What are the disadvantages of granite countertops?

Author: Zoie Hodkiewicz Sr.  |  Last update: Sunday, May 29, 2022

Cons for Granite Countertops
Granite countertops are strong and durable as long as it receives sealing each year. If homeowners are lax in their maintenance, the porous granite can suck up oils, juice, and wine, which will be impossible to remove. Bacteria can also harbor inside granite if not sealed properly.

Is it worth getting granite countertops?

Granite countertops are harder and stronger and the long-term durability of the granite makes it that much more appealing to both the homeowner and the home builders. It has a longer shelf life than traditional laminate countertops so you won't see any scratches or rings.

Which one is better for countertops quartz or granite?

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.

Can you put a hot pan on granite countertop?

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.

What are the pros and cons of granite counter tops?

Granite Countertops: Pros and Cons
  • Granite countertops don't depreciate in value.
  • It's a one-of-a-kind, natural surface that has an almost luminous look.
  • Granite adds value to your home.
  • It's sanitary -- bacterial contamination is not a problem with granite.
  • Formed by heat and pressure, it can take the heat of a pan.

Granite Counter Tops - Pros and Cons

Can you use Clorox wipes on granite?

Clorox, whether it is Clorox wipes or the Multi-Purpose cleaning fluid, is not safe to use for cleaning and disinfecting your granite. The multi-purpose cleaner contains bleach, which is extremely harmful for granite and many other natural stones.

Does granite scratch easily?

Granite is one of the hardest stone surfaces you can buy and is not easily susceptible to scratches, especially those from knives or other kitchen utensils. However, scratches can occur, and will often show up more readily on lighter-colored stones.

What maintenance does granite countertops need?

When your granite countertop is properly sealed, daily care is a breeze. Just use a soft cloth to dust the surface, or wipe it down with plain water or a mild soap. If your countertop needs extra cleaning, use a specially-formulated stone cleaner with a neutral pH. Never use abrasive cleansers or harsh chemicals.

Does granite crack easily?

Granite is most susceptible to cracks during shipping and installation. Normal use will not crack granite.

What happens if you don't reseal granite?

What Happens If You Don't Seal Granite Countertops? If you don't use a granite sealer on your countertops (or you wait too long before resealing granite countertops), they will: Absorb food, grease, and liquids — causing set-in stains on your countertop. Absorb water — making the countertop always look dirty.

Can I use Clorox wipes on quartz?

No, you can't use disinfecting wipes on quartz countertops. Disinfecting wipes contain citric acid as their primary ingredient and are not diluted in any way. When you use these wipes to clean your countertop, they will weaken the seal on your countertop's surface leaving them vulnerable to discoloration.

Will granite ever run out?

It comes from quarries all over the world, and it takes millions of years to produce more of them. Technically, the world can run out of granite if enough comes out of the ground. However, in the centuries that people have used granite for various reasons, they have barely scratched the surface of the granite supply.

Is granite out of style?

Granite and other natural stone countertop sales are projected to grow into 2025, according to economists. Consumers and homeowners have fallen in love with granite over the last twenty years, and that's not ending anytime soon!

Which is cheaper granite or quartz?

Quartz is generally less expensive.

But with the exception of the cheapest granite, quartz is generally less expensive—$70 to $100 per square foot installed compared with granite's price range of $60 to $270 per square foot installed.

How long will a granite countertop last?

Granite countertops should last you at least 10-15 years if maintained well. While you can take steps daily to prolong the life of your granite; some professional help is needed to restore and refinish in order to ensure your granite surfaces last as long as possible.

Is it OK to cut on granite countertop?

Hard stone countertops like granite and quartz can withstand knife work in the kitchen without scratching. However, if you cut acidic foods like citrus fruits, the acid can degrade the surface of the countertop, leaving a noticeable dull spot.

What causes chips in granite countertops?

Sometimes granite will chip around the edges of the counter. Impact of a ladder, or appliances, or any other sturdy objects while being moved around kitchen area may cause the granite chipping. Generally these chips are small in size, but they may mar the beauty of your counter.

How do I stop my granite sink from chipping?

Use a cleaner and sealer combination recommended by the granite manufacturer or the installer. Only use granite cleaners and sealers made from safe products that are recommended for your specific color and brand. The continual use of the cleaner will seal the granite throughout the year.

Does cast iron scratch granite?

Because of their high heat resistance, any realistic amount of heat applied to granite countertops in your kitchen will not cause them to chip or crack. Even a red-hot cast iron skillet, which radiates at around 1300 degrees, is 1000 degrees shy of the required temperature to damage the stone.

Is Dawn dish soap safe for granite?

Repeated use of soapy water will cause build-up and dull your countertop's shine, even though dish soap won't permanently damage your granite. It's not a good idea to regularly use dish soap to clean granite countertops.

Can water ruin granite?

So can water ruin granite? No, but it can discolor it so you want to be cautious with especially hard water on your granite countertops.

Can Windex be used on granite?

Since granite countertops have a sealant on them to keep them shiny and stain-resistant, you want to avoid using anything too acidic or basic on the granite. Frequent use of vinegar, Windex or bleach will dull the granite and weaken the sealant. Instead, a little soap and water should do the trick.

Will paper towels scratch granite?

To clean granite most often you want to use just a wet rag or paper towel. Make sure the paper towel is sturdy and won't shed or rip apart on you as you wipe. That's why I use Viva® Vantage Paper Towels. I can get them wet and wipe down my granite counters without it falling apart on me.

What is the easiest countertop to maintain?

Laminate countertops are the easiest kitchen countertop to maintain. Once installed, all you will need to do is clean them with mild soap and water. No additional maintenance is required.

How can I tell if granite is sealed?

How do I know if my granite needs to be sealed?
  1. pour a tablespoon of regular tap water onto the counter and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
  2. Wipe away water with a dry cloth.
  3. Is there a darkening of the stone?
  4. If there is darkening, your counters could use some sealer.
  5. If color hasn't changed, the stone is sealed.

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