Granite has been the top pick for kitchen countertops for many decades, ever since technology has made it affordable for a majority of homeowners. However, there will always be haters for the popular kids on the block trying to bring it down by spreading rumors. Some of these myths have discouraged some people from choosing granite for their countertops, to their detriment. Here are the top myths about granite countertops debunked. Hopefully, this will help you make an informed decision about your kitchen countertop choices.
Granite will discolor with high heat
True granite is extremely heat resistant, so hot pots and pans will not discolor or damage it. This myth may have become popular because this heat resistance is not true for the sealer, which may blister off in the presence of heat. In addition, some suppliers pass off other stones are granite, which are not as resistant to heat, so they may discolor. Because of these circumstances, it is a good idea to protect the surface with a trivet or heat pad just to be on the safe side. That said, true granite will not discolor with high heat.
Subjecting granite suddenly to very high heat can result in stress cracks in the stone, especially if weak spots are already present. However, it would take a lot of heat, in the neighborhood of 600 degrees Celsius (about 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit), to affect granite. This is much hotter than any kitchen pot or pan can possibly get.
Granite is very porous, and should be sealed at least once a year
Granite is a natural stone, and all natural stones have some level of porosity. Most granite suppliers would seal granite just to be on the safe side. However, true granite is only slightly porous, and in some cases, may not need a sealer at all. For most granite countertops, it may not be necessary to re-seal granite through its lifetime under reasonable use and care. It is worth noting, however, that some suppliers pass off highly porous stones as granite, which do need regular sealing to prevent staining. This is why it is important to get your granite countertops from a reliable and reputable supplier.
Granite is high maintenance
Some people claim that granite countertops require special cleaners and regular sealing to keep it in good condition. This is not true at all. Granite is highly durable, scratch-resistant, and stain-resistant, so it only needs minimal cleaning and care to keep it pristine. In most cases, a daily wipe down with a mild solution of dishwashing liquid and water is all you need. However, you should not use abrasive cleaners and cleaning tools. While this will not damage the granite, it might scratch the sealer, leaving the surface looking dull.
Granite can cause cancer
There was a popular myth circulating that granite countertops can cause cancer. Because it emits radon, a toxic gas associated with causing lung cancer. Radon is radioactive, resulting from the decay of tiny amounts of radium and uranium present in most rocks and soil. It is also present in the air and ground water.
While it is true that granite countertops do emit radon, it is so miniscule that it is harmless to humans. In fact, the amount of radon emission from granite countertops is much lower than the radon emission of the soil surrounding most homes in the US. It is much safer to stay all day in close proximity to your kitchen countertops than to go to the basement (where radon gas can accumulate) or out to the garden for a barbeque.
Granite is indestructible
People overselling the product spread some granite myths, and the indestructibility of granite is one of these. It is true that granite is very durable, rating 6 or 7 in the Mohs hardness scale, which is impressive. To put it in context, diamonds rate a 10 on the Mohs scale, so you can imagine how hard granite really is. However, if you take sledgehammer to a typical granite slab with a thickness of 2 or 3 mm, then you will crack and break it. Under normal use and with the proper installation, though, your granite countertops will outlast anything you have in your home.
Granite is very expensive
There was a time when granite was very expensive, especially those that came from other countries. This is partly the reason why many homeowners want it in their homes, as a status symbol. Today, however, the process of quarrying, processing, and transporting granite for home use has become more cost-effective. Some granite stones out there are still quite pricey. But a lot more are well within the reach of most homeowners. KNC Granite, for instance, offers countertop packages starting at $1,399 for up to 30 square feet, including fabrication, installation, sealer, and sink.
Debunking these myths about granite countertops will give you a clearer picture of just why many homeowners and interior designers continue to choose them for kitchen remodels. You can find out more about granite countertops and kitchen remodeling by contacting a reliable and reputable countertop company in your area. KNC Granite has a large array of granite slabs from which to choose. You can check actual slabs at our showroom in Lanham, Maryland.
Conclusion
We do not only supply top-quality granite stones, however. We are experts at fabricating and installing kitchen counters or bathroom vanities and also we specialize in kitchen remodeling and bathroom upgrade projects, delivering on time and on budget.
Aside from natural stones, we carry some of the top brands of engineered stone, including Cambria, Caesarstone, Silestone, and MSI, all of which come with manufacturer warranties. Give us a call or email us for your free in-home consultation and quote.