The Top 5 Questions About Granite Countertops

Last Updated on August 12, 2021

Even the savviest homeowners have questions when it comes to granite countertops. There’s no denying that granite brings a level of luxury and beauty to a home, but what about knowing the basics?

This month, Granite and TREND Transformations answers the five most asked questions about granite. Whether you already have granite countertops in your home or are considering having them installed, we invite you to read on to get the latest scoop on one of the most popular countertop surfaces of today.

What is the best way to clean granite countertops?

Believe it or not, either a damp soft cloth with good old-fashioned dish soap or an all-purpose cleaner—approved for natural stone—are best. Just be sure to avoid using abrasive chemicals. Even though your countertops may be sealed, these harsh cleansers can damage the surface.

ForeverSeal Makes Cleaning Easy

Our etherium^® By E-Stone surfaces are permanently sealed with ForeverSeal^®, a proprietary sealing ingredient which makes maintenance super easy. And did you know that all of our etherium^® by E-Stone surfaces have Microban^® antimicrobial technology built right in? It’s an added level of product protection against the growth of bacteria. Plus, surfaces like our etherium^® by E-Stone that are enhanced with Microban^® are easier to clean and stay cleaner between cleanings.

Can I cut directly on the countertop? What about setting hot pans on it?

One of the many benefits of granite is that it is one of the hardest materials on Earth, making it the perfect workhorse for even the busiest of kitchens. When it comes to cutting on it, some people still prefer using a cutting board. But if you choose to cut directly on your granite countertop, you can do so safely. (Just be prepared to wind up with some dull knives.)

Can I leave hot pans on granite?

You can ditch your hot plates and place hot pots and pans on your countertop. Just remember: Granite is a natural stone that will absorb heat, so take caution not to touch the surface soon after you remove the pot. Our etherium^® By E-Stone surfaces are heat, scratch, and stain-resistant, so you can conduct all your food preparation right on your countertop without worry.

Does granite stain or get damaged easily?

With proper sealing, granite will not stain easily. But keep in mind that any spills left on the surface may leave a dark spot. These should fade as the granite dries, provided it is sealed. You can eliminate the hassle and worry about stains and other mishaps by choosing an engineered granite countertop, such as our etherium^® By E-Stone surfaces that have ForeverSeal^® built right in. As durable as granite is, a hard impact could chip or damage the surface. And as much as you may try to avoid this, accidents do happen. Cracks can be repaired and sealed with a mixture of granite and epoxy. 

Is it easy to install granite countertops?

A4: The answer is easier than you may think—if you choose Granite and TREND Transformations for your renovation. Unlike traditional renovation projects, which require your kitchen to be out of commission for several weeks, Granite and TREND Transformations has a unique resurfacing process, which means your countertop is installed directly over your old one. In many instances, the process can be completed in as little as one day with little-to-no demolition. Check out Janet, our design guru, as she shows you how easy our “over the top” process can be. Watch here.

How do I pick a granite style?

A5: With Granite and TREND Transformations, it all starts with our free in-home, or virtual, design consultation. One of our trained expert design consultants will walk you through the process as you browse our beautiful selection of granite countertop surfaces. Want to get a head start? Try our cool Visualizer tool that allows you to pick and choose your favorite countertops, mosaic tile backsplashes, and cabinets so you can see how your kitchen—or bathroom—will look before the renovation! Or, if you want to get a complete look at what we offer, you can visit one of our showrooms, where you can see our products installed in real bathroom and kitchen settings. And for more ideas, visit our Design Inspiration gallery to see some of our most popular bathroom and kitchen designs.

Are you inspired to elevate the look of your kitchen or bath with granite countertops? Schedule your design consultation and see how beautiful your kitchen or bath can be. Contact us today.