Granite Myths Abound!
I can understand why many consumers are confused when it comes to granite countertops. There is so much mis-information out there, especially on the internet. While the internet is a great tool to find information at your fingertips, you must keep in mind that when looking for specific information, such as information on granite countertops, you have to consider the source.
I came across a blog from a consumer today who was interested in comparing 3 different types of countertops: granite, engineered stone, and Corian. I couldn’t believe the responses I was hearing from the general public, or for that matter why this person was addressing this type of question on a website dedicated to Food and Entertainment. It is hard to know what people are thinking, but these types of questions should be directed to companies that fabricate granite countertops, or answered by a credible source such as the MIA, Natural Stone Council, etc.
Here are a few myths I came across, followed by some truths:
- Myth: Unsealed granite is porous, the entire point of sealing it is to close the pores and avoid food contamination. Heat destroys the seal, making resealing a necessity.
Truth:
I know I mentioned this before, but it definitely bears repeating. According to a “To Seal or Not To Seal”, an article found in the Spring/Summer 2007 issue of Stone Dimensions magazine, a special task force formed by the MIA, Marble Institute of America, issued a policy statement that, “Most granite countertops do not need to be sealed! Before 1995, there were very few quality penetrating sealers on the market and there were very few cases of staining. Both prior to and after the availability of penetrating sealers, no cases of food poisioning, radon or food preparation issues associated with treated or untreated granites have been reported. If homeowners clean their countertops after each meal, they will rarely, if ever, have staining or cleanability issues with granite. All this being said, many granite countertops receive additional benefits from being sealed. That benefit is the further reduction of moisture migration into an already moisture resistant surface.”As for heat destroying the seal, this statement is utterly ridiculous! Heat has nothing to do with the sealer, or its affect. - Myth: Honed countertops shouldn’t cost more than polished countertops.
Truth: There typically is a charge to hone granite, or marble. - Myth: You don’t need to “reseal” granite unless you want to maintain the polish.
Truth: See “Truth” for #1. Sealing has nothing to do with the polish of the stone. Once the stone is polished, it is polished! - Myth: Depending on the variety of granite/quartzite you get, some will be much more porous and/or resined to hold them together.
Truth: Granite is a product of nature. It is quarried from the earth and removed in blocks, which are then sliced/cut into slabs and then polished. Some slabs do receive a resin treatment to fill microfissures that are found naturally in the stone. The resin treatment does not hold the stone together! Engineered stone on the other hand is a man-made product. It is comprised of mostly quartz (approximately 93% by weight, 83% Max. by volume) and plastic (approximately 7% by weight), which holds it all together.
Please make sure you do your homework when building, or remodeling. You can get all sorts of answers and recommendations, just make sure you are getting the correct information to make an educated decision.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite on July 30th, 2007 by Barb | |
on July 31st, 2007 at 1:10 pm
Very cool info. I love the “Myth Buster” angle!