Granite is one of the most popular countertop options these days. It’s durable, beautiful, and easy to care for, thus making it a favorite for most homeowners. It is also relatively easy to keep your granite countertops clean and shiny, as granite is naturally non-porous. In addition, it is not very sensitive to acidic foods, making it resistant to kitchen stains. Keeping it like new doesn’t have to be a difficult task—here are a few tips and tricks for maintaining your granite countertop.

Always Keep Your Countertop Dry

It is important to wipe up drips, spills, and messes as soon as possible. Keeping your countertop dry helps to prevent stains that can result from these spills and drips. Using a dry cloth to wipe up these spills will also help to prevent hard water deposits that can appear on your countertop.

Avoid Preparing Food Directly on Your Counter

Preparing food directly on the countertop can result in staining. Always use a cutting board when cutting meats or vegetables, particularly acidic foods like tomatoes or oranges. This will help to keep your granite countertop looking clean and shiny even longer. In addition, you should also store food directly on the countertop in sealed containers or a designated container rather than on the counter itself.

Use Your Countertop Only for Its Purpose

Most people store items on their countertops. However, this is not recommended for granite countertops since it can cause damage to your countertop if it is exposed to unnecessary weight. It is best to use the countertop for its intended use, such as cooking, preparing meals, or as a workspace in your kitchen. This will help prevent the countertop from scratching, getting damaged, or even breaking.

Seal Your Granite Countertop as Needed

Most granite countertops are not made for outdoor use. However, in case you need to use the countertop in your outdoor kitchen, it is a good idea to have it sealed periodically. Sealing a granite countertop will help to prevent stains from forming on the surface. In addition, you can have a professional seal your countertop periodically if you notice that spills or food prep have caused the surface of your granite to lose its shine and luster.

Watch the Heat

Granite countertops can discolor when exposed to high heat, like on hot grills or in direct sunlight. It is important to ensure that the surface of your countertop is not exposed to excessive heat. Moreover, keeping your granite countertop as cool as possible is important to prevent moisture buildup and staining.

Use the Right Cleaning Tools

It is always a good idea to use the right cleaning tools to clean granite countertops. This will help to ensure that you properly remove stains and spills from the surface of your granite countertop that may cause discoloration over time. Furthermore, it is recommendable not to use bleach or abrasive products on granite countertops, since they can potentially damage its surface with prolonged exposure.

Final Thoughs

These are just some of the many tips and tricks that can be used to maintain your granite countertop in pristine condition. Keep these pointers in mind to ensure that your countertop remains clean and shiny for years to come. For more countertop care and maintenance tips, contact our experts at Best Granite for Less—we’ll be happy to help you keep your countertops looking and functioning like new!

Granite is one of the materials many homeowners gravitate towards when choosing a material for their kitchen countertops. This is because of its uniqueness, beauty, heat resistance, range of colors, and family-friendliness.

Another key reason people choose granite is its durability. Granite is one of the hardest natural stones, making it harder to crack or chip than other materials.

How Long Do Granite Countertops Last?

While other countertop materials can last for between 20 and 30 years, a granite countertop can last up to 100 years. This duration can increase or decrease depending on how well you care for your countertop and the things you place on it.

This long lifespan is attributed to the material’s denseness and hardness. The Mohs hardness scale measures the hardness, strength, and scratch resistance of different minerals from one to ten. One represents the softest materials, while ten represents the hardest, and granite falls between six and seven.

While you might have to conduct some repair and maintenance over the years, the countertop will maintain its natural look and hard structure.

How To Increase The Lifespan of Granite Countertops

Ensure proper installation

The granite installation process determines how strong and stable it will be. Ensure the installers use the right support systems to support the granite’s weight.

Sealing

Despite its hardness, granite is porous, making it susceptible to stains from wine, oil, juices, and other foods and drinks. After installation, professionals usually put a sealant over the granite countertop, but wear and tear could eventually remove it.

Ensure you seal your granite countertop after one or two years or after you start noticing small stains. The duration after which you reseal depends on your countertop because light-coloured ones are more porous.

Cleaning

While this is a straightforward and basic practice, it will save your granite and ensure it lasts longer. The best way to clean is by using a soft rug and warm water because it eliminates most of the spills and dirt.

Avoid using chemical cleaners unless it is specified for use on granite. Most of those cleaners are usually harsh and abrasive, breaking down the sealant. You should also avoid rough cleaning materials because they could scratch the surface.

Avoid placing hot substances

While granite countertops are heat resistant, too much heat could result in damage over time. Avoid placing hot pots on the surface because that could cause a thermal shock, cracking the surface. Prolonged heat exposure could also lead to discoloration.

Always have a trivet or wooden plank under your hot pots if you must place the pots on the countertop.

