Granite countertops are often installed in kitchens and bathrooms. Not only are they beautiful but they are also known for their durability. This natural stone comes at a higher price but, when you stop to consider the benefits, it’s more than worthwhile. What some homeowners might be concerned about, is just how tough granite worktops are and how easily they are to damage.
The good news is that granite is one of the toughest materials you can use as a countertop. Cutting directly on a granite surface won’t necessarily cause major damage to the worktop. It will, however, dull your knives in a hurry! So, unless you enjoy sharpening them every other day, you should use a cutting board instead.
It should go without saying that high impact blows to the surface will almost certainly cause some kind of damage. Avoid tenderizing meat with a meat hammer directly on the granite surface. One slip of the wrist and you could hit the countertop my mistake.
Another important point to remember is to seal your granite worktops upon installation and reseal whenever necessary. If you do not seal the surface, it will absorb substances and spills that will result in staining. It is also important to understand that sealing helps prevent stains from setting in but you should still clean them up immediately. Prolonged exposure to various substances will allow a stain to set in no matter how well-sealed the granite may be. You should be particularly careful of acidic substances, alcohol and anything that has a strong colour like red wine, mustard or anything with tomato as an added ingredient.