granite tops

Granite Countertops

Granite is a top choice for natural stone countertops due to its variety of rich colors and natural patterns. Another popular characteristic of granite is that it is highly resistant to everyday wear and tear, particularly against scratching and heat. That is if you take proper care of it! Here are our top recommendations on caring for your granite countertops!

Important Things to Know About Cleaning Granite Countertops

1. Make sure your granite countertop is sealed

A part of the maintenance for granite countertops is ensuring that they are sealed regularly. This step in keeping your countertops clean is the most important because unsealed or weakly sealed granite will soak up spills and stains. If you are feeling unsure on whether or not it is time to have your granite countertops resealed you can conduct a simple test at home. You will want to leave a few drops of water on the surface and if after a few minutes the water has soaked into the granite, then it’s time to reseal the stone. Be sure to contact a professional for information about resealing your countertops to avoid any further damage.

2. Use a gentle cloth

A gently cloth is key when wiping down your granite countertops daily. You will want to avoid abrasive sponges that can potentially scratch and damage your stone over time. We recommend using warm water, mild or gentle soap and a microfiber cloth.

3. Do not use harsh cleaners

Popular household cleaning items such as Windex, bleach and vinegar may be tempting to use on your countertop but these harsh chemicals can cause damage. Regular use of acidic cleaners or anything with ammonia will cause your countertop to lose its shine and quickly weaken the sealant. Remember, warm water, mild or gentle soap and a microfiber cloth is the perfect combination for cleaning your countertops daily!

4. Granite safe cleaner

If you are interested in a granite cleaner you may be overwhelmed with the amount of options on the market. Our knowledgeable staff can help you sift through the options and ensure that you are getting a safe product. We also offer a product for purchase in each of our Showrooms. Contact us with any questions you may have!

Following these guidelines will help you not only keep your countertop clean but maintain their beauty by avoiding abrasive and harsh cleaning products. Be sure to follow along on our blog for more helpful tips, stone information and design inspiration!

Let’s start with the basics before we get into a further comparison of quartz vs. granite kitchen countertops. The experts at Cutting Edge Countertops will lay out the principles in this blog!

The Differences Between Quartz And Granite Kitchen Countertops?

Granite is the most popular type of natural stone. It is quarried in blocks from the earth, cut into slabs, polished and fabricated. On the other hand, quartz is a well-known engineered stone product made from natural quartz, other minerals, and resin. The main difference is that granite is a completely natural quarried stone and quartz is man-made from stone byproducts.

Do granite and quartz kitchen countertops look similar?

Granite slabs aren’t uniform in color or appearance, which for some would be considered a pro and for others, a con. Each piece of natural stone is truly one-of-a-kind in its pattern, color, and characteristics as a result of the way it’s formed in the earth. There are countless varieties of granite, including blue, green, black, white and more. Depending on your aesthetic preferences, you can find subtle and bold looks with little or a lot of movement (veining).

On the other end, quartz countertops are more uniform in appearance. This makes it easier to match veining and color if your space is large enough to require more than one slab of material. Quartz technologies have advanced quite a bit in recent years. Manufacturers offer hundreds of colors and patterns, some that resemble granite and marble, or other natural stone, and some that are more unique.

How much do granite countertops cost?

Typically, granite kitchen countertops cost between $2,000 and $4,500 on average, including the cost of installation. Granite cost will vary based on the design (whether it’s an easily accessible color or if it is considered a more exotic variety), the size of your project and the countertop edges/finishes you choose.

How much do quartz countertops cost?

To buy and install quartz countertops will run you between $1,000 and $4,000 on average. There are high (designer styles or white marble look-alikes) and low ends (basic styles and colors) of quartz and granite materials. Sometimes these surfacing options may overlap in price. If you are shopping for countertops on a small budget or looking to save money, granite and quartz probably aren’t your best options. You should consider material remnants, laminate or solid surface.

What are my options for easy-to-clean countertops?

Granite kitchen countertops are very durable. Quartz kitchen countertops are also very durable but provide a few more advantages over their natural stone competitor. Granite is a relatively porous stone that could absorb liquids or other substances if not properly sealed every few years. Alternatively, quartz does not require sealing and is highly resistant to staining. Both materials can be wiped down with soap and water or a stone cleaner for regular upkeep. Whether you own your own house or your own condo, countertops are always going to be a necessity in any home so make sure you choose the best countertop company to help you with your installation.

How do I get the best countertop installation?

It is not recommended to install larger stone countertops as a DIY project. These materials are very heavy and if you’re making the investment it’s best to get some expert help!

Cutting Edge Countertops is Accredited by the Natural Stone Institute. This means we are vetted as a reliable countertop company that exceeds industry standards and best practices in professionalism, safety, fabrication, and installation. After weighing the pros and cons, whether you decide on granite or quartz, both are premium kitchen countertop choices that will add beauty and value to your home. Come visit one of our showrooms or call us with your countertop questions!

Still undecided? Check out our Things to Know product roundups for more details on all the countertop choices. For all questions and concerns, make sure to contact a professional granite kitchen countertop expert by calling 888.515.8677.

Cutting Edge Countertops

The Best Way To Clean Granite Countertops