Restoration and resurfacing

This helps deal with scratches, stains, and etch marks. It also helps restore the lustre if your countertop is dull. Depending on the issue you want to fix, there are different restoration processes, like filling, refinishing, and polishing.

• Filling is done using epoxy compounds and helps seal cracks and chips.
• Refinishing is sanding the granite surface, sealing it with silicon-based sealants, and then polishing.
• Polishing helps restore the surface finish using buffing pads and a polishing compound.

Key Takeaways

Before settling on any granite slab, make sure to determine its strength, consistency, and density because they differ from one slab to another. If you can’t determine that yourself, you can always consult a professional. You should also leave all the repair and restoration work to a professional because it could break the granite or reduce its quality if done improperly.

Granite is one of the most famous countertop materials in the world. There are so many different varieties and colors used in kitchens and bathrooms. It’s durable, attractive, and comes in many colors. There are several different ways to finish it. Each finish has a unique look and feel, depending on your chosen color.

Polished Granite

It is the most common finish for all types of granite. It has a smooth, shiny surface and can be used in any room of your house, including kitchens and bathrooms. The polish on this type of granite makes it resistant to scratches and stains and gives it an elegant appearance that works well with modern decorating styles. For some people, polished granite is not enough—they want something even more eye-catching. These finishes have a coarse texture that adds interest to your countertops while maintaining their durability.

Honed Granite

This is a low-maintenance finish that is easy to clean. Honed granite has a lusterless finish and is not shiny. Honed granite is not as durable as polished granite but can withstand light scratches from daily use. Honed finish is a great choice for those that want a less flashy appearance for their space.

Leathered Granite

Leathered granite is a textured finish that creates the appearance of leather. It can be used for countertops, backsplashes, and more.

Leathered granite is less expensive than honed or polished finishes because it’s easier to produce, but it still has a beautiful look and feel that many homeowners find appealing. To keep your leather granite looking its best, you’ll want to clean it regularly with mild dish soap and water. If there’s any food residue on your countertop or backsplash, you can wipe up spills immediately before they become permanent stains.

Flamed Granite

While each finish has pros and cons, flamed granite is one of the most popular. Flamed granite is a natural finish that is created during the manufacturing process. The stone is heated to high temperatures and then rapidly cooled, resulting in a highly textured surface that can be used for countertops, floors, walls, and other surfaces.

Antiqued Granite

Another type of finish is antiqued granite. Sometimes called “aged” or “distressed,” this stone will look as though it has been worn down over time, giving it a warm and rustic feel that can be the perfect addition to your kitchen. Antiqued granite is an excellent choice for someone who likes the look of aged stone without having to live through time (and weather) themselves. Antiqued granite is a natural stone that has been treated to appear as if it has been aged by the elements over time. This process can be done in any color of granite but will give your kitchen or bathroom an antique look that would otherwise be impossible to achieve with other finishing methods.

Conclusion

Any of these finishes could be perfect if you are exploring the possibility of alternative finishes for the granite surfaces in your home. If you’re unsure which finish will complement your home best, feel free to call the experts at Best Granite for Less to help you choose the perfect finish for all the granite in your home.

Granite counter tops are the undisputed king in Vero Beach. From its beautiful colors and crystalline textures to its affordable pricing point, there are many reasons why Granite should be your number 1 choice for countertops.

Why Granite Countertops Are Preferred Over the Others

Granite is an affordable stone that can withstand high temperatures

Whereas high-end materials like marble can only withstand heat up to 170 degrees, marble can take temperatures as high as 1,200 degrees. This makes Granite the perfect material for kitchen countertops — its incredible heat resistance makes it a worthy investment for your kitchen.

Granite can be easily cared for and enjoyed for many years

There’s no special treatment needed with Granite; just some soap and water are all you need! You can rest assured that you’re making a long-term investment. Granite is the same as non-porous, which will last for years and years to come!

Granite has an unmatchable variety of colors, patterns, and textures

Granite comes in over 20 different colors and nearly infinite varieties, so you’re sure to find the perfect granite countertop for your home!

Granite has a timeless quality that will never change the style

Granite is timeless and has the appearance of a natural, uncut stone. That’s what’s so great about it! You can be sure that your kitchen will look beautiful for years to come.

Granite works well in any kitchen, not just modern ones

The granite looks excellent in any kitchen style, from traditional to modern — it only adds to the aesthetic appeal! Some homeowners often use Granite for their bathroom cabinets and even as a tabletop material!

The more you use your granite countertops, the better they look

Unlike other countertop materials, Granite gets darker and darker with age. It allows the surface to have an organic feel and to show a natural beauty that no other countertop material can rival.

It has excellent strength and durability

Granite is so robust as a countertop material that most homeowners don’t even think about it. That’s why Granite is usually the first choice for homeowners trying to find a kitchen countertop material.

