Accidents happen; something oily or acidic might splatter all over the countertop in spite of your precautions. Windex can be utilized safely on granite just as it can be utilized on a glass surface. Placing pots and pans directly on your kitchen countertop, hot or not, is generally not a good idea with any countertop material. Particularly susceptible areas are the sink and stove areas as the stone is very thin across the front of the sink and stove. Also, after working with things like raw meat, people often feel the need to cleanse the food prep surface using harsh disinfectants that are not appropriate for granite countertops. 5 Answers. Also Know, can you stand on kitchen countertops? The sealants, however, can weaken from excessive heat. This means that they quickly absorb spills and can collect stains quite easily. You can use it on bathroom vanities, sealed stone tile and backsplashes, polished stone mantels and fireplace surrounds, and on sealed stone lawn ornaments. While quartz is durable, it’s an engineered product, unlike granite and marble. Simply make sure to have trivets and potholders nearby when you’re cooking. Sealing Your Granite Granite countertops are actually a porous material. You can take a pan straight from the oven to the sink without worry–they can resist temperatures as high a plus-500 degrees Fahrenheit. But these striations are vulnerable to cracking under excessive weight. Avoid the following 7 activities to keep your granite counter tops (and other people and things) in good condition: Although well-sealed granite should keep bacteria from working its way into microscopic crevices of the countertop, do you really want to play cross-contamination roulette with salmonella? As a water-based sealer, the Rock Doctor Granite & Stone Sealer won’t cause any damage to the surface of your granite countertops. Installing or even repairing the countertops isn’t … Granite countertops are durable and add value to your home. You can buy a large laminate sheet for under $50 at some stores. The granite can handle your whole thanksgiving dinner on the countertops, but you do not ever want to stand or sit on the countertops. But if you want to know how to clean granite countertops successfully, the watchword is caution.The stone can … Granite, Quartz, Marble – No. Rock Doctor recommends that you use a … So don’t climb or stand on the countertops to reach things, change light bulbs, paint, or anything else. Even though the undermount sinks are attached securely to the bottom of the granite countertops, using kitchen sinks for giving bath to children may cause loosening of the sink mounting. These are sturdy, scratch-resistant, heat-resistant, and chip-resistant. You can dance a Conga line across any top I've ever installed, let alone change a light bulb, but other guys don't install the way I do. We can help you convert it into something useful in another part of your home. Lv 6. If you’re looking for the most optimal use of space, counter overhangs are a great way to achieve this. We stock more than 120 colors of slabs in our Showroom. They are a synthesized material that is generally very strong. Granite is a natural rock with fascinating fissures and stunning striations or veins. If nothing but granite will do, you can save money on new granite countertops by shopping online for the best bargain. For darker granite countertops, you can use a black wax. One of the reasons many people have no problem standing on their quartz countertops is that they know quartz is one of the toughest countertop materials available. However, just as it is resistant to heat and scratches, that does not necessarily … Also, the stain-blocking barrier of your granite sealer could be affected by use of glass cleaner. Granite countertops come in various color and texture options. I would not. Leaning hard on the counter while washing dishes or hitting a pan on the edge of the stone while cooking could be enough pressure to cause a crack in the stone. (To our readers who already have a crack in their stone, give our team at The Marble Restoration Company a call for a free estimate to repair the crack!) Relevance. Again, the granite can handle the heat; it is igneous rock, after all. Granite surfaces such as countertops and sinks add value to any facility and they look amazing, too. Featured: Avalon White Granite No matter what color or pattern of granite you choose, make sure to take good care of it. Granite is tough, but as a natural, porous (in its unsealed state) surface with striations, you need to know proper care techniques and what to avoid. Many of the most common grocery-store cleansers can dull and damage the sealant and potentially discolor the granite itself. Unfortunately, frequent use can take its toll on shiny granite. Granite Composite. No, you can’t use disinfecting wipes on granite countertops. Countertops are not a ladder. Granite is one of the least likely natural stones to encounter stains. You shouldn't have a problem standing on quartz countertops. Yes, you can get away with a quick slice, such as when opening