Are granite countertops porous?

Are granite countertops porous?

Granite is a very popular choice when it comes to countertops and all this fame is probably from the material durability, which makes it a great choice for kitchens and bathrooms. 

But granite’s appearance is not the only thing you must consider when buying for your home, but also the porosity of the material is a huge factor that can help you decide which slab is the best choice for you.

If you want to know more about granite and if they are porous or not, read this article until the end and have all of your questions answered!

Need some more information on granite countertops? Then be sure to read our definitive guide on them! We put together all of the most important information on them into a single brief article to make it easier for you.

Are granite countertops porous?

The simple answer is yes! However from all nature stone, granite is one of the less porous options.

Granite is a natural material, so porosity depends on the slab you’re considering purchasing. Even pieces coming from the same stone can have different levels of porosity. Usually, black and darker tones granite tends to be denser and less porous than white and lighter tones slabs, but that’s not a rule. 

Slabs that are less porous have less tendency of absorbing liquids and staining, but if your countertop is porous, you can always seal it and add this extra layer of protection.

How to know if I need to seal my countertop?

When the granite countertop (or any other stone) is porous they have a smooth touch, so you can feel if your countertop is porous or not just by touching them.

But, if you want to know when to seal your countertop, you can do the water test, which is pretty simple: Just pour 1/4 cup of water on the countertop and note how long it takes for the water to be absorbed (after absorbing, the spot will get darker).

After noting the time it took, the chart below will guide if you need to seal your countertop or not.

  • If it darkens immediately or up to 10 minutes: you need urgent sealing. 
  • If it takes 15 minutes to darken: you also need to seal your countertop, but maybe only