Granite is designed to withstand high temperatures, cracking, and chipping

Granite can withstand high temperatures and even underwater temperatures as high as two hundred degrees Fahrenheit. That’s great for a kitchen countertop, which is generally exposed to high temperatures!

Considerations when purchasing a granite countertop

1. Texture—When selecting a granite countertop, the most crucial consideration is the Granite’s texture. There are three essential textures: crush, natural and polished.
2. Coloring—As mentioned in the previous section, granites come in many different colors and patterns. You can also request a specific color if that color suits your kitchen better.
3. Finish—Many different finishes can be put on Granite, such as hollow, honed, and sandblasted.
4. Overall strength—A critical factor in a granite countertop’s longevity is the overall strength of the stone, especially when temperatures get higher. There are rarely any heat resistant coatings applied to Granite because its natural strength prevents it from cracking or chipping when subjected to high temperatures.
5. Reactivity—Unlike marble, limestone, and other stone countertops, Granite is not reactive.
6. Availability—Granite is often hard to obtain, as there are only a limited number of stone quarries capable of producing Granite.
7. Durability—Due to its natural strength, Granite is more complex and durable than other countertop materials, such as marble, quartz, and soapstone.

Bottom Line

Granite is a beautiful and elegant material perfect for your home, from its intricate veining to its overall strength and low maintenance requirements. Granite is sure to make your kitchen look both luxurious and elegant while also raising the overall aesthetic appeal of your home.

Many people seek out granite countertops to add a touch of luxury to their kitchen. However, once they get a glimpse of their new shiny counters, they are often left wondering how best to maintain them over time. In this article, we will learn a few granite polishing tips for polishing off your counters and keeping them looking as good as new.

Keeping Granite Countertops Looking Good

1. Invest in the tools—The first thing you will want to do is get a granite countertop polishing kit. This is a worthwhile investment and will help keep your counters looking great for years to come.
2. Wash with soap and water—The first step in granite polishing is to clean your counters with warm water and soap. Then rinse them thoroughly with clean water until all the suds are gone, and the surface is nice and clean. Once you have done this, pat dry with a clean towel, ensuring no remaining traces of moisture on your granite surface.
3. Begin polishing in small sections—Once you have dried your granite counters, the next step is polishing. To begin with, always choose a soft cloth and make sure that it’s only going to be used on small sections of your granite countertops. You are going to need a good amount of pressure and a steady hand when using your granite cleaner. The key here is to work in small sections to not damage or remove the existing grain of your granite countertop.
4. Finish with broad strokes—Once you have finished polishing in small sections, it’s time to polish in larger compartments. This is when you will want to use a large, soft pad and a lot of elbow grease to work your granite surface. You will need to make sure that your granite countertop is completely dry before moving on.
5. Dry with a soft cloth—Once you have polished your entire granite countertop surface, it’s time to clean and dry your granite with a soft cloth. Once this is done, you can wash and dry your granite much more easily.

Granite Countertop Polishing Tips

• Use a polishing kit—If possible, always use a polishing kit, as they will help avoid damage to your granite surface.
• Avoid chemicals—Never use any chemicals on your granite countertop, as they will remove the vital coatings for their long-term integrity.
• Dry them first—Always make sure that your granite countertops are completely dry before polishing them. If not, the moisture may cause additional scratches and add to the time of the polishing process.
• Only use on granite—Never use your granite cleaner on any other surface than granite countertops. Granite cleaners are specially formulated to maintain granite surfaces, and they can damage other types of countertops such as quartz.
• Keep them clean—If you want to ensure that you have clean and shiny granite countertops for the long term, make sure that you clean them with warm water and soap after every use. This ensures that your countertops always look their best.
• Go soft—Always choose a soft cloth for polishing as opposed to a hard one. You may accidentally damage the grain of your granite if this is not done correctly.
• Avoid acids—As with any other material, you should avoid acidic or alkaline materials when cleaning your granite countertops.
• Use the right cloth—Make sure that you always use granite countertop polishing cloths rather than clothes used for other purposes. This will help to avoid scratching and damage to your granite surface.
• Use a grout scrubber—If necessary, always use a grout scrubber, but only do so after your granite surface has dried thoroughly. Never use vinegar in combination with your grout brush, as it can damage the finish of your counters.

Bottom Line

Granite countertops are one of the best investments you can make for your home. With a little care and regular maintenance, your countertops will look just as good as the day they were installed for years to come!

Luxury Granite for Cheaper in Fort Pierce and Delray Beach

If you are looking into granite for your bathroom, kitchen, or any other room for your home in Delray Beach, and are not sure where to start, Best Granite for Less can help! We offer a wide variety of the highest quality granite countertops for sale at a cheaper price than the competitors so you can bring the timeless luxury of granite to your home in Fort Pierce or Delray Beach.