an orange or cutting bread, but meal preparation requires other utensils. The sealant acts as a barrier between the granite and the stains and dirt. Likewise, people ask, can I cut directly on my granite countertop? Granite is one of the toughest igneous rocks forged in the depths of the earth, so you’d think you could get away with just about anything on your granite countertops. For additional care tips for your marble, granite, travertine, terrazzo or other natural stone and grout, please visit our Care Tips page ! These stone countertops are not flexible and do not have any type of wood backing on them, so too much weight in one place could cause cracking. Food, drinks, and other spills can leave them looking dingy and dirty. The next time you consider if you should sit or stand on your countertops to get something, we recommend pulling up a step stool to save the integrity of your marble, granite or quartz! Spray granite sealant over the countertop and leave it to seep into the stone for 5 minutes. Make sure to never use the black wax on a light-colored granite countertop, as it can result in the stone darkening. But when it comes to installing them, you’ll need to consider your kitchen’s design. And unlike laminate countertops, granite isn’t backed by plywood. So don’t climb or stand on the countertops to reach things, change light bulbs, paint, or anything else. For additional care tips for your marble, granite, travertine, terrazzo or other natural stone and grout, please visit our Care Tips page! |, MON - FRI: 8 AM to 5 PM | SAT: 9 AM to 3 PM. The meat certainly isn’t going to hurt the granite, but what’s left behind might hurt you if it ends up on another food item. In that case, quickly clean up with a mild, recommended cleanser or hot, soapy water. Preventing Damage To Granite Countertops As answered above, you should make it a habit to use a cutting board instead of cutting directly on granite or other natural stone countertops. Probably goes without saying, but you should not sit or stand on your quartz countertop. Copenhagen. Even a completely sealed granite countertop can stain if a spill is left to sit for long enough. Talk to one of our experts and get answers to your questions without obligation. Counter tops, table tops and chairs are not ladders. A granite color with a dramatic pattern, like our Silver Creek Granite can blend the landscaping, hardscaping, and appliances together quite perfectly. The best thing to do to protect your granite countertops from stains is to clean up spills as soon as they happen. To ensure you fully disinfect your countertops, focus … Concrete Restoration, Repair, Cleaning, and Maintenance, Chip Repair, Tile & Grout, Color Sealing, Cement, Glaze Guard™ Ceramic Tile Sealer Plus GROUTint™, Chip Repair, Cleaning, Sealing, Coloring and Polishing Services. This coating bonds with the stone to prevent damage from moisture and stains. Before you reach for the bleach, there are some things you need to know to keep your granite looking grand. You can avoid many of these common complaints by regularly sealing your countertops with specially-formulated products. Answer Save. Natural stone counters do not have a plywood backing, so too much weight in one spot could cause a crack. But these striations are vulnerable to cracking under excessive weight. © Copyright 2020 Stone Care Management, Inc. D.B.A. Many homeowners have turned their granite countertops into flooring, wall decorations, fire pits, … Again, wipe up any spills or drips as soon as possible. So just use a cutting board and follow up with soapy water and a microfiber cloth. The granite is tough and can handle the knives; it’s your knives that will be sorry you didn’t use a cutting board. Choosing one that can complement the other portions of the kitchen is quite vital. But cutting on the granite can dull the blades. Granite Savings. By now, you should know: 1) why the thickness of your granite matters, 2) that 2cm granite needs plywood but 3cm does not, 3) where 3cm granite needs support, 4) what support materials you can buy, and 5) why you should not discount 2cm granite altogether. 6. Image Source. If you need basin that can take a lot of abuse, composites are what you’re looking for. You should not sit or stand on a granite, quartz or marble countertop. When compared to the price of replacement granite, professionally installed laminate tops are a bargain. If you have the space, opt for sweeping countertops so you can do the food preparation outdoors with your family and friends so that you can limit the time you spend indoors on a beautiful day. Favorite Answer. At one point or another, many of you have decided to sit or stand on your countertops to retrieve something just out of reach (like from your spice cabinet!) If you have additional questions or would like to schedule a free estimate with one of our stone care experts, please contact us today! The next time you consider if you should sit or stand on your countertops to get something, we recommend pulling up a step stool to save the integrity of your marble, granite