Granite countertops are popular and as a result there are a lot of false ideas swirling around about how to best care for them. Common misconceptions about granite can lead to mistakes that unintentionally damage countertops. The more you know about the beautiful ancient stone in your kitchen, the more prepared you are to care for it and keep it looking great for many years to come.
Perhaps you’ve heard that granite countertops can cause cancer because they produce radon. This is fiction, not fact. Granite is not radioactive and there are no additional cancer risks known to people that have granite installed throughout their home. This isn’t the only misconception about granite, and some of the other misconceptions out there can change the way you care for your countertops.
Here are some common fallacies we hear about granite all the time—avoiding them could save your countertops!
Granite Misconception #1: Granite can withstand any heat
Granite is formed deep underground at extremely high temperatures, and so it’s naturally immune to high heat. That doesn’t mean you can ditch your pot holders for good. Although, it is true that granite can withstand temperatures that exceed anything your kitchen appliances could produce… so why is this a misconception?
It boils down to the sealant on your countertops, which cannot withstand the same level of heat without breaking down. When granite sealant breaks down and is not replaced, granite is more prone to damage, stains, and so forth. That’s because granite is porous, meaning it’ll absorb stains from things like oils. The sealant provides a non-porous protective layer, giving you more time to remove spills before they become a permanent fixture on countertops.
Granite Misconception #2: Granite countertops require zero maintenance
Granite requires regular maintenance if you want it to look pretty and function like the long-lasting countertops you signed up for. The thing is, everyone’s countertops require different levels of maintenance. The most important and undisputable maintenance is daily cleaning. Countertops that are regularly cleaned are far less likely to stain or discolor. Aside from cleaning, sealant is another important aspect of granite maintenance, which brings us to our next common misconception…
Granite Misconception #3: All granite needs sealant reapplied every 3 to 5 years
Every so often granite requires a new layer of sealant, but every countertop varies regarding how often sealant is necessary. 3-5 years is a common time frame thrown around, but there’s no need to unnecessarily seal your granite. In fact, some granite is naturally non-porous and doesn’t require any sealant.
The only way to know if granite needs to be sealed is to conduct a water or lemon juice test. This involves dropping a few drips of moisture onto countertop surfaces and seeing if they absorb into the countertops or remain bubbled on top. If countertops absorb moisture, they need to be sealed. You can use the water test in between applying layers of sealant to determine if you need 2 or 3 coats.
Granite Misconception #4: You can cut directly on granite surfaces
Granite is super strong, and it is possible to use a knife directly on surfaces and see no marks. But, that doesn’t mean you should ever cut directly on granite. For one, every slice leads to small cuts in the sealant. Secondly, there’s no guarantee that granite won’t show signs of cut marks. Your best bet is to rely on a cutting board.
Granite Misconception #5: Granite never chips
Quality granite is highly resistant to chips and other damages, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible or has never happened before. If a heavy object hits stone once or repeatedly, there’s a chance a portion of granite will chip or break off. Installation mistakes can cause small cracks to form, which you might not even notice. Natural faults within the stone can also lead to invisible cracks beneath the surface. Pre-cracked slabs are at a greater risk of additional chips and cracks.
Granite Misconception #6: Granite is expensive
Granite is found in many high-end kitchens, and as a naturally beautiful, durable and long lasting material, it’s easy to assume it’s out of your budget. The thing is, granite doesn’t have to break the bank. In proof, we offer high quality granite at wholesale prices you and your bank account are sure to love.
Start shopping our wide selection of granite countertops at wholesale prices today!