All About Granite

Selecting a countertop is not an easy task. With so many stone options, it can be a difficult decision. Understanding your stone choice will help equip you with the knowledge needed when shopping for new countertops. Ready to learn more about granite?

Facts:

  • Granite is a natural stone that is quarried from the earth. The color and patterns in the stone are the results of millions of years of development.
  • Granite is the oldest igneous rock in the world, believed to have been formed as long as 300 million years ago.

Positives:

  • Granite is heat resistant and can withstand some heat from cooking pots and pans without damage. We still suggest using a trivet or hot pad when setting hot items onto your natural stone countertop.
  • Chips and scratches are easier to repair in granite than in quartz. Granite countertops are hard and durable.
  • Each piece is unique – a true piece of art.
  • Granite is completely natural and from the earth.

Things to consider:

  • Granite is a porous stone, which requires sealing. Typically, darker colors in granite are denser and do not require as frequent of sealer as lighter granite does.
  • Granite is a hard and durable surface but is not as strong as quartz. Granite can also chip but, in most situations, can be repaired with epoxy resin.
  • Natural fissures and pits in natural stone are common and usually pose no structural issues in the stone. The fissures and pits are natural to the stone and are viewed as characteristics, not defects.
  • Granite and quartz may have variations in their finish. When light reflects on it, some areas may appear shinier than others. This is due to the resin/epoxy used in granite and quartz, which is used to bind areas of stone together.

Granite Care:

A good philosophy to follow when cleaning granite: less is more. Be gentle with your granite, it is not indestructible. Daily Routine: a microfiber cloth with water only. Nice and simple!

Learn more about the care and maintenance of granite:

Yearly Routine – seal your granite; this is a simple process. Wipe on and wipe off; that’s it.

Some granite requires more frequent sealing than others.