Is a Granite Countertop a High-Maintenance Option?
When a homeowner is considering whether to install granite countertops in a Sioux Falls, SD home, one of the main factors in the decision is whether this type of countertop will be difficult to maintain. This type of countertop provides many benefits in the kitchen, yet it does require some maintenance.
How Does It Hold Up Against Damaging Elements?
In a kitchen, a countertop will likely face heat, knives, spills and other elements that could cause damage. Granite is a hard, durable material that can handle many potential problems when it is sealed. On its own, granite is porous and can be damaged, although it resists acid. Sealing fills in the pores and creates a protective layer, so the countertop is able to resist stains, scratching, heat and liquids better than when it is not sealed. The sealing can withstand many problems, although it will not always prevent damage completely.
Ongoing Maintenance
Granite needs resealing to stay in its prime condition that can withstand the damaging elements in the kitchen. Recommendations vary on how often to reseal the countertop, from once a year to every two years. The sealing process can be affected by the type of granite. Some varieties are more porous and might need more resealing, while others are very dense and might not even require a sealer at all. Also, if the granite has any calcite in it, it can react with the acid in coffee, citrus and other foods, so sealing is important. A granite professional can give more specific guidelines based on the type of granite being used in the home.
Around two times a year, the granite countertop also needs polishing to keep it looking shiny. This can be done with a soft cloth and a specialty compound designed for granite polishing.
Daily Care
Even with a sealer, it is possible for the countertop to absorb some liquid. With a dark liquid such as coffee, a stain might even form. But cleaning up spills quickly generally stops the spills from having the time to be absorbed. Cleaning the countertop regularly with a gentle, non-abrasive cleaner and keeping it dry will help prevent stains and keep it clean.
Granite can generally withstand the elements in the kitchen that could harm a countertop. Nonetheless, sealing provides extra protection, and the homeowner can ensure nice countertops through measures such as consistent cleaning and using trivets.
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