Granite is one of the most durable and beautiful material you can buy for your kitchen and bathroom countertops. It is scratch, stain and heat resistant, and cleans up easily. This information will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about granite.
Does granite scratch?Does granite scratch?
Answer: Actually, unlike Corian, granite is so tough you can cut on it without marring the finish.
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Can I put hot pans down on granite?
Answer: Yes. Granite will withstand temperatures up to 900 degrees Farenheit without damage. Corian withstands only 212 degrees.
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How do I maintain my granite tops?
Answer: Clean up with mild dish detergent and water is normally all you need. Glass cleaning detergents like Windex are not recommended since they can leave a film. Dry granite countertops with an absorbent cloth. Buff it lightly if you wish. Allowing a countertop to dry by itself can leave streaks.
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What about staining?
Answer: Your granite tops are sealed with an inpregnated sealer before they are installed. For darker, denser granites you may never have to bother sealing again. In the case of lighter colors, it is recommended to seal once or twice per year. To seal, spread sealant with a cloth, allow it to sit for a while, then wipe off the excess. Ask your installer if the color selected should be sealed and if so, how.
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What can stain granite?
Answer: Any spill that is wiped will not penetrate granite. If a spill is allowed to sit over time, it can create a stain or what looks like a watermark. Avoid leaving drippy salad dressing bottles on countertops and wipe up greasy splatters. If ever a stain forms, there are recommended poultices to lighten up or remove it. Some oil stains, especially oil based, will disappear with time on their own. Sealing granite tops once or twice yearly will make staining very unlikely.
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What thickness of granite should be used?
Answer: For kitchen counter tops, the recommended thickness is 1 ¼”. For vanity tops, backsplashes, fireplace surrounds, or furniture, ¾” is suitable. Note that the thickness of granite can vary within the same slab by 1/8”. This is unavoidable and can be noticeable, espcially at seams. Because granite countertops are 1 ¼” thick while laminates are 1 ½” slide-in or free standing ranges may not match height exactly.
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Why are there small pits in granite?
Answer: Small void occur naturally in all stone. Some of the most beautiful colored or patterned granites show more of these small pits than others. These small pits are not defects, nor are they dirt traps. Fissues, or very small cracks are also unavoidable. These fissures in no way weaken counter tops.
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Why are there color variations in granite?
Answer: Granite is a natural product and the color or pattern can vary from counter to counter, even within the same counter. Therefore, pieces may not be identical. Also, due to variations in the shading within each counter it is likely that there will be some differences at backsplashes and seams. This is a characteristic of natural stone which actually adds to its uniqueness.
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How are undermount sinks sealed?
Answer: The opening in the granite is cut and polished. The counter is drilled underneath and receivers installed for the screws that hold the sink clips. The sink’s rim is sealed with clear silicone. No oily plumber’s putty should be put in contact with either the top or the bottom granite surface. Cast iron sinks may require additional support
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Do kitchen cabinets require additional support?
Answer: No. Most new cabinets are easily able to support the weight of granite countertops. When replacing countertops only, the installer will advise if additional support is necessary.