Granite countertops are one of the most popular choices for kitchen remodels thanks to their durability, natural beauty, and timeless elegance. Known for their longevity, granite countertops can last for decades with proper care and maintenance. This makes granite an excellent investment for homeowners looking for countertops that will stand the test of time. In this article, we’ll explore why granite countertops have such incredible longevity and how to care for them to get the most out of your investment.
What Makes Granite So Durable?
Granite is an igneous rock formed deep within the earth’s crust under extreme heat and pressure. This intense formation process gives granite an extremely hard, dense structure that is difficult to damage or scratch. Specifically, granite’s properties include:
- Hardness – Granite is one of the hardest structural stones with a rating of 7 out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. This makes it very resistant to scratches, chips, and cracks.
- Density – With a density of 2.5 to 2.75 g/cm3, granite is less porous than other natural stones. This reduces the likelihood of staining and etching.
- Compressive Strength – Granite can withstand a tremendous amount of weight and force, with a compressive strength of 19,700 to 29,700 psi. This makes it ideal for high traffic areas.
- Flexural Strength – Granite has a flexural strength of 1,200 to 2,400 psi, meaning it can resist bending force without cracking or breaking.
- Water Resistance – Being impervious to water, granite repels liquids, minimizing the chance of stains and water damage.
These innate physical properties are what gives granite its unparalleled durability, making it an extremely strong, resilient material perfect for busy kitchens.
How Long Do Granite Countertops Last?
With proper care and maintenance, granite countertops can easily last 50-100 years or longer. There are many granite countertops that have been in use for over a century and are still in great condition.
The key factors that determine the longevity of granite countertops include:
- Material Quality – Higher quality granite from reputable suppliers will be more resistant to damage. Avoid granite that has cracks, fissures, or weak points.
- Fabrication & Installation – Seams should be tightly bonded, polished smooth, and correctly sealed to prevent moisture intrusion. Proper support underneath prevents sagging.
- Daily Wear & Tear – Following care guidelines to prevent scratches, stains, and cracks will extend the life of the countertops. Avoid excessive heat and harsh chemicals.
- Regular Maintenance – Annual sealing and as-needed polishing and honing will keep granite looking its best while protecting the finish.
- Major Damage – Large chips, cracks, and stains can shorten the useful life of granite. Professional repairs or selective replacement may be needed.
With high-quality granite and proper care, it’s reasonable to expect decades of daily use without any significant issues. Many homeowners never need to replace their granite countertops at all.
Caring for Granite Countertops
Caring for granite properly is essential to maintaining its beauty and extending its longevity in a kitchen. Here are some best practices for granite countertop care:
Daily Granite Cleaning
- Use a mild pH-neutral stone cleaner for regular cleaning. Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners that can etch and dull the surface.
- Clean up spills immediately to prevent stains, especially wine, coffee, juice, and oil.
- Wash granite with warm, soapy water using a soft sponge or cloth. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely.
Preventing Damage
- Always use cutting boards, trivets, and hot pads to protect the surface from knives, pots, and heat.
- Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, oven cleaners, and acidic liquids like vinegar.
- Lift heavy objects when moving them across the countertops to prevent scratches.
Sealing Granite
- Seal granite every 1-2 years using a penetrating, food-safe stone sealer. This prevents stains and etching.
- Reseal granite after intensive cleaning or repairs. Watch for signs of wearing sealer like darkening or absorption.
- Carefully clean and dry the surface completely before applying the sealer evenly. Remove any excess.
Repairing Minor Damage
- Small scratches can be buffed out with fine grit wet-dry sandpaper and resealed.
- Chips or cracks under 2mm can usually be repaired with stone epoxy. Larger may need professional help.
- Carefully match sealers and treatments to the existing finish. Test in inconspicuous spots first.
Professional Maintenance
- Periodic professional honing will restore the polished finish when it starts to dull.
- Seek professional help for significant stains, etching, or major damage like cracks, chips or seam separation.
- Consider re-sealing, cleaning, and inspection by a granite professional every 5-10 years.
Signs Your Granite Countertops Need Maintenance
Don’t wait until major damage occurs to maintain your granite countertops. Watch for these signs that your countertops need some TLC:
- Dull, faded areas indicate the sealant is wearing off and it’s time to reseal.
- Darkened or whitish spots mean the stone is absorbing liquids and needs a fresh sealant coat.
- Knife scratches, abrasions, and small chips appearing over time are a sign that the protective sealer is thinning.
- Rings or wet-looking areas when water or liquids sit on the surface signals pores are opening without sufficient sealer.
- Acidic liquids like wine, fruit juice, and oils are beginning to etch the granite, requiring honing and polishing.
- Countertops feel slightly rough or uneven, rather than ultra smooth, indicating surface wear.
- Seams and joints are getting darker or collecting gunk, which can lead to staining and moisture damage.
- Cracks around the sink, backsplash, or along seams suggest movement or instability that needs inspection.
Performing regular maintenance as soon as you notice these issues will restore and protect your granite investment. Avoiding problems before they escalate will ensure your countertops provide decades of service.
Affordable Granite Varieties for Any Budget
One of the biggest advantages of granite is that it comes in a tremendous range of natural patterns, colors, and price points to suit any budget. Here are some of the most popular affordable granite options:
New Venetian Gold
This golden granite with warm beige tones and black, taupe, and white veining provides an elegant look. It complements most cabinets and appliances.
Santa Cecilia Classic
A popular choice, this granite has a light background with accents of tan, gold, black, brown, and white for a natural, earthy appearance.
Baltic Brown
With a polished finish, this brown and tan granite has exquisite patterning. It pairs nicely with many styles from modern to traditional.
Luna Pearl
A light grey base with soft white swirls gives this granite a subdued, sophisticated mood that fits contemporary to vintage decors.
Emerald Pearl
Deep green hues punctuated with black, gold, and grey veins make a bold statement. Its versatility matches many color schemes.
Tan Brown
The creamy base laced with ribbons of caramel and black has widespread appeal. The muted color palette works in kitchens of all types.
FAQ About Granite Countertops
Granite is one of the most popular countertop materials for many reasons. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about granite countertops:
Is Granite Heat Resistant?
Yes, granite can withstand heat up to 212°F before potential cracking occurs. Always use hot pads and trivets when placing hot pans directly from the stove or oven onto the granite. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat may cause damage.
Does Granite Stain Easily?
When properly sealed, granite is very stain resistant and unlikely to stain under normal use. However, some cleaning agents and liquids can stain if left on for prolonged time periods.
How Often Should I Seal My Granite?
Sealing granite every 1-2 years is recommended for maximum stain protection. Use a penetrating, non-toxic stone sealer formulated for granite. Reseal after heavy use, repairs or if water soaks into the surface.
Is Granite Crack Prone?
Granite is quite strong and resistant to cracks with proper installation and movement allowance in the countertop design. Stress fracturing is possible over time from inadequate support, excessive force or overhangs. Keeping the granite intact without cracks or chips requires care.
Does Granite Need Special Cleaners?
Stone cleaners designed specifically for granite work best. Avoid harsh chemicals, acids or abrasive cleaners that can damage the finish. For routine cleaning, soap and water or a very mild, pH neutral cleaner is safest for granite.
How Long Does Granite Fabrication and Installation Take?
After granite slabs are selected for your home, fabrication and installation typically takes 2-3 weeks total. The installer will do templating, then fabrication and edge treatment are completed offsite before full installation.
Considerations When Choosing Granite Countertops
Granite delivers exceptional performance and longevity in kitchens when selected and cared for properly. Keep these tips in mind when choosing your granite:
- Select a granite dealer with an excellent reputation for high quality stone and professional service. Avoid “bargain” granite sources.
- Carefully inspect slabs for flaws in pattern, pitting, cracks or color mismatches along the edges before approving.
- Consider the maintenance level needed for light versus dark granite colors in your kitchen.
- Softer granites are more prone to etching and scratching than harder, dense varieties.
- Samples are helpful but see a full slab before final selection since color and patterning can vary.
- Match the finish and polish to your preferences – polished for shine and smoothness or honed for a matte look.
- For heavy use kitchens, granite density is important – avoid porous, softer stones.
- Complement the color with your cabinetry, flooring and décor style for a unified look.
In Conclusion
It’s easy to see why granite remains a beloved and enduring choice; this natural stone offers unparalleled durability, practicality and aesthetics for kitchen spaces. When properly selected, installed, cared for and maintained, high quality granite countertops will provide many decades of functional beauty as the centerpiece of your kitchen. Considering granite’s longevity, reasonable cost and resale value, it’s an investment that pays dividends in terms of long-term satisfaction and daily enjoyment.
