Among the essential distinctive elements of a kitchen, the worktop is like a gondola head. And when you want to trigger the wow factor, it’s still the side of the worktop that we look at, with a granite worktop. A top-of-the-range worktop par excellence, the granite worktop is always the focal point of a kitchen, whatever its color, grain, or finish. Granite adds a touch of luxury and elegance to any kitchen.
The Almost Unrivaled Resistance Of Granite
Assuming that granite like Frost White Quartz for example contains negligible amounts of calcium, granite worktops do not react (badly) to acids. Unlike marble, some basalt or travertine can suffer discoloration in contact with acid; you don’t have to worry about mild acids like those found in food, spreading them on your plan granite work.
Although granite is naturally very low in porosity, its impermeability can be further increased by applying a water-repellent so that it resists all stains and all liquids. Thus, using a soft, damp cloth, you can easily remove any stain children leave on a dining table—no more mess caused by ketchup and wine stains. With granite, you no longer have to worry about stains that were once considered indelible.
Moreover, all granites are not equal, and it is not uncommon to see certain granites like in Granite Selection for instance more or less resistant to acids, such as lemon, and certain inexpensive granites from Asia. Another concern may be unscrupulous dealers who pass lava stone/basalt for granite. Ask your marble worker for advice, who can direct you to rugged and durable granites.
Finally, don’t worry about the resistance of a granite worktop either. The good news is that the granite worktop is UV-resistant. If your granite worktop is placed under a roof window, it will not suffer discoloration.
Finally, whether your kitchen is indoors or outdoors, in the rain or the sun, your granite worktop will retain its elegance and beauty as long as an ad hoc treatment has been applied.
In summary:
Let’s be frank, despite its great hardness; granite is unbreakable! However, unless you are careless, avoiding dropping very heavy things on the countertop, and performing all the maintenance tasks inherent in the life of a granite countertop, chances are your countertop will outlive you! The latter will withstand even very high heat. On the other hand, its coating will stay cool during hot summers and resist heat transmission from a hot surface to you or other parts of the worktop.
On the value side, granite is an excellent choice for almost any kitchen. It is an investment that does not change over time and adds value to your home. Granite, when installed and maintained correctly, can last a lifetime. For anyone looking to sell their property, a granite worktop in a kitchen represents a significant advantage for a potential buyer, often increasing the house’s resale value.
A Granite Worktop Is Hygienic
The advantages of granite in a kitchen do not stop there. Another advantage, apart from its great resistance to stains, is that it is a very hygienic and anti-bacterial material. But to do this, the granite must be waterproofed (before or after the worktop installation), as we have seen above. This involves covering the granite with a protective layer that makes it waterproof to prevent water retention and stains and thus prevents the proliferation of bacteria.
Granite is thus a security for a family because once the seal has been made, this non-porosity creates a habitat that is not conducive to the growth of bacteria. It is not uncommon to see food poisoning from a dirty kitchen, i.e., a kitchen infested with bacteria, which is most often found on the work surface. The food mixes with bacteria to form an explosive and harmful duo for health.
