Santa Cecilia Granite: Everything You Need to Know

According to industry experts, remodeling your kitchen or bathroom can increase the value of your home by 80 to 115 percent.

Countertops figure prominently in kitchen and bathroom remodeling jobs. If you’re thinking about redoing your countertops, you’ll need to decide on a material.

Natural stone countertops, like granite, offer many benefits. So you might already have settled on natural stone. Maybe you’ve even narrowed it down to granite. However, knowing that you want granite countertops doesn’t mean all of the tough decisions are behind you. Next, you need to choose among different granite types.

Santa Cecilia granite is one option. For many homeowners, it’s an ideal option. Read on to learn more about the benefits of Santa Cecilia granite countertops.

Why Use Granite?

The benefits of granite are significant. Granite is a highly durable natural stone. It is an igneous rock composed primarily of quartz, feldspar, and mica. Each of these minerals is extremely hard. This means that granite is highly resistant to scratches and nicks. It also resists damage from heat. With granite countertops, you’re free to set a hot pan down directly from the stove.

Because granite is nonporous, it is also highly stain-resistant. Even the most acidic or intensely colored liquids, like red wine, lemon juice, and vinegar, can’t penetrate granite counters. 

These properties make granite an ideal choice for high-use areas, including kitchens and bathrooms. Since granite is so durable, it can even be used in outdoor areas.

If you choose granite, moreover, you’re also choosing easy maintenance and cleaning.

You can simply clean your granite countertops with dish soap and warm water. Granite counters also require less frequent sealings than other types of natural stone. Most homeowners can expect to seal their granite countertops annually. However, some products require applications only every three years.

With proper care, granite countertops can last a lifetime or longer.

Choosing Santa Cecilia Granite

Once you’ve settled on granite, you need to choose a type that matches your home’s aesthetic. Granite types vary in appearance based on their source and mineral composition.

Quarried from the Sao Paolo region of Brazil, Santa Cecilia granite is a beautiful and versatile option. It is one of the oldest and most popular types of granite. At the same time, it’s among the most cost-effective.

What Does Santa Cecilia Look Like?

Santa Cecilia granite is an ideal material because it includes many color choices. Its background ranges from a light cream or grey to a darker gold. Bold patterns of black, burgundy and darker greys and golds contrast against this softer background.

These darker mineral deposits are a defining characteristic of the stone. They are also what makes Santa Cecilia granite so versatile. Individual slabs include varying amounts of these darker minerals. Producing the starkest contrasts, black mineral deposits can comprise up to 30% of a slab. 

Despite the variety across slabs, the patterns of individual slabs are consistent. Patterning is also intricate, adding visual interest to any area of your home. Bright lighting picks up these intricate details, adding depth and making your countertops sparkle. 

Even the name of this type of granite highlights its elegance and beauty. Santa Cecilia granite is named as the patron saint of music. In the presence of Santa Cecilia granite, the eye is sure to dance in delight.

Using Santa Cecilia Granite in Your Home

The durability and versatility of Santa Cecilia granite mean it can serve various functions in your home. It can also complement any home’s aesthetic. 

What Is Santa Cecilia Granite Used For?

Perhaps your home remodeling project started small. You were just going to redo your countertops. If you redo the countertops, though, you might also want to replace the floor. And since your home has an open floor plan, you can see the aging family room fireplace from what will soon be your new-and-improved kitchen. Maybe, you think, you should replace that too.

Santa Cecilia’s durability and versatility make it perfect for all these functions and more. Santa Cecilia granite is most commonly used in kitchen and bathroom countertops. However, it’s also used for flooring, fireplaces, and tub and shower walls. Like other types of granite, it also holds up well against harsh elements. This makes it ideal for outdoor spaces, such as kitchens and barbecue pits.

What Type of Santa Cecilia Granite Should You Choose?

If your home features natural wood cabinets, you have several options. Santa Cecilia Gold Granite complements mahogany or cherry woodwork. Meanwhile, Santa Cecilia Light Granite works well with pine and other lighter woods.

