Granite countertops can be found in many homes throughout the country because of their reliability, toughness, and aesthetic that many people want for their kitchen, whether when building new or renovating their existing homes. With granite countertops being as commonplace as they are, you are likely already familiar with their appearance and function, but there also are many interesting facts about them that you might not be aware of that will give you a better understanding of why it is a popular material for kitchen surfaces.
Whether you are considering installing granite for the first time or seeking a better understanding of how they bring value to your kitchen, here are some interesting facts about these natural rock countertops that you probably didn’t know.
One Of The Hardest Substances On Earth
One of the best reasons to install granite in your home is because of its durability. Based on its ability to withstand scratches, it ranks high on the list of durable minerals, making it one of the strongest natural stone surfaces available on the market for kitchen surfaces. This makes it an ideal and practical solution if your countertops see a lot of heavy use, especially if you do a lot of cutting directly on the surface or use a lot of heavy kitchen tools and appliances.
It Could Damage Your Knives
With the hardness of granite comes some downsides, one of which is that it could damage your knives if you cut directly on top of the granite surfaces. Over time, your knives may begin to dull and even chip in the worst-case scenarios, which is why you should always use a cutting board whenever you need to dice raw meat or chop up vegetables. While the granite can handle the cutting, your knives may not last long if you continue to use them directly on the granite countertops.
It Is The Oldest Natural Stone
Another interesting fact about granite is that it is also one of the oldest materials known to mankind. With a history stretching back as far as 300 million years ago, granite is one of the oldest available materials on Earth, which is formed by plutonic rocks that form from magma cooling beneath the surface of the planet. It is also often found in some of the tallest cliffs in the world, such as the Great Trango Tower in Pakistan.
Granite Is Found In Ancient And Famous Structures
As one of the oldest available building materials on the planet, you can find granite in famous and historical structures all over the world, from ancient Greece to Egypt. Some specific examples include Mount Rushmore and the Statue of Liberty in the United States, giving this natural stone a storied history of use in prominent structures and a testament to its durability and aesthetic. If you were ever in doubt about installing granite countertops, you can look at their history to see why they are so reliable and widely used today.
It Is Heat Resistant
If you are concerned about granite’s durability with handling hot objects and items, you can rest assured that the material is exceptionally resistant to heat and can withstand temperatures up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit. It means you can place hot pans and pots on your granite surfaces without concern; however, you may still wish to use hot pads to preserve the natural stone’s appearance over time.
Find The Best Kitchen Cabinets in South Florida
If you are looking to hire professional services to install new granite countertops or maintain your existing stone surfaces, contact an expert from Tops Kitchen Cabinets for high-quality services in the South Florida region.