits start well below $100.
• Does epoxy make a good countertop? Yes! It can look like galaxy granite, Carrara marble, fractured jade, and more. Also, it’s stain resistant, heat resistant, impact resistant, and very moisture resistant.

Ultimately, whichever option you choose, your project is sure to look great. Whether a natural stone vanity or a metallic floor epoxy, you’ll get that great look of a black galaxy shining back at you!

How to Get Started on Your Project

Here at Stone Coat Countertops, we’ve created a ton of resources for DIYers. Check out some of the videos below to see what we’ve done with black galaxy granite.

Or simply scroll down for some how-to guides that you can follow to achieve the same results!

Watch us create a quick epoxy countertop:

See how silver and black glitter bring old countertops to life:

Check out our black galaxy granite how-to guide here.It will show you everything you need for your own sparkling black granite project.

Or if you want some flair, take a look at how to create a custom galaxy granite here. You may get some ideas for introducing other granitic colors, such as pink, blue, green, and gold.

Next Steps for Your Project

We’re sure by now you have tons of inspiration for your home improvement project. And maybe if you were thinking about using granite, you might be reconsidering!

If you like the satisfaction of doing something yourself, epoxy is hard to bear. In fact, it’s nearly impossible to beat on price! Plus, we’re ready to help. Check out some of our kits and don’t hesitate to reach out to ask questions or get advice. And always remember…

You Got This!