If you’re after something unique which will stand out in your kitchen and bring the appeal of natural stone into your home, granite countertops are definitely the way to go.
And it’s no wonder their popularity continues to rise. After all, they look amazing and are durable, hygienic, stain and heat-resistant, low-maintenance and excellent as a long-term investment.
But fitting one of these worktops is a big decision. That’s because they’re one of the first things people will see when they walk into the room. Equally, of course, you will use them for eating on, entertaining and preparing food every day. What’s more, they’re a big investment.
So, here, we look at some of the potential downsides to granite kitchen surfaces – and, most importantly, what you can do about them.
Granite can be porous
The natural porosity of granite can mean the easy absorption of liquids such as wine, juice or oil. This can lead to staining of your treasured worktop.
The solution: Regular resealing so that your stone remains able to shrug off stains.
It can be cold
Especially in winter, granite kitchen countertops can be surprisingly cold to the touch.
The solution: Leave your warm mug of tea or coffee elsewhere if you don’t want your hot drink or bowl of porridge to cool too quickly. (If you do use the worktop, put your cup on a coaster.)
h3> Seams may show
Especially with an L or U-shaped layout, the stone slabs will have to be cut before being joined
together. This means you’ll be able to notice the resulting seams.
The solution: Although you won’t be able to get rid of them completely, high-quality workmanship can significantly reduce the appearance of seams.
It is heavy
There’s no denying that granite is a fairly hefty material. So if you wish to fit it yourself, be aware of this.
The solution: Enlist some extra help when fitting your worktop. Equally, make sure your kitchen cupboards have the sturdiness to withstand the worktops’ weight.
Vulnerable to cracking
Despite their durability, granite worktops are still prone to chips and cracks. That’s particularly true if you drop something heavy on the corner or overhang.
The solution: A granite repair specialist will be able to repair the damage. What’s more, with skilled people on board, cracks and chips in granite should be easy enough to fix.
Finally, bear in mind that granite worktops are not cheap. However, given what they add to your home, for most people they are worth the investment.
Here to help
Royal Stone Care works with granite every day of the week. Ask us about granite chip repair, cleaning and maintenance in London. We can help whether you’re a commercial or domestic customer. Talk to us today.
