Caring For Granite Countertops: Practical Tips And Advice

19 June 2020
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Granite is a popular choice in countertop material, especially for kitchen remodeling projects. After all, not only is granite very durable, but it comes with its own natural beauty, as well. If you're considering granite as part of a kitchen remodel, however, there are some basic care and maintenance tips you'll want to keep in mind. After all, while granite is very low-maintenance, there is no such thing as a zero-maintenance countertop material.

Reseal as Needed

The most important thing to remember when it comes to caring for granite countertops is that they need to be resealed on occasion. That's because granite is a stone, and stone is naturally porous. Applying a sealer to your granite will keep it from absorbing liquids over time, which will protect against staining.

The frequency with which your counters will need to be resealed will vary, but resealing it at least once a year will give you added peace of mind. Sealing granite only takes a few minutes of your time, and you can find spray-on stone sealers at your local home improvement store.

Avoid Direct Heat

Like any natural stone, granite is very resistant to heat--which makes it great for use in kitchen spaces. Still, granite is not 100% heat-proof, so you'll still want to be mindful. Specifically, be careful not to set any hot pans or pots directly on your countertops. Instead, use a trivet or a hand towel to provide an extra layer of protection between hot pots/pans and your counters. While you're not likely to damage your granite countertops with occasional exposure to extreme heat, it's better to get into the practice of being extra careful.

Use a Cutting Board

Just as granite is heat-resistant, it is also resistant to scratches but is not 100% scratch-proof. To reduce the chances of your counters becoming scratched or damaged by sharp objects (such as knives), always use a cutting board when chopping food. Never chop food directly on your countertops. This is also where having your countertops sealed will come in handy, as sealants will make the stone less prone to chipping or scratching.

As you can see, there's not much that goes into caring for granite countertops. Aside from sealing them as needed, avoiding direct heat, and using a cutting board, there isn't much that you need to remember when it comes to granite countertop maintenance. And when properly cared for, you can expect granite countertops to look beautiful for many years to come.

To learn more, contact a granite countertop supplier.