Is it safe to cut on granite countertops?

Author: Anibal Boehm  |  Last update: Wednesday, October 1, 2025

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.

Can you put a crockpot on a granite countertop?

Granite should be fine - be careful with Corian, though. There are hidden seams in Corian that don't handle heat well.

Does cutting on granite dull your knives?

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.

Can granite countertops be cut after installed?

The Basics of Granite Recutting

The short answer is yes, granite countertops can indeed be recut.

Can granite be used as a chopping board?

Indeed, granite stands out as an excellent material choice for kitchen chopping boards.

How To Cut Granite DIY. (You had best do this outside)

Will granite crack when cutting?

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.

Is it safe to cut food on granite?

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.

How do you cut granite countertops without chipping them?

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.

What kind of blade to cut granite?

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.

How do you smooth granite after cutting?

How to polish granite edges
  1. Place the granite on a flat work surface. ...
  2. Wet the edge with water. ...
  3. Attach the polishing pads to the grinder. ...
  4. Start Polishing With Grit 50. ...
  5. Move the grinder from left to right. ...
  6. Wipe down with water as you go. ...
  7. Move to Polishing With Grit 100. ...
  8. Continue this process of switching grit pads.

Can you put hot pans on granite countertops?

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.

Can you cut pizza on granite?

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.

Should I get granite or quartz countertops?

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.

Can I stand on my granite counter top?

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.

Can water go through granite?

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.

At what temperature does granite crack?

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.

Can granite be cut by hand?

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.

How do professionals cut granite?

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.

Can you use a razor blade on granite?

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.

Will Home Depot cut granite for you?

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.

Is it better to cut granite wet or dry?

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.

How heavy is granite?

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.

Can you sit hot pans on granite countertops?

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.

How often should I reseal granite?

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.

What countertops should I avoid?

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.

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