What Is Granite?

Granite is an entirely naturally occurring rock that is formed over thousands of years due to the cooling of molten lava. As lava cools, hardens, and compresses several minerals it gives granite such unique characteristics with varying colors, veins, markings, patterns, and movement. granite tops the ranks in stone popularity and is arguably the most well-known of all the countertop surfaces. In most cases, granite is harvested from a quarry and then cut into manageable slab sizes. You are sure to find a one-of-a-kind slab to fit your home or building.

Unlike Quartz which requires no regular maintenance, it is recommended that Granite be re-sealed once a year to resist stains.

The Care and Maintenance of Granite

Every countertop calls for a different type of maintenance, and when it comes to natural stone, granite is one of the easiest to care for. If you keep up with its manageable care, your countertop can last in your home for decades without ever needing to be replaced.

Taking care of granite is pretty straightforward. If you spill something, we recommend cleaning it up right away in order to avoid staining the stone. To do this, use hot water and a sponge. To protect granite’s sealant, you can use a granite cleaner on your countertop from time to time—and to keep your countertop looking its best, you’ll want to keep up on the sealant.

Granite is formed under high temperatures, so it’s used to heat. Unless the heat is very extreme, granite remains heat resistant. But while you might not always need to use hot pads, we do recommend that you use coasters in order to avoid condensation from forming rings on granite’s surface.

The Ups and Downs of Granite

Like everything else, granite has its downsides. The one that sticks out to people is the fact that its price point runs higher than other materials like laminate and tile. But while these materials may be cheaper than granite, their quality shows it, and they don’t last for nearly as long.

Something else that some people don’t love about granite is its irregular colorations and patterns. Since it’s a natural stone, there’s no way to control or predict these things, so if you prefer something that errs on the side of uniformity, granite may not be the best choice for you.

Granite is resistant to scratching, heat, and staining, which makes it one of the best choices for kitchens and bathrooms. You can enjoy its stunning looks without having to worry about damaging it with your everyday activities.

If you decide that quartz is the stone for you, contact us at Natural Gallery Kitchen & Bath for a consultation. Call us 919-878-1988 today, and make your kitchen counter installation a grand success!!