Granite Countertop Misinformation That You Should Disregard
The type of countertops that are in your kitchen can be a surprisingly important factor. This is due to both the aesthetic value of having attractive countertops along with the practical benefits that they can provide. However, the variety of materials that can be used in countertops will often be overwhelming for homeowners that are attempting to choose one for use in their kitchen.
Myth: Marble Is Always More Stain Resistant
Staining is one of the primary threats to kitchen countertops. When pigments are allowed to stay on the surface of the countertop for a protracted period, they can cause deep stains that may not be possible to remove. Some homeowners will assume that marble countertops are far more resistant to staining than granite, but this is actually reversed. Marble is a fairly porous material that can easily trap pigments, but granite lacks this feature. While it will still be possible for granite to stain, it will be far more resistant to it than most other types of stone.
Myth: Granite Countertops Are Excellent Cutting Surfaces
While granite is an extremely hard material, homeowners should always refrain from using it as a cutting surface. The blade of the knife can be sharp enough to leave etching in the surface of the granite. These openings can compromise the stone's natural resistance to staining and water damage while also severely compromising the appearance of the granite. By simply using a high-quality cutting board, you can avoid this potential risk.
Myth: It Is Not Possible To Repair Granite Countertops That Become Chipped
In the event that your granite suffers minor surface damage, there are some effective repair options. Applying a stone filler is one of the most effective as this filler can harden to protect the stone while also being colored to blend in with the surroundings. Periodically evaluating your granite countertops can allow you to find and repair these minor damages so that your countertops will have a long lifespan.
Myth: You Will Have To Completely Replace The Existing Countertop Supports To Install Granite Granite
Upgrading to granite countertops is often not seriously considered due to individuals assuming that they will have to install entirely new supports for the countertops to support the heavy weight of the granite. However, it is usually possible to reinforce these supports so that they can handle the heavier weight of the granite. This will vary based on the current countertop supports and the size of the granite countertops that will be installed, but an experienced contractor will be able to easily assess whether this is an option.
Contact a company, like Artisan Granite & Marble, for more help.