Many people save and budget for years and years in order to afford the kitchen of their dreams. So, when it comes time to finally bring your vision to life, the last thing you want to do is make a choice that you’ll later come to regret.
When you’re choosing a countertop, surely you want one that catches your eye. But that’s not all you want to keep in mind. You should also consider things like the countertop’s durability—is it important for you to have a sturdy one that will last for years and years? Granite can last a lifetime if you take care of it properly, so if sturdy is what you’re looking for, then look no further.
Durability and beauty are just two of the factors that people consider when purchasing a new countertop. There are tons more questions that you can ask—and the five most notable questions are what we’ll touch on in this article.
1. Can granite stain?
Granite is resistant to stains because of the coat of sealant that should be on its surface, but it is not completely stain proof. That means that while it’s possible for granite to stain (if it’s not sealed correctly), it’s not likely that it will happen if the countertop is maintained properly.
To keep your granite countertop looking pristine, we recommend wiping up stains as soon as you see them so as not to give them the chance to seep into the granite’s pores.
2. Is granite difficult to clean?
One of the many great things about granite is that it’s extremely simple to clean. You don’t need any special chemicals (especially not cleaners that include bleach, ammonia, vinegar, or citrus—these acids can harm your granite); you just need soap and water.
You can also use cleaners that are marketed toward stone countertops, but many people opt for the simplest option of soap, water, and a soft cloth.
3. Is granite easily damaged?
Granite countertops are known for their sturdiness, and they are not easily damaged at all. But just because this is the case, that doesn’t mean you should stop using cutting boards or set hot pots and pans directly onto the countertop’s surface. Granite is sturdy, but there are still some precautions you should take.
Always use a cutting board instead of cutting directly onto your granite to prevent scratching. And if you can help it, avoid dropping pots and pans onto the countertop as well. You don’t want to create an environment that encourages chipping and damage.
Setting a Crockpot or an instant pot directly on your granite countertop is fine, but it is not a good idea to make a habit of doing the same things with cookware directly from the oven is not a good idea. We recommend using hot pads and trivets in order to make sure that your countertop stays in top shape.
All in all, granite countertops are not easily damaged as long as you know how to take care of them and exercise basic caution.
4. Is granite unbreakable?
Unfortunately, granite is not unbreakable. While it is extremely sturdy, it’s still possible to chip and scratch it if you are careless with it on a regular basis. One of the most common mistakes that people make is using abrasive cleaners, but other slip-ups include the following:
– Not cleaning up stains and spills right away
– Spilling acidic foods or using acidic cleaners
– Dropping pots and pans or moving heavy appliances
5. Should I install granite myself?
Definitely not. Installing granite takes a professional because since it’s a natural stone, it must be cut to fit your exact space. An installer will come in and take measurements, then cut the countertop to make it work in your kitchen. The installer will also do their best to make the countertop look as seamless as possible.
If you try and install granite countertops yourself, you’ll have to pay for your mistakes out of pocket. If a professional installer makes a mistake, they will pay for it. It comes down to who you want to be responsible for any potential errors.
Granite isn’t like many other countertop materials. If you make a mistake during installation, you can’t go and replace a single part of the slab. A mistake would mean wasting an entire slab and having to purchase a new one entirely.
Making Your Choice
There are so many choices related to a kitchen remodel, and you want to make sure that you love the choice you make for years to come. If you know what to ask and take your time to consider the options, you’ll have an easier time making decisions on which countertop is right for you.
If you have more questions about granite, feel free to contact WallStone Stone Countertops.
