What drives the choice
| Criterion | What to consider in a kitchen |
|---|---|
| Colour and pattern | light cabinets usually pair with calm grey stone; dark stone creates contrast |
| Finish | polishing gives gloss, honing a matt surface without reflections |
| Thickness | follows the construction and support, not appearance alone |
| Edge | square, chamfered or profiled edges affect both look and chipping risk |
| Cut-outs | sink, hob, sockets: agreed from the appliance documentation |
| Joints | on long runs, joint positions are decided in advance |
Cut-outs and junctions
An incorrect cut-out can require rework, so approve it before fabrication. Sink and hob openings are taken from the technical documentation of the specific model, not from memory. Junctions to the wall, splashback and fridge are fixed on the drawing, and wherever a joint remains, the filling method is decided beforehand.
Think separately about the highest-load areas — around the sink and beneath working zones — and about support for long spans without a central leg.
Material
Several Ukrainian materials suit kitchens: Pokostivka granite gives a calm grey tone, Didkovychi a warm pink-brown, while Holovyne labradorite and Bukynske gabbro are dark accent options. Approve the shade against a physical sample: even within one deposit the pattern varies.
We make worktops to sizes, sketches or drawings, including cut-outs for appliances and plumbing.
A worktop with a sink: agree the installation method first
Select the installation method before the cut-out is manufactured. BLANCO's overview lists top-mounted, flush-mounted and undermounted options for granite worktops. This describes possible methods, not compatibility of every sink with every slab. Check the actual model documentation and worktop drawing before approval.
| Method | Visible result | Agree before fabrication |
|---|---|---|
| Inset from above | Rim rests above the worktop plane | Cut-out outline, rim support and sealing |
| Flush-mounted | Rim and worktop meet at the intended level | A suitable model, rebate geometry and joint |
| Undermounted | Bowl below the stone; cut-out edge visible | Edge finish, bowl position and manufacturer-specified fixing |
Information needed for cut-outs and holes
- Sink manufacturer, exact model and selected installation method.
- Current installation template or technical drawing with measurement units, not merely overall shop-listed dimensions.
- Cabinet dimensions and configuration, braces, waste fittings and service positions.
- Tap model, additional holes and accessory list.
- Worktop joints, visible edges and access for future servicing.
A photograph is not a final cutting template. The fabricator and installer must approve the template, support, fixings and seals before machining the stone. This article sets no universal edge distances, radii or loading limits and does not claim a NIKA GRAN installation service.
If the worktop is for a bathroom
Specify the basin model, installation method, tap position, supports, wall connection and access to the waste fitting separately. Agree stone, finish, joints and care products for regular contact with water and cosmetics. A kitchen template cannot be reused for different sanitary equipment. See the updated care guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Which feels warmer to the touch?
Stone generally feels cool. The sensation depends on thickness, any heating, and room temperature.
Do scratches show on granite?
A polished surface shows fine scratches more readily than a honed one. In practice, scratches come from abrasives and incorrect cleaning.
Is sealing required?
There is no single universal answer: the product manufacturer or stone supplier confirms whether sealing suits your finish.
Explore interior products or send drawings for a quotation.
Sources and scope
- Use Natural Stone: How to Care For Your Granite Countertops — natural stone care principles.
- NIKA GRAN worktops — range and stated finishes.
This guide helps prepare an order; it does not replace a drawing and agreement with the manufacturer.
BLANCO: How should my sink be installed?
Editorial addition, 15 October 2026: sink installation options, cut-out inputs and separate bathroom requirements. BLANCO is cited for installation terminology, not universal fabrication dimensions.
