The countertop material that you choose for your kitchen should be functional, but it should also be a beautiful complement to your kitchen environment. Countertops can serve as the jewelry of the kitchen. A stunning countertop can function as the focal point of one of the most popular entertaining spots in the home.
Granite is a popular choice to create this focal point.
Granite is one of the most popular choices for kitchen countertops. It’s durable and tough, as it is a natural stone product. It is also porous, which means it can hold liquids and other substances in tiny spaces on the surface of the stone.
Ultimate Protection
To preserve granite, a protective sealant is applied to the surface. This protective sealant generally must be re-applied every one to three years, depending on how well the granite has been maintained.
You can test your granite sealant by placing drops of water on various locations and then seeing whether the water soaks into the granite or stays on the surface of the granite. If the water soaks in to the granite after a few minutes, new sealant needs to be applied.1
Ultimate Care
If you take care of a granite kitchen countertop it can last for decades.2 Spills and substances on the granite should be wiped up immediately as they can break down the protective coating on the granite and soak into the porous stone surface of granite.3 You should also place dish and hand soap on a protective dish, rather than directly on the countertop for this same reason.
Meat and other raw products should not be placed directly on a granite countertop as granite is porous. Take care with cleaning products, like antibacterial wipes, as they can damage the sealant on granite. Use hot water and mild soap instead.
Ultimate Don’ts
Granite, while durable, can crack so placing very heavy products on the countertop or standing, sitting or kneeling on the countertop is not recommended. The sealing on a granite countertop can be degraded by heat, so it isn’t a good idea to put hot pans on your countertop even though the granite itself is a heat-resistant rock.
Granite can also scratch and chip, so cutting directly on a granite surface is not recommended.
Ultimate Beauty
A major advantage of granite is its beauty, with distinctive veining and color variations.4 Because granite is a natural stone, colors available are more earth-toned, but white and black and multi-colored granite slabs are also available. No two slabs of granite are identical, so if uniformity is important for a project, quartz, a man-made product, may be a better choice.
Ultimate Price
The price of granite is determined by its grade, which incorporates the veining, markings, thickness, rarity and other factors. The more unique the granite slab appears, the more it will cost. Conversely, the more unique the slab, the more your countertop becomes a focal point in your kitchen. Whatever the cost, choosing granite countertops is the ultimate investment.
Granite Countertop Installation Done Right in Austin
Austin area’s Texas Granite Group are countertop experts that will fabricate and install granite that is stunning, designed for function, and will last for many years. Focusing on the details, our installation team will make sure your kitchen exudes the look and feel you were aiming for because we do it right.
Remodeling your kitchen or bathroom can be overwhelming and as remodeling experts, we are here to help. From granite, marble, quartz, and quartzite – we got you covered, and our designers will help you choose the best countertop solution for your home. Call us today for a Free Quote on your countertop renovation project!
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1, 3 11 Things You Should Never Do If You Have Granite Countertops, 4/2025
Link: https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/home-and-garden/11-things-you-should-never-do-if-you-have-granite-countertops/ss-AA1CsCP0?ocid
2 15 Best Countertop Materials for Kitchens by Timothy Dale, 2/17/2025
Link: https://www.thespruce.com/top-kitchen-countertops-197714
4 How to Choose a Kitchen Countertop by Richard Trethewey, 9/23/2024
Link: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/kitchens/21016024/how-to-choose-a-countertop