Top Myths Surrounding Granite Countertops
Posted on: 3 March 2015
Share
Are you planning a kitchen remodel in the near future? Are you still trying to decide whether or not to have granite countertops installed? Here is the truth behind some myths that you may have heard from family and friends about granite countertops:
Myth #1 Nothing can scratch a granite countertop: Not all countertops being sold as granite are true granite. While these types of stone may be just as beautiful as true granite, they may actually be much softer. If it is important that your countertops be as scratch-resistant as possible, try to confirm whether you're purchasing true granite when you are shopping around for countertops. Also, whether or not you get true granite or not, you should avoid using abrasive cleaners on granite countertops. Abrasive cleaners may eventually scratch and dull even the hardest granite counters.
Myth #2 Black granite is always the highest quality granite: While black granite is beautiful, not all black granite is the same. Some unscrupulous dealers may use dyes to turn a lighter-colored and possibly inferior stone into a more desirable black granite color. This dying process may escape notice at first, by all but the most discerning customer. However, once you have your granite countertops installed, normal wear and tear may cause lighter colored scratches in what you thought was a beautiful black granite counter.
Myth #3 Granite needs to be resealed frequently: As previously stated, true granite is difficult to scratch. It is unlikely to need resealing to conceal scratches. It is also non-porous and almost impossible to stain, eliminating another reason for resealing. But if you purchase an inferior type of stone that only looks like granite, it may be much softer and much more porous. It may need frequent resealing, in order for it to maintain the look of real granite. Only a seasoned professional will be able to tell you whether your countertops will need to be resealed or not.
Myth #4 If you take a hot dish from the oven and put it on the granite countertop, everything will be fine: Granite is extremely heat resistant. Unlike other types of countertops, putting extremely hot dishes or pots and pans onto your granite countertops may not immediately harm them. However, as you probably learned in science class, extreme heat and cold can cause internal stresses to build up inside the rock.
If you continue to put pans and dishes directly from the stove or oven onto your counter, you may eventually cause the countertop to fracture. To prevent this from happening, use a trivet or pot holder as you would with any other countertop material.
Need more help? Contact a company like GranBrazil Inc. for more information.