What about staining and sealing?
While not all granites have the same physical characteristics, most granites have naturally low moisture absorption rates. Therefore, staining of your granite top, especially when highly polished, is normally not an issue. With that said, it is a common practice by fabricators to apply a sealant to the countertop for added security and “just-n-case” protection to your investment. Future applications of sealant, given homeowners choose to do so, will take only a cotton cloth and a few minutes worth of time.
Does granite harbor bacteria?
According to a March 2004 study performed by the Hospitality Institue of Technology and Management, a St. Paul, Minnesota-based organization that develops educationaly materials and research for the retail food industry, granite is rated second only to stainless steel for safety against bacterial contamination. Further, the study proves that granite is found to prevent food-borne illness pathogens from remaining on your countertop after cleaning better than composition stone.
Can you scratch granite?
Second only to diamonds, granite is one of the Earth’s hardest stones. With that, few materials have the ability to scratch your granite. Therefore, one can rest assured that granite will not scratch under normal conditions.
Can you chip Granite?
While one of the most aesthetically pleasing stones, granite is also one of the hardest. Unless you are heavily abusing your countertop with a hammer or another excessive force, granite is unlikely to chip. Yet in the event that it does, you should save the chips and bring them to your fabricator. They will be able to use the chips to repair your countertop.
Are granite countertops easy to care for?
Absolutely. Simply wipe your countertops down with mild soap and water mix or an ammonia-free window cleaner to keep them looking new for years to come.
What do I do if I spill?
Blot the spill with a paper towel immediately. Do not wipe the area, it will only spread the spill. On the rare occatsion that a stain is left flush the area with plain water and mild soap several times. Dry the area thoroughly with a soft cloth. Repeat as necessary.
How does granite compare with synthetic countertops in the long run?
Countertops made from acrylic and other manufactured materials may have the “look” of granite, but the similarities end there. For resistance to bacteria, heat, scratches, stains, and overall performance, granite is unsurpassed. Some marbles with honed or matte finishes also make high quality kitchen countertops.
Where can natural stone be installed?
Marbles are ideal for foyers, bathrooms, floors, hearths, wall coverings, table tops, bathroom walls, vanity tops, tub decks, showers, and windowsills. Marble should be cared for as you would a fne wood finish. Cleaning up spills as soon as possible will preserve marble’s natural beauty.
Granite is an excellent choice for kitchen countertops, floors, tabletops, and other heavily used surfaces. While some synthetic surfaces scratch easily and melt under hot cookware, granite resists heat. Granite is also one of the most bacteria-resistant kitchen surfaces, and it is not affected by citric acid, coffee, tea, alcohol, or wine.
Travertine is a type of Limestone. It is the most popular natural stones for interior and exterior wall cladding, paving, statuary, and curbing.
Limestone is widely used as a building stone because it is readily available and easy to handle. Popular applications include countertops, flooring, interior and exterior wall cladding, and exterior paving.
Slate is a popular flooring material. Sandstone and slate are often used for exterior paving stones, or pavers. Other slate applications include countertops, back-splash, bathroom walls, fireplace facings, tabletops, and roofing.
Sandstone is frequently used for fireplace facings, chimneys, garden walls, patio benches, and at poolside.
