Granite countertops are a popular trend among many homeowners, whether they use them throughout their kitchen or as a solution to top a bathroom vanity. There are a lot of myths about granite, however that are spread around by manufacturers of countertops from other materials who want to wipe out their competitors.
Most myths are based on generalizations that are picked apart until they are no longer true. The internet provides both pro’s and con’s to these myths. While it does give you the information to combat the myths with facts, it is also a tool to widely spread the myths to an incredibly large audience in a rather short amount of time. Here are some of the popular myths about granite countertops and information to bust them.
MYTH – You do not need to use any kind of pot holders or hot pads under pans on granite countertops.
FACT – While granite is resistant to extreme temperatures, when excessive heat comes into contact with granite for more than a couple of seconds, it could discolor the sealer or create internal stress within the counter that could cause the granite to crack at some future time.
MYTH – You will need to seal your granite countertops once or twice per year.
FACT – Different types of stone have different needs. Over-sealing the surface of your granite countertops can cause other problems. Therefore it is best to use the retailer and manufacturer recommendations for your countertops instead of taking obscure online sources at face value.
MYTH – You do not have to worry about granite countertops cracking or staining.
FACT – If something heavy falls on your granite countertop then it could chip or even crack. Some types of granite are more absorbent which means they soak up spills like a sponge. The liquid darkens the granite and leaves an unsightly blemish on the surface of the stone.
MYTH – Granite is scratch-proof so you can clean it with any type of cleaner.
FACT – While granite countertops are adept at resisting scratches they are indeed not scratch-proof. Acidic liquid can etch into the sealer if not the granite itself, and if misused even abrasive cleaners can etch into the natural stone.
MYTH – Granite emits radon which causes cancer in people living in your home.
FACT – Granite countertops are not radioactive. Radon exposure is serious, as it is the second only to cigarette smoke as a cause of lung cancer. The EPA feels there is not enough data to conclude any of the information surrounding this myth is true especially as there is likely to be more radon in the soil around your home than in its granite countertops.
MYTH – “Absolute Black” granite makes a better countertop for the price.
FACT – Double check with the retailer about these types of countertops. While “Absolute Black” is an outstanding countertop, the original Swedish label is now given to stones from a wide range of other countries that source lower-quality black stone countertops. The “Absolute Black” label is no longer enough to tell you the history of the area where your granite countertop was originally quarried.
It would be great if all retailers who sold granite countertops were fully informed about their products. Because there are a lot of materials that mimic the look of granite, it could be easy for you to get duped if you go to the wrong retailer. Make sure the professional you work with is both trained and educated about their products so you get a countertop that will outlast the other materials in your home.