Tag Archives: Granite Kitchen Counters

Increase the Life of Your Granite Kitchen Counters

new kitchen countertops

When it comes to kitchen countertops, every home improvement magazine and website approves natural stone countertops and backsplashes are all the rage. Many newly renovated kitchens features environmentally friendly granite countertops. During the process for selecting new kitchen countertops, you may want something durable, stylish, low-maintenance and budget-friendly. Granite meets all these requirements because granite is extracted from the surface of the earth. This countertop material can withstand both cold and hot temperatures, as well as extreme pressure before cracks or chips.

How to Maintain Granite Countertops

After granite countertop installation, you should know how to maintain the granite surface. While granite is a durable surface, just like all natural stones, if you fail to provide the right care to the surface, it will start to break down at faster rate. Granite deterioration will become apparent with signs such as cracks, stains, and surface blemishes. Here are some helpful tips to help you maintain the granite countertops and increase their lifespan:

Understanding the benefits of granite sealers

Granite is a porous material. It absorbs moisture from spills. That is why granite sealing is required. Granite countertop sealing not only helps countertop to look good, but it also keeps mildew and bacteria from soaking into the seams. The seam is the area where two granite slabs are joined against each other.

Preparing granite counters for a routine cleaning

Once your countertop is sealed, you will have to learn how to keep it clean. Before you actually start cleaning your granite countertop, scrub off all crumbs and ensure that you are able to reach all areas of the countertop. Then clean the surface with a damp cloth and mild detergent.

Using mild cleaning agent

Harsh chemicals can destroy the sealing and eventually granite surface. Thus, it is always advisable to use mild cleaning agents to clean the granite kitchen counters. You can opt for the homemade and environmentally friendly cleaners for this purpose.

Clean spills as soon as you can

Cleaning spills as soon as they come into notice is always a good idea. In case something acidic spills on the countertop, you can minimize the damage to countertop by cleaning it right away.

 

Which Durable Countertop is the best for Your Kitchen?

granite countertop care

With continuous exposure to heat, water, knives, acids and more, countertops bear huge wear and tear in the kitchens. It is important to choose a kitchen countertop material that not only looks good but also hold up under the kitchen activities. You can find many kitchen countertop materials on the market. Every material has its own perks and limitations.

Best kitchen countertop materials

While purchasing kitchen countertop, you should pay heed over several factors such as, countertop maintenance, purchase and installation cost, finishing, durability, heat resistance, scratch resistance and sealing requirements. Selecting the countertop material is one of the most important decisions to be made while planning kitchen remodeling. It is always good to check out all available countertop options to choose the most apt countertop material for your kitchen.

To narrow down you ideal countertop material search, take sneak peek over the pros and cons of the best countertop materials:

Granite Kitchen Counters

Granite is the king of kitchen countertops. Granite has all the qualities of an ideal countertop material. It comes in variety of colors, textures and styles.

Pros

  • It is durable material.
  • It resists chips and cracks.
  • It stands up to stains

Cons

  • It requires annual sealing.
  • It is tough but not indestructible.

Quartz Kitchen Counters

Quartz is a highly durable manmade kitchen countertop material. You can easily find fully customized quartz countertop.

Pros

  • It is highly durable countertop material.
  • It can bear knife cuts and other scratches.
  • It is stain and bacteria resistant.

Cons

  • It is not heat resistant material.
  • Quartz countertops are expensive.
  • Quartz countertops get discolored over time.

Tile Kitchen Counters

Tile countertops look very beautiful and contemporary. It is very low maintenance countertop material.

Pros

  • It is very tough material.
  • Tile counters are easy to clean.
  • This material resist stains, cuts and heat.

Cons         

  • It is a porous material.
  • It cracks easily.
  • Annual sealing is required

There are many countertop materials. In order to choose the right countertop for your kitchen or bathroom, you should opt for the best kitchen countertop contractor. The countertop contractor can better guide you about the suitable countertop material according to your needs and requirements.