When it comes to countertops, most homeowners not only want what’s best, but also what looks the best. There are many factors to consider when choosing a material for your countertops. One of the most popular materials on the market is granite. It is strong, durable, and easy to care for.
But what exactly is granite and what are some care tips to prolong its life in the kitchen?
Below is an overview of countertops, how to care for them, and tips on how to increase their lifespan and function for years to come.
About Granite
Granite is a durable igneous rock, mostly comprised of quartz, mica, and feldspar. Granite is formed when magma below the Earth’s surface slowly crystallizes. Each slab of granite has a unique mineral pattern, and it comes in a variety of colors. It’s much more dense than soft stones like marble and soapstone, which means that granite is much less likely to scratch.
Care Tips for Granite
Granite is considered a very low maintenance countertop material. Not only is granite beautiful and striking, but it is also extremely durable, scratch-resistant, and completely unbothered by high heat. Despite being one of the hardest materials on earth, granite is porous. But not as porous as marble and quartz is non-porous, so granite falls somewhere in between. The more porous a natural stone is, the more susceptible it is to stains.
It is well known that acidic food, beverages, and cleaners can stain and damage granite over time so sealing your granite countertops is necessary, for complete protection as well as extending its lifespan.
Make sure to use a high-quality penetrating sealant, which will soak into the granite, fill the porous gaps, and prevent staining and etching. Regularly sealing granite will also prevent bacteria from seeping into the surface and contaminating food and other kitchen surfaces.
Daily Care
For daily cleaning, homeowners can either purchase cleaners designed specifically for granite, or simply use a pH-neutral soap. It is important to avoid strong chemical cleaners or vinegar, which will eat away the protective sealant added during manufacturing, as well as the sealant applied by the homeowner.
How to Make Granite Countertops Last
Keep your granite countertops well-sealed to prevent damage. Opt for high-quality solvent-based sealants and apply according to the product’s directions. You should also immediately clean up acidic liquid spills, like vinegar and lemon juice.
Related Questions
Which is Better – Quartz or Granite?
Quartz countertops are not made of natural stone. They are an engineered material, made by mixing 90% ground mineral quartz with 10% resin and pigments. Because quartz countertops are not natural stone, they are not porous like granite, marble, and soapstone. However, excessive heat can damage quartz countertops, as the heat melts the resins and pigments. If you prefer heat-tolerant countertops then granite is the winner.
What is the Most Popular Color for Granite Countertops?
Granite is a very versatile stone. It comes in thousands of different hues and patterns. Popular colors include white, beige, grey, brown, black, gold, blue, green, and purple. Whether you’re into ultra-modern kitchens to traditional kitchens, there is a unique slab of granite that would be a perfect, complimentary fit for your home.
Overview
Granite is an excellent option for your homes’ countertops; it is strikingly beautiful, durable, and easy to care for. Well-maintained granite countertops that are properly sealed and uncracked can survive for 100 years or more!
You can’t go wrong with granite countertops. And if you want to get the most out of your investment, make sure to hire a reputable countertop installation company such as Texas Granite Group. Our countertop team has been a part of kitchen and home transformations by fabricating and installing the most unique and beautiful granite, quartz and marble countertops that take homes to the next level.
If granite is not your choice, our Austin area countertop store has an array of other options including quartz, quartzite, and marble. Visit us and see our selection while you envision an elevated look and feel throughout your home.