If you have considered adding custom granite countertops in your kitchen, you’ve probably heard some of the many myths and misconceptions that swirl around this building material.
Before you let any of these fallacies deter you from adding high-end granite to your home, let’s take a closer look at what we know.
Myth No. 1: Granite Countertops Harbor Bacteria and Fungi
This rumor sells a lot of granite sealing products and services every year.
Studies performed by NASA and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control have determined that granite does not harbor bacteria, fungi or mold any more than other countertop surface materials. Researchers have concluded that this popular stone poses no threat in the home environment.
Of course, if it gives you peace-of-mind, you can always invest in a good sealer.
Myth No. 2: Heat Will Damage Granite Countertops
This durable natural stone is naturally resistant to heat.
The melting point of granite is above 1200 degrees. So, unless you cook your food to a very dangerous temperature, it’s highly unlikely that heat from a hot pan or boiling water will damage the stone.
This myth likely comes from confusion about sealants. Some sealers can melt at lower temperatures after years of repeated exposure. In some cases, this can cause discoloration or darkening. If that happens, the darkening can be removed with a special paste product designed for restoring stone countertops.
Myth No. 3: Granite Countertops Scratch Too Easily
This myth is simply a matter of confused identity. Some other natural stone products, specifically marble, are much softer than granite.
On the Mohs Scale of Mineral Hardness, where talc is rated 1 and diamonds are 10, most granite falls in the hardness range of 6 to 7. So, while you probably could cause some scratching if you tried really hard, few items or products you will ever have in the house will be harder than your stone countertops.
As long as you clean with products that are approved (and don’t try cleaning the kitchen with the good jewelry), you probably can’t scratch your custom granite.
Myth No. 4: Granite Loses Its Shine Over Time
Again, this can be true of marble countertops but, because granite resists the microscopic scratches that cloud polished stone surfaces, dulling won’t happen for decades – maybe centuries.
Of course, to protect the beauty of your investment, you should always care for your custom granite countertops according to the instructions provided by the installer.
Myth No. 5: Custom Granite Countertops Are Too Expensive
Like any building material or finish, you can spend as much – or as little – as you like on your custom stone countertops.
This misconception stems primarily from the price of granite countertops 20 years ago, before it became as widely popular – and affordable – as it is today. And we suspect some proud homeowners may be partially to blame as well, as they tell their friends they spent a fortune on their beautiful custom countertops.
The truth is that granite prices can be about the same as (or less than) many other high-end countertop materials. Of course, if you want to tell your friends otherwise, that’s okay. It can be our little secret.
Creative Granite & Design specializes in custom stone, solid surface countertops and custom cabinets. Contact us today to learn more about the beauty and durability that custom granite countertops can bring to your kitchen.