Perhaps your kitchen has a bolder look. Maybe your cabinets are painted a burgundy or espresso color. If so, Santa Cecilia offers a stunning contrast. In fact, bold-colored cabinets pick up and enhance the dark flecks and veins of Santa Cecilia granite.

Finally, even modern kitchens look stunning with the addition of Santa Cecilia granite. If your kitchen features blacks, whites, and greys, choose a slab of Santa Cecilia Light Granite to complement that theme.

As you look for the perfect granite slab for your home, keep in mind that it can be very difficult to search for a specific color. Besides variations between slabs, the lighting and color of the surroundings also alter a slab’s appearance.

The best way to explore your granite options is to visit a showroom with your color scheme and vision in mind. Every slab is truly different, and a particular slab might strike just the right note.

Once you find that perfect slab, be sure to view it in natural lighting and at different times of the day. Doing so will give you a better idea of what your counters will look like on a daily basis.

Are Any Other Types of Granite Similar to Santa Cecilia?

Having a particular type of granite, like Santa Cecilia, in mind can help you narrow down your options. However, it can also be limiting. What if the overall description of Santa Cecilia appeals to you, but you can’t find the perfect slab?

If Santa Cecilia appeals to you, you might consider a few other options as well. These include:

• Santana Granite
• New Venetian Gold
• Giallo Rio
• Venetian Pearl

Depending on what drew you to Santa Cecilia, one or more of these options might also work.

Venetian Pearl is similar to tan or lighter gold slabs of Santa Cecilia. As in Santa Cecilia, Venetian Pearl features intricate patterns of grey or black.

Giallo Rio likewise mimics Santa Cecilia’s tight patterns, while offering a lighter and creamier base. 

Meanwhile, New Venetian Gold is comparable to the darker hues of Santa Cecilia Gold Granite.

Finally, Santana Granite provides a similar look to Santa Cecilia granite. However, it replaces Santa Cecilia’s golds and greys with tans and taupes.

Can You Afford Santa Cecilia Granite?

The benefits of granite appeal to you, and you love the look. You’ve even found a slab of Santa Cecilia granite that fits perfectly with your aesthetic vision. But will you be able to afford it? Fortunately, the answer is yes.

Considering its durability and versatility, the relatively low cost of Santa Cecilia granite is perhaps surprising.

A standard granite kitchen countertop is 3 cm thick. In the St. Louis area, you can expect to pay about $45-55 per square foot for Santa Cecilia granite countertops in this thickness.

Of course, the size of the job and its complexity also affect costs. A professional craftsman can provide an accurate estimate for your project. He or she can also help you design the entire project according to your vision.

What Else Should You Consider When Buying Granite Countertops?

Santa Cecilia granite is affordable. However, installing any kind of natural stone countertop requires a significant financial investment. When you make that kind of investment, it’s important to protect it.

That means, first, working with professional installers. The best installers—and the companies they work for—are recognized by the National Stone Institute. These individuals are trained and equipped to handle heavy slabs of granite. They are also skilled in installing your countertops correctly.

Working with professional installers also sets your granite countertops up for a lifetime of use and enjoyment. It’s true—longevity and granite go hand-in-hand. However, poor craftsmanship and lower-quality sealers can disrupt this natural longevity. 

When you work with Rock Solid Creations, our craftsmen can put you in touch with professional sealers. Working with our sealing company brings the added protection of a 25-year warranty. This exceeds many standard warranties, which tend to range from 10 to 15 years. 

Strike Just the Right Note with Santa Cecilia Granite Countertops

The decision to enhance your home with natural stone countertops brings many benefits. Choosing granite—especially Santa Cecilia granite—maximizes those benefits.

Rock Solid Creations is a trusted, locally-owned St. Louis company. Our online gallery features some of our work. Get inspired and then get to work creating the home of your dreams.

Whether that involves remodeling your home or designing a new one, our expert craftsmen are ready and eager to guide you through the process. Contact us today for more information. You can also visit our showroom to explore your options in person.