The cost of granite polishing averages $3 to $5 per sq. ft.
You can do it yourself. Get granite polishing kit from a local tile store. This kit attaches to a 4.5'' variable speed grinder(used at about 3000rpm). Use discs starting at 100, 200, 400, 800, 1500, then 3000. This is done with water so you will have to be careful in your house.
Can You Get Granite Worktops Repolished? If you feel it's best to leave it to the professionals, many granite worktop suppliers offer repolishing services. While professional tools and equipment can be pricey and require expertise, a quality supplier can provide a quote for the job.
Buying locally is a cheap way to change kitchen countertops because it requires a smaller travel distance and incurs less cost. If your granite is coming from a different state or country, the shipping and import costs can add up because more middlemen need to get the stone from A to Z.
How often you re-polish your granite is completely a matter of its appearance. Most granite surfaces require remedial polishing every five to 15 years, depending on the traffic or use they receive. Your newly polished granite must, of course, then be re-sealed to protect it from stains and other harmful issues.
Cleaning Granite Countertops
In a spray bottle, create a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water. One cup alcohol and one cup water should do it. Spray the entire counter down with the water/alcohol mixture and wait five minutes.
Apply a small amount of oil to a soft, clean cloth, and buff the granite using circular motions. Don't forget to polish the edges of your counter! Oil will give your granite a nice shine, and also help it repel water. Sometimes granite looks dull as a result of etching.
We do not recommend using vinegar when cleaning granite surfaces. While it is certainly a naturally strong stone and can withstand high temps, the acid in vinegar causes etching, which makes the surface dull and damaged. Over time, it will lose its sheen and natural beauty as the sealant wears away.
Your granite countertop is sealed when installed, and it is recommended that it be resealed one year after installation or sooner if you start to notice water stains that evaporate slowly in a given area. You might also consider sealing granite if you are selling your home.
Quartz countertops can cost between $80 to $140 per square foot installed. Granite countertops can cost between $80 and $175 per square foot installed. The price difference between granite and quartz will vary because both materials are international imports, so tariffs and other transport costs will impact pricing.
Custom Granite Countertops Price for 30 Square Feet
Mid-Grade Granite: $60 – $80 per sq. ft. High-End Granite: $80 – $200+ per sq. ft.
As mentioned earlier, honed granite is non-reflective, and as a result, it hides scratches and other imperfections much better than polished granite does. To keep your honed granite looking great for years to come, it's best to avoid abrasives at all coats.
Over time substances can build up on the stone's surface. For example, hard water deposits, food debris, calcium deposits, grease and soap residue can build up on the surface over the course of years, and you probably won't notice.
Clorox wipes contain cleaning agents, including alcohol and bleach, that are effective at disinfecting surfaces. However, these ingredients are harsh on granite because they can strip away its protective sealant over time.
Use a pH-neutral granite cleaning solution and work it slowly and methodically across the countertop. Using anything too basic or acidic will weaken the sealant, so avoid solutions like bleach or vinegar. Some soap and water will suffice, along with a soft sponge. Also, avoid using abrasive pads for scrubbing.
If left unsealed, granite countertops can become vulnerable to stains and damage over time. Granite, being a porous material, naturally absorbs liquids. Without proper sealing, liquids spilled in the kitchen, such as wine, oil, coffee, or food can seep into the pores, leaving behind stubborn stains.
Though using a granite sealer can help you maintain the original finish to your stone, it won't necessarily restore the shine to the countertops. A stone restoration professional can fix this issue for you.
So, how much does it cost to replace granite countertops? Short answer, it depends. It can range anywhere from $40-$200 per square foot, but that price varies based on location, type of stone, edging option, and actively replacing the other countertop.
Some of the cheapest ways to change granite countertops without replacing them include painting, honing, or changing the finish, covering them with tile or laminate, and using countertop contact paper.
Fissures and Pits
Any granite that you purchase, no matter its source or its grade may have natural fissures or pits in its surface. Some of these are harmless; cosmetic cracks or small indentations in the stone. But others could actually weaken the structure and integrity of the countertop.