The typical granite countertop should last 10 to 15 years provided you take care of it. (That includes all the things we’ve mentioned previously, from regular cleaning with water and mild washing-up liquid to avoiding cutting directly on the stone and mopping up any stains immediately.)
Durable though granite worktops are, however, like anything else they won’t last forever. So it’s worth understanding when to start shopping around for a replacement. You should also appreciate the signs of wear and tear to look out for which indicate your counters need replacing.
Visible wear and tear
If you’ve spotted any obvious stains or scratches, a professional granite care firm can help you decide whether can fix or refinish the worktop. Alternatively, it may need replacing. Severe cracks and chips and particularly stubborn stains, for example, could well (unfortunately) be beyond repair.
Planning a kitchen remodel?
If you’re in the process of upgrading the heart of your home, or at least thinking about it, your countertops need to align with the new look you have in mind. Go for a stylish natural stone such as granite and you’ll have something that suits the fresh vibe of your kitchen.
Structural weaknesses
If your worktop is sagging in places, particularly if it sits atop older cabinets, this can be a problem. Again have a think about whether the issue can be fixed. Or do you need to replace either the cabinet or countertop – or both?
Mould or mildew growth
If you have mould or mildew, not only can this be unsightly and often a little smelly, it can also potentially harm your health. Plus these growths can also indicate underlying problems such as water damage or improper sealing. This could have significant consequences and, ultimately, the whole surface could come off. So you may need to consider replacing your stone in these circumstances.
Seams coming apart
You may spot that the seams in your surface are becoming more noticeable, or that pieces are becoming completely separated after a few years’ use. Separated seams can collect dirt, damp and crumbs, making it hard to keep your worktop clean and hygienic. (This may also indicate that the material is getting older or was poorly fitted originally, and so requires immediate attention.)
Water damage or swelling
If you see warping, swelling or other indications of water damage, particularly near your kitchen sink or the seams of the stone, you need to act quickly. Water damage is not easy to put right, so you may need to replace the whole worktop.
An outdated model?
Apart from anything else, it may simply be that the design of your granite worktop has become a little outdated, even if it is structurally sound. And, actually, this can drag down the whole look of your kitchen. So think about going for a new model, one that is both modern and functional.
Burn marks and heat damage
Visible burn marks or discolouration from having placed hot pans straight onto your granite may be irreversible. That’s because these blots damage the countertop’s protective layers and cause permanent discolouring of the material. To guarantee safety and durability, you may need to replace the stone entirely.
Ask Royal Stone Care
Talk to us at Royal Stone Care about granite chip repair, restoration and cleaning in London. We work for private and commercial customers and we’ll provide honest, expert advice about whether you should replace your natural stone worktop or whether we can fix the problem.
