Granite is a popular choice for kitchen countertops, but it seems that there are a few myths circulating about granite. Rock Doctor is here to dispel the myths surrounding one granite and explain the facts about this stone.
Myth #1: Granite is Expensive
While what qualifies as expensive is completely subjective, granite countertops aren’t really much more pricey than other countertop surfaces. Obviously, there are cheaper options for countertop surfaces, such as laminate or tile, but granite pricing is competitive with similar stone options.
Also, the abundant supply of granite has driven prices down, and when compared to other natural stones, it is one of the cheaper options on the market due to the ability to access it. As more people purchase granite countertops, the cheaper it costs to have one in your home.
Even if granite does seem expensive, it is one of the most durable countertop surfaces, and it increases the resale value of your home. If properly cared for, granite can last for decades.
Myth #2: Granite is Hard to Maintain
Granite countertops do need to be sealed, but that doesn’t mean that these surfaces are hard to maintain. A simple wipe down with Rock Doctor’s Granite & Quartz Cleaner is all it takes to keep a granite countertop clean. Most people clean granite countertops as often as they would clean any other type of countertop surface.
Polishing a granite countertop is just as easy as cleaning one, and polishing can take place as often as the owner wants, although Rock Doctor recommends a weekly polish. While it is true that the more often you polish it, the better it tends to look, polishing isn’t a frequently required maintenance step for granite. Rock Doctor’s Granite & Quartz Polish is easy to use and takes very little time.
When it comes to sealing a granite countertop, many people are under the impression that this is something that needs to be frequently done and takes a long time. With the Rock Doctor Granite & Stone Sealer, sealing a granite countertop just takes a few minutes. Plus, you only need to reseal the surface every 12 to 18 months.
Myth #3: Granite is Unsafe for Food Preparation
At some point, someone got the idea that bacteria and germs get into the pores of granite, thus making it unsafe to prepare food on a granite surface. Fortunately for granite lovers, this is completely untrue. A granite countertop will contain no more bacteria than any other countertop surface.
Another rumor about granite being unsafe stems from a claim that countertops made with the stone emit cancer-causing radon. Fortunately for the owners of granite countertops, these claims haven’t been substantiated, and the EPA hasn’t found any evidence that granite countertops emit a level of radon that should be classified as unsafe.
Myth #4: Granite is Indestructible
It is true that granite is resistant to chemicals, heat, stains, and scratches, and it is one of the hardest countertop materials available, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t damage it.
While it is very difficult to stain granite, it is possible, although it is also possible to remove the stains. Another interesting myth states that once stained, granite can’t be returned to its original state. If you do happen to stain your granite, it is likely that you can undo the damage.
Granite is also heat resistant but placing a hot pot directly on your granite countertop isn’t a good idea. High heat can cause granite sealers to become dull and cloudy. In addition, quick changes in heat can lead to weak spots like natural fissures in the stone. It is true, however, that hot pots and pans are unlikely to scorch the surface of the granite.
Although scratch resistant, there are many substances that are harder than granite and can scratch it. Abrasive chemical cleaners can cause tiny scratches on the surface of your granite. Cracking and chipping can also occur when some hard hits the granite. So, while granite is a durable material, it can be damaged.
Myth #5: Granite Will Lose Its Shine
This statement seems to have been over-applied to granite, even though it is only true for marble. Granite rarely shows wear from regular use. If you do start to notice that the stone doesn’t appear as shiny as it once did, you can apply a polish and watch it sparkle once again.
Myth #6: Granite and Marble are Basically the Same
Granite and marble may both be natural stones, but they are far from the same. Granite is an igneous rock that was formed by molten magma that cooled and hardened under the ground, while marble is a calicoes stone that was formed from oceanic deposits that were compressed under immense pressure.
Myth #7: Dark Granite is Harder than Light Granite
For some reason, many people believe that darker colors of granite are harder than lighter colored ones. However, the hardest mineral found in granite is quartz, which is normally a white or grey colored mineral.
Myth #8: Granite Stains Easily and the Stains are Permanent
As previously stated, granite doesn’t stain very easily. If it does stain, one of the main culprits is cooking oils. These oils can be removed using a paste or poultice that draws the oil out of the stone. As long as you are responsible about cleaning up spills on the surface of your countertop, it isn’t likely you will have any problems with stains on your granite countertops.
For help keeping your granite cleaned, shiny, and sealed, look no further than Rock Doctor’s Stone Care System. The full line of granite products from Rock Doctor will protect your countertops and keep them looking new for decades. Rock Doctor can be purchased at Lowe’s, Amazon, and The Home Depot.
