Yes, but you shouldn't. Although your knife blades won't damage the granite itself, they can wear down the seal over time. Plus, the granite counter is hard enough to actually dull your knife. That's why it's always a good idea to use a cutting board even if you have a stone countertop made from Granite or quartz.
Granite should be fine - be careful with Corian, though. There are hidden seams in Corian that don't handle heat well.
Avoid using your knife on surfaces made of glass, granite, marble, or ceramic. These materials are much harder than steel and will weaken your knife's edge. Even a quick slice on a ceramic dinner plate, a marble cheese board, or a granite countertop can dull your knife.
The Basics of Granite Recutting
The short answer is yes, granite countertops can indeed be recut.
Indeed, granite stands out as an excellent material choice for kitchen chopping boards.
Granite is one of the most durable countertop materials you can buy, and it can certainly withstand cuts from a knife blade. However, if your granite has a sealer on it, cutting can eventually wear down the sealant.
The Hard Truth About Granite
Granite is one of the hardest natural stones available, rated just below diamonds on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. This makes it incredibly durable and resistant to scratching. Technically speaking, you could cut directly on a granite countertop and not damage the surface.
Granite generates a lot of heat, so always use water to cool the blade and control dust. Make shallow initial passes with the saw to guide the blade and prevent chipping or mistakes. Gradually increase the depth of each pass until you cut through the slab completely.
Cutting stone like granite requires a diamond saw blade because of the hardness of the material. Same for other types of stone, like marble and slate, as well as concrete, brick, or ceramic tile.
You can put hot pans on granite with no worries if you place something underneath them. A trivet, pad or potholder will absorb the heat from the pan before it reaches the surface, preventing damage to your countertop and preserving its beauty.
Yes, but you shouldn't. Although your knife blades won't damage the granite itself, they can wear down the seal over time. Plus, the granite counter is hard enough to actually dull your knife. That's why it's always a good idea to use a cutting board even if you have a stone countertop made from Granite or quartz.
Quartz is actually harder than granite and thus, more durable. In fact, quartz is nearly indestructible, and because it isn't porous like granite, it's easy to keep your countertops relatively bacteria-free. Be careful with cooking pans though: Quartz can be damaged by excessive heat, so use heating pads at all times.
Granite is a natural rock with fascinating fissures and stunning striations or veins. But these striations are vulnerable to cracking under excessive weight. So don't climb or stand on the countertops to reach things, change light bulbs, paint or anything else. Use a sturdy stool or step ladder; it's safer anyway.
As natural stones, marble and granite countertops have varying degrees of porosity, which means that yes…they will indeed absorb water. Natural stones hold a network of tiny interconnected channels (sort of like the body's capillaries), which permit penetration by liquids and gasses.
There is a boundary to how much heat granite countertops can bear before they start to fracture and break. For example, a 3/8-inch-thick granite countertop is found to withstand just nearly 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
Yes, but you need to take care and work slowly. Cutting a granite countertop requires attention, precision and a steady hand. If in doubt, or if you're not confident with precise DIY, we recommend you hire a professional to cut your granite worktop for you.
Cutting granite is a complex task that requires precision, efficiency, and the right equipment. With BACA Systems' innovative machinery, including the Versa 5 CNC Saw, Robo SawJet M Series, and Miter X 2.0, fabricators can achieve flawless results while saving time and reducing waste.
Cleaning Granite Countertops
Use a razor blade to remove difficult spots. If scrubbing doesn't work, the spot might require a razor blade. Use the blade to scrape away any gunk or build-up on the countertop.
Hires a third-party contractor to measure, cut, polish and install your countertops. In many cases, this contractor will outsource portions of the work to a fourth-party, further reducing accountability, causing delays, and increasing the price.
Granite can be cut wet or dry. In either case, it's a mess, so set up a work area, with tables that can support the granite, where the work won't affect other areas of the home.
Granite weights approximately 20 lbs. per square foot. An average slab weighs about 1000 lbs. A slab of quartzite would be closer to 1200 lbs.
Homeowners don't need to worry about damaging their countertops with everyday use because granite is quite heat resistant. Placing a hot pan on a well-maintained granite slab will not cause it to crack or weaken. Just remember that repeatedly placing a very hot pan on the same spot may cause granite to discolor.
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.
Avoid countertops that are largely plastic such as cultured marble, solid surface, and those that introduce formaldehyde, like laminate. If using laminate countertops, specify that the substrate be made with a no added formaldehyde (NAF) resin. Additionally, CDPH-certified laminate materials are preferred.