Granite Kitchen Countertops are beautiful

Granite Kitchen Countertops are Natural and Beautiful

by Tippy Gremweld



Everybody wants high quality kitchen countertops these days.  More time is spent in the kitchen than any other room in the house, so obviously everyone wants to make that room the most beautiful and welcoming.  Granite kitchen countertops, for instance, are some of the most popular.  Not only are they attractive to look at, but they can take pretty much all sorts of abuse.  Granite kitchen countertops are beautiful and can last for many, many years. 

If you are thinking about buying a granite countertop for your kitchen, you will find that you have many different styles and colors to choose from.  Granite is made of natural materials, and are thus made in “natural” colors to choose from.  In fact, there are over 1,000 different colors and styles in granite kitchen countertops to choose from!  No matter what color(s) the rest of your kitchen is—white, black, pink, blue, yellow, green, purple—there are granite kitchen countertops that will match! 

Each piece of granite is as unique as one snowflake—no two are exactly the same.  Granite kitchen countertops can come in a variety of finishes, including a polished look, matte look, tumbled look, textured look, etc.  While all the different choices may seem overwhelming at first, you can talk to a granite countertop manufacturer or interior designer for advice.  If you’re going to invest in a granite kitchen countertop, you need to make sure that your choice truly matches the rest of your kitchen.

Not only are granite kitchen countertops beautiful and unique, but they’re strong and durable.  You can chop away at vegetables without worrying about damaging your granite countertop.  A hot pan can be placed directly on a granite kitchen countertop and there won’t be any consequences.  All you need to do to clean your granite countertop is use a mild soap and a soft cloth.


Kitchen Worktops - Granite Kitchen Worktops - Things to know

Common Granite Countertop Problems 

Granite countertops are a major investment for most homeowners. In fact, most owners make the investment without taking the time to understand a few very basic granite countertop problems and how to avoid them.

Not knowing the basics when it comes to properly caring for your granite countertops can be a very costly mistake.

The first thing you should realize and keep in mind is that granite is a stone that is by no means invulnerable to damage of any kind. Just as Superman had Kryptonite, granite has weak defenses against acid. This is not limited to acidic cleaning products but includes common kitchen items such as vinegar, alcohol, and orange juice.

To avoid these types of granite countertop problems you should always use coasters beneath your drinks, wipe up any spills immediately, and use mild neutral cleaning products on your countertops.

Watch Hot Items

When considering granite countertop problems, acid is not the only thing that mars the lovely surface of our shiny granite countertops. You should also take great care to avoid setting hot pots, plates, coffee pots, or baking pans directly onto your countertops. Use trivets to absorb the heat and avoid costly repairs.

You should also avoid placing china and other objects that may scratch and/or dull your service onto your countertops as well. If you do find that your granite has been scratched it is probably in your best interest to either consult a professional in order to remove it or simply learn to live with it.

Keeping Your Granite Countertops Clean

One of the most common granite countertop problems is actually keeping them clean. We live in our kitchens and so much occurs on these countertops daily that they require constant cleaning and care on our parts. The good news is that this is no problem if you are using the proper cleaning products and avoiding abrasive cleaners. The downside is that if you do not take care when cleaning you may actually damage your countertops. The first thing you should do is make sure to clean up all spills quickly and completely. Allowing liquid to sit on your granite countertops is simply inviting them to penetrate the surface where they will be nearly, if not completely, impossible to remove.

You should also take great care that you are using only mild detergents that have no acidic properties (this means no vinegar or citrus based cleaners), no scouring properties (this means cleaners like Comet powder cleaners), and soft clean cloths in order to get the job done.

I strongly recommend that you discuss cleaning options and recommendations with the manufacturer of your countertops and follow their instructions. Many countertop makers design their own line of cleaning products that are designed specifically for the purpose of maximizing the life and beauty of their products. This may be a little more expensive than some of the other cleaners on the market but is far less costly than purchasing a new granite slab in order to replace your countertops.

Proper Care

Proper care can go a long way towards avoiding common granite countertop problems. If you take small steps each and every day to protect your countertops and prolong their life and good looks you will save yourself a lot of money, time, and effort down the road by eliminating the need to replace your countertops as frequently.

by Jit