Busting The Myths About Granite

With the real estate market in a bind and recession afflicting most Americans, it's no wonder that many households in the United States are currently opting to undergo home renovation right now rather than buy a brand new home. Home renovation is, after all, a great way to invest your money into something you have an every day use for. From the grout used with tiling to the glue used with laying down wallpaper, a home owner in the process of a renovation has got an infinite amount of details to consider in order to make their home as perfect as it can possibly be.

With most home renovations, the kitchens and bathrooms are a focal point of the reconstruction. With every kitchen and bathroom, the question of what kind of countertop to purchase leads in the list of concerns. Granite is an expensive, yet durable material many wise home owners choose when they make their final decision. It's widely sought after and aesthetically pleasing to those who view it. For those who don't choose granite, it's very possible that their reason for avoiding the material was based on myth, instead of from a fact. Before you make any important and lasting home renovation decisions regarding countertops, you should make sure that you're aware of these top five myths about granite. If you're educated about granite, you can make an informed decision about whether or not granite is something you want in your home. Talking to your friends and family members isn't enough when it comes down to materials for your home. Knowing the hard facts is important and these five common myths often get in the way of the hard facts revolving around granite.

Myth #1: Granite stains easily.
Granite is actually quite resistant to staining. Liquid wipes right off of granite with the simple help of a cloth. The only way a liquid will absorb into granite and stain the granite it is if it's a liquid that doesn't evaporate, like an oil, and it is left to soak into the stone. This mistake can be easily avoided by making sure to always clean up your messes immediately after they are made--a habit you should already have in practice!

Myth #2: Granite is absorbent.
Granite is actually less absorbent than many solid surface products--especially plastic. This is why so many buildings employ granite as a chief agent of durability--it withstands the wind and rain. Many of the cheap countertops that decorate homes everywhere are actually equipped with poor quality plastic that will absorb what is spilled much more frequently than granite.

Myth #3: Granite requires a lot of maintenance.
The only kind of maintenance granite requires is routine cleaning with just soap and water. It is recommended that an annual resealing is performed; but this process only takes about 15 minutes.

Myth #4: Granite will chip and crack when exposed to heat.
Granite is heat resistant. It can withstand the heat of hot pans and pots. A heavy object hitting granite bluntly may chip it, but heat itself will not.

Myth #5: Granite loses its polish over time.
Marble will lose its shine, but granite will shine for years as if it were brand new. It's incredibly scratch resistant.

Now that you're hip to some of the most common myths regarding granite, you can make a better-educated decision about your countertops when it's time for you to give them a facelift.