8 Truths About Granite
Granite countertops are commonly used as a building material for high-rise buildings due to its ability to withstand gale force winds and rain.
Truth #1: Granite countertops do not stain easily.
Granite counters are resistant to stains. Liquid spilled on a granite top, will not stain if wiped up in a few minutes. Water can soak into a granite countertop and leave a dark colored spot but this will evaporate in minutes. Liquids that do not evaporate, such as oils will cause stains if left to soak into the stone.
Truth #2: Stains in granite countertops are usually not permanent.
Most stains can be removed from granite counters. Even oil stains can usually be removed using a poultice or paste that will draw out the oil from the stone.
Truth #3: Granite countertops will lose its polish over the years depending on use.
However, most often granite will shine years from now just as if it was brand new with residential use. Granite counters are highly scratch resistant and will not show wear from daily use.
Truth #4: Granite countertops do not require a lot of maintenance.
Routine cleaning of your countertops with mild soap and water is all that is generally required. Once a year, a re-application of a penetrating sealer should be performed, which only takes about 15 minutes—less time than scouring a solid surface countertop with a cleanser to remove scratches. Spray on the sealant and then wipe 15-30 minutes later depending on the product.
Truth #5: Heat will not cause granite countertops to chip and crack in most cases.
Granite counters are heat resistant and can withstand the heat of hot pots and pans without damage. The impact from a heavy object may chip granite but the heat from anything short of a blowtorch will not affect your countertop.
Truth #6: Dark-colored granite countertops are not harder than light-colored granites.
Granites are composed of a variety of minerals, each of which has specific performance properties. The hardest mineral commonly found in granite is quartz, which is normally a somewhat translucent, white to grey colored mineral.
Truth #7: Granite and marble countertops are essentially not the same.
Both natural stones and can be polished, but they are otherwise very different. Marble is much softer and is generally a calicoes stone, formed from oceanic deposits and then compressed under pressure (metamorphosed). Granite, however, is an igneous rock, essentially molten magma, which is cooled and then hardened below the earth’s surface.
Truth #8: Granite countertops are usually less expensive than quartz.
Granite counters are usually competitively priced compared to Corian-solid surface and other high-end surfacing materials. You will be amazed when you compare the price of granite to other popularly famed “luxury surfaces”. Granite offers you an unmatched value with its unique natural beauty, elegance, and longevity.