or quartz! TO ENSURE SAFETY OF YOU FROM COVID-19, WE SERVE YOU BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. As we mentioned with the raw meat, cleaning up after food prep with harsh cleaners can cause more issues for your stone. Spray a light mist of Windex onto the granite countertop, and wipe off with a dry cleansing rag. Visit Our Showroom to See Our Full Slab Inventory! Be careful when you apply, as black wax can also stain your clothing. If for no other reason than safety you should not. Laminate – No. Steven. Get Stone Selection Help From Our Stone Experts. Bar Keepers Friend Granite & Stone Cleaner & Polish isn’t just for granite, marble or quartz countertops. Common household items that are acidic and can etch the surface and damage the seal on your granite, causing it to stain more easily: In the bathroom, put personal care products in a cabinet or a basket with a secure base that won’t leak in case of a spill. Heat – The verdict is still out on placing hot pots or pans on granite. Now that we know that I can’t just give you a specific square foot price for granite countertops, let’s go through and discuss the next best thing – averages. Aside from disinfecting granite countertops, it is also important to coat their surfaces with sealant. Granite is a natural rock with fascinating fissures and stunning striations or veins. Granite has great strength in compression so theoretically, yes, you can stand on your granite. This is highly acidic and weakens the seal on your countertop’s surface leaving them vulnerable to stains and discoloration. And in the kitchen, always use cutting boards for any food preparation and coasters for drinks. If you let a spill sit, it can etch the seal and stain the granite. Don’t sit or stand on your granite countertop. Do not use it as a seat or platform to stand on when you want. In the Washington D.C. greater metro area, the average size kitchen will require somewhere around 30 … In many people’s minds, granite means strength and resilience. Unlike granite countertops or quartz, Corian is not very resistant to heat, and you cannot put hot pots or pans directly on the surface without risking a nasty scorch mark. Use a sturdy stool or step ladder; it’s safer anyway. Cleaning and disinfecting granite countertops is easy and something you can do every day to keep your stone surfaces healthy and looking great. Quartz countertops are around 93% quartz combined with 7% binder and color. While it is a durable stone, it is a counter. Yes, granite is tougher than nails—but it’s not just the granite you need to worry about. For safety sake, please stand on a ladder or step stool. Unlike laminate countertops, granite, marble and quartz counters are very hard, but not flexible. Disinfecting Granite Countertops for COVID-19 and Other Viruses. Granite is really hard to damage or crack, but why tempt fate. At issue is whether some granite countertops emit dangerous levels of radiation, ... “You can’t get a mortgage in New Jersey without having a radon test,” he says. meat certainly isn’t going to hurt the granite, cleansers can dull and damage the sealant. The Marble Restoration Company. Don’t: Stand or Sit on Your Granite Countertops Even though granite is a hard surface, it’s not flexible. PLEASE CALL, Copyright © 2019 Arch City Granite & Marble Inc, - All Rights Reserved If you still want to keep your granite stone, tell us what you want to do. Can you stand on granite countertops to paint above them or to hang pictures, set up flowers and vases etc? While standing on the countertops might seem harmless, it’s not. 9 years ago. But that doesn’t mean you should use your granite countertop as a cutting board. Other than that, it’s a stress-free countertop material. With granite, you can have peace of mind knowing that your kitchen surface will stand up to the wear and tear of your busy family and lifestyle. Can I stand on top of my countertop? If you have any questions about caring for your countertops, contact us here at Arch City Granite in St. Louis, MO or call us at 314-426-3100 for expert granite advice. Although the name hints at a Danish origin, Copenhagen granites are mainly found in Brazil. Brief encounters with a hot pot will not hurt your countertops. Plenty of cases have been reported where people stand on the countertops, and they part at the seam where two slabs are sealed together. Slicing knives across granite to cut food will quickly dull and damage their blades. This is because disinfecting wipes contain citric acid as their primary ingredient. Yes, granite is a hard stone that can stand up well to sharp objects. But repeated, regular use can permanently damage your granite tops, with pitting, and more commonly, dulling the “shine” of your countertops. Bacteria and mildew can thrive within the cracks. WE ARE OPEN FOR BUSINESS. 1. So check these 20 best selling granite countertops and try selecting one for your purpose. Them, you can stand on kitchen countertops it comes to installing them, you ’ re cooking than colors! 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