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Granite
is absorbent. Granite qualifies as impervious
to water and is actually less absorbent than some
solid surface (plastic) products. Granite is commonly
used as building material for high-rise buildings
due to its ability to withstand gale force winds
and rain. |
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| 2. |
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Granite
stains easily. Granite is resistant to stains.
Generally, any liquid spilled on a granite top,
if wiped up within a few minutes, will not stain.
However, even water can soak into a granite countertop
and leave a dark colored spot but this will evaporate
in minutes. Liquids that do not evaporate, such
as oils will cause stains if left to soak into the
stone. |
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Stains
in granite are permanent. Most stains can be
removed. Even oil stains can usually be removed
using a poultice or paste that will draw out the
oil from the stone. |
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| 4. |
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Granite
will lose its polish over the years. While this
may be true of marble, granite will shine years
from now just as if it was brand new. Granite is
highly scratch resistant and will not show wear
from daily use. |
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Granite
requires a lot of maintenance. Routine cleaning
with mild soap and water is all that is generally
required. Once a year, a re-application of a penetrating
sealer should be performed, which only takes about
15 minutes—less time than scouring a solid
surface countertop with a cleanser to remove scratches. |
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| 6. |
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Heat
will cause granite to chip and crack. Granite
is heat resistant and can withstand the heat of
hot pots and pans without damage. Impact from a
heavy object may chip granite but heat from anything
short of a blowtorch will not affect your countertop. |
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Dark colored granites are harder than light colored granites. Granites are composed of a variety of minerals, each of which has specific performance properties. The hardest mineral commonly found in granite is quartz, which is normally a somewhat translucent, white to grey colored mineral.
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| 8. |
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Granite’s
tiny pores and fissures harbor bacteria. Bacteria
are found everywhere. If it is on a granite top,
then it can also be found on a laminate or solid
surface top. Use an anti-bacterial soap to wash
your countertop if you are concerned. |
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| 9. |
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Granite
and marble are essentially the same. Besides
the fact that they are both natural stones and can
be polished, they are otherwise very different.
Marble is generally a calcious stone, formed from
oceanic deposits and then compressed under pressure
(metamorphosed). Granite, however, is an igneous
rock, essentially molten magma, which is cooled
and then hardened below the earth’s surface. |
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| 10. |
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Granite is expensive. Granite is usually
competitively priced compared to other high-end
surfacing materials. You will be amazed when you
compare the price of granite to other popularly
famed “luxury surfaces”. Granite offers
you an unmatched value with its natural beauty,
elegance and longevity. |
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