Blog

Sealing granite countertops is an important step in countertop maintenance–follow this guide to do it right! Modern home design has presented homeowners with countless opportunities to turn their homes into the place of their dreams. In the kitchen, few home features have a greater impact than the counters you choose, which is why plenty of homeowners pick granite options. This durable yet incredibly beautiful material offers a wonderful appearance in the home–but it does require standard maintenance. Let’s explore how often you need to seal your granite countertops to keep them looking great!

Sealing Granite Countertops: Importance and Scheduling

Maintaining your countertops is important if you want them to stay looking nice and if you want them to last through the years. With granite, one of the most important steps is resealing your countertops. This standard process can make or break your experience with this material. Let’s discuss what you need to know.

Why Do I Need to Seal Granite Countertops?

At first glance, you might wonder why you need to seal granite countertops at all. Aren’t they already sealed upon delivery? Yes, they are–but that seal isn’t going to be permanent. The more time you spend using your countertops and cleaning them with certain kinds of chemicals, the more that seal will break down. When it does, you might find yourself in trouble. Granite is a very porous material, which is why we seal it. The sealant will protect it, allowing the countertops to stay secure. Without that barrier, your countertops will absorb material from anything you place on them. This can compromise it and make it look worse too. Even more shocking, the material can become contaminated with germs!

How Often Should I Seal Granite Countertops?

The best way to determine how often you should seal your countertops is to refer to the information provided with the countertops when they are installed. Most brands have a recommendation when it comes to care and maintenance. However, a general best practice is to seal your granite countertops every 1 to 2 years. If you notice that your countertops seem to be wearing down or are losing their shine, it is a good idea to seal them sooner rather than later.

Factors that Influence Sealing

The seal on your granite countertops is only so strong, and there are some materials that can break it down more quickly. Hard cleaning products, as well as natural products, like vinegar or citrus juices, can and will break down the seal on your countertops. Using gentle soap and water can help keep them safe.

The Takeaway

If you love your countertops, you will want to keep them looking flawless in the years to come. Proper care and maintenance can leave your countertops sturdy and shiny, just the way you want them to be. To explore the best granite countertops Denver has to offer, contact our team today to get started!

The material your countertops are made out of matters—find out how to tell these two apart. Home improvements are meant to improve the home, and that means considering the materials and aesthetics at work in certain areas. When browsing countertops, you might be surprised by the sheer number of available options. Every new choice has its own colors, durability, and other offerings. Granite and quartzite are two popular options that can be a great fit—learn the differences between them.

Comparing Granite and Quartzite

Comparing one material to another will always be dependent upon what is most important to you. These two materials each have their charms, so let’s learn what they offer and what makes them different.

What is Granite?

Granite is a type of rock known for its association with magma. This beautiful material can be identified by its makeup and appearance, but it is most commonly remembered for the fact that it develops when lava cools down. Found in different locations around the world, it includes different compositions in many cases.

What is Quartzite?

Most people know quartz by name, but quartzite is a more natural equivalent. Quartz is a man-made material, whereas quartzite develops by itself in nature. Formed from heat and pressure, this type of stone is a popular natural option that looks great.

Differences to Know

There are quite a few differences between these materials—starting with their appearance. While quartzite is favored for its beautiful marbled texture and lighter color tones, granite is less predictable. Granite often includes more variety, making it easy for everyone to find a style that they love. Care is another area where these materials differ. Although they are both loved for being strong and resistant to water damage, granite is the more susceptible of the two when it comes to care. It is more likely to break down when exposed to certain chemicals. However, choosing mild cleaners can easily balance this.

Benefits of Both Materials

Each of these materials can be a great match for your kitchen or bathroom. Finding the perfect fit will require you to consider how you want to care for them and what you want them to look like. Regardless of which material you choose, you can rest easy knowing that you are investing in beautiful natural materials that are durable and will last your home a very long time with proper care.

Find Your New Countertops Today!

Looking to upgrade your home but unsure where to start? Don’t worry–we can help. We provide the countertops Denver residents love, whether you prefer granite or quartzite–or something else! Our team is here to help you choose the best countertops based on your needs and personal style preferences. We can help you decide which countertops are right for you and then get right to installing them!

Granite countertops have become one of the most popular surfaces for homeowners because they deliver a unique look, lasting durability and sleek style. However, all of that can come with a hefty price tag. There are a number of alternatives that can be less expensive, while still retaining the style and durability that granite countertops can provide. Depending on your individual style and aesthetic of your home, these alternatives can bring just as much functionality and beauty to your countertops in Denver. There are more options out there than ever before, meaning there is a right fit for your budget and the individuality of any home.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz provides a gorgeous alternative to granite and other types of stone countertops. It’s suitable for both kitchen and bath, and delivers durability on par with granite. Because it is non-porous, quartz won’t stain or absorb other chemicals and cleaning products. The cost of quartz countertops is marginally less than granite countertops, but does offer long-term value over time. Since quartz is a manufactured product, it comes in a wide variety of stunning colors – including numerous blacks, whites, grays and others. This allows for homeowners to use quartz to imitate the colors and styles of other natural stones. This versatility also helps homeowners better fit their countertops into their personal aesthetic appeal.

Marble Countertops

Marble countertops are more affordable than granite or quartz, but they do deliver a lot of the same benefits. Marble is not as hard as granite, but is still resistant to scratches and other cracking. This softness also allows for more detailed cuts and edges to your countertop – allowing it to fit into a multitude of spaces. The look of marble is very unique, as no two cuts are the same. It does require a little more maintenance than granite, but it naturally stays cool. This makes it a wonderful surface for the kitchen, and is one of the preferred countertop surfaces for most bakers and other cooking professionals. The versatility and unique look are the calling card of this surface, and marble is suitable for both kitchen and bath.

Other Options for Countertops

There are plenty of other surfaces that are suitable for countertops that can save you money over granite. Soapstone is an option that is another non-porous surface, that also requires a minimal amount of maintenance. This is a softer stone than the others that were mentioned, but can provide a unique and charming look to your space. One style similar to marble is quartzite, but they require simpler maintenance. It’s a durable, natural stone that comes in a wide array of options. Another surface similar to marble is travertine, and this very durable material comes in numerous colors, as well. These are both more affordable options to marble or granite. For more information on the variety of countertops out there, and how they can fit into your home and budget, reach out to the experts at Kitchen & Bath by Design today.