Blog Stone Maintenance Tips & Information

What to Know About Granite

If you are during a kitchen remodel, you may be overwhelmed by your choices when it comes to cabinets, flooring, sinks, and more. One thing that most people update when doing a kitchen remodel is their countertops. There are a ton of different stones out there with different finishes, so it can be hard to know which type of stone will give you the look you want while still being functional and a good deal. Being armed with knowledge is the best way to make a good investment. Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of your stone choices is a great place to start. And we want to help you with that. For starters, here we want to discuss the pros and cons of granite.

Heat Resistant

Granite countertops are some of the most popular among kitchens. One of the reasons for this is due to its ability to stand up to heat. Hot pots and pans can rest directly on granite without risk of blistering or melting.

Scratch Resistant

As far as mineral hardiness, granite scores an impressive 7 on the Mohs scale. If you are not familiar with the Mohs scale, this just means that granite is very scratch resistant. This is a quality that matters to a lot of people because kitchen counters are fairly utilitarian. You can even cut on granite counters. But you might not want to since doing so will likely dull your knives. But it is just a testament to how hardy this stone is.

Acid Resistant

Granite is also great at standing up to acidic materials. Lemons and tomatoes do not pose a threat to this sturdy stone. It is also quite resistant to harsh chemicals. But be mindful that repeated exposure may weaken the sealant and require a new coat sooner. A gentler cleansing option will help your topcoat last longest.

Price Range

Granite is tough and beautiful. Which is why you may not find it to be the cheapest stone option. Some bargain granites can range from $35-$60, but most standard kitchen installations will run you around $3,000-$6,000. Do be sure to shop around and compare prices before choosing an installer.

Maintenance

As we have discussed, granite is heat, scratch, and acid resistant. So, it is not surprising that it is a low maintenance option. Most can go 10 years without needing to be resealed. When your granite begins to look dull, do not hesitate to reach out to Stone Restoration Works. We can seal and mend any natural stone you have.

By Stone Restoration Works 7-2-2021