Getting your hands on the right kind of material for a countertop is a very important factor to take into account. Be it marble, onyx, quartz or granite, you should know the specifics of each stone before making a permanent choice. In the case of the latter, whose popularity as kitchen islands and cooktop counters has stalled in recent years, many homeowners tend to search the market carefully, coming across an essential question: Are granite countertops heat-resistant?
Well, keep reading the article to find out! Or, if you’d like to explore the general characteristics of granite stones, check out our complete guide here.
So, are granite countertops heat-resistant or not?
Yes – they are. In fact, granite countertops are so durable that, even without periodic sealing, most even outlast the house itself, rarely requiring a complete makeover between owners.
As you may imagine, this is due to how granite is formed in the first place. Being a perfect example of natural stone, this igneous rock originates in extreme temperature changes, receiving its notorious density from liquid magma that cooled down millions of years ago. In this sense, granite’s melting point lies between 2210º and 2300º F (1210º to 1260º C), a remarkable feat that no hot pan in the world can realistically reach. (If you’re curious, while steel starts melting at 2498º F, we cook steaks at around 350º F.)
All in all, this means that even upon direct contact with flames, granite countertops are prone to resist harsh temperatures – holding their structure when subjected to cold levels, as well.
Things to look out for
You see, granite countertops have become a staple piece of furniture for a reason. Apart from withstanding heat, they are not easily scratched or stained, creating the ideal conditions for kitchen and bathroom activities. When we consider all these favorable properties, it’s clear how good of a long-lasting investment they are, and the market price shows it.
Although granite is not high-maintenance, it is far from being indestructible. Below we’ve listed the main things you should worry about when caring for your counter.
Sealers
We’ve mentioned sealers here – and they’re important. If you’re oblivious to them, sealing is a process used to prolong the lifetime of porous surfaces, which definitely include granite. It creates an extra layer of protection on top of your stone, preventing water absorption and discoloration for some time. As professionals, we recommend doing this twice a year or so – and if possible, always under an expert’s supervision to achieve the best results.
With that said, even after being sealed, you should pay attention to your granite and not overstretch its capabilities.
You see, constant heat will gradually tear the sealer apart, so it’s best to avoid placing hot utensils on top of the stone whenever possible. As much as it serves to extend its durability, a granite countertop with a faint sealer (or none at all) can start showing some dark stains that are not aesthetically pleasing – and which may require costly maintenance in the end. Be smart!
Chips and cracks
Likewise, not caring for your granite countertop can lead to the appearance of chips and cracks on its surface. It sounds drastic – and from a short-term perspective, it is – but keep in mind that this is a serious problem that nobody wants.
Dealing with this kind of heavy maintenance is a headache, so make sure to establish a cleaning routine and have your sealers applied. Little actions like dusting, promptly wiping up spills, and using pot holders will make a difference in the long run. That way, your granite can deal with hot temperatures with no further worries.
Climate
In this article we’ve also talked about cold temperatures – and this is directly tied to weather conditions. If you install a granite countertop in an outdoor kitchen, for instance, and it is exposed to hot summers and cold winters, you may want to think twice about things.
You see, its surface can handle hot pans and sharp knives on a daily basis, but granite can also be damaged if left unattended for a long period of time.
We know that barbecue areas are not exactly busy every weekend, right? To ensure the best outside family gatherings, there are some high-density granites available on the market today that you can get, which is one more reason to seek professional help every now and then. Outdoor projects will always need stronger endurance!
Final thoughts
Indeed, granite countertops are heat-resistant – you can go ahead and cook with a clear mind. However, that doesn’t mean you should use them carelessly, because then you would only be wasting resources and budget on problems that should not have damaged your product in the first place.
Acquire the best granite countertops at Eagle Stones!
Now that you know how durable and versatile these natural stones are, maybe you’re more than eager to get your own countertop soon. And if you live near Sarasota, Florida, our team can help you out.
Eagle Stones has been serving clients with top-notch supply, installation, and maintenance services for years! Our vast catalog encompasses a selection of international products that are sure to amaze you. Speak to one of our agents today – we’ll be waiting for your contact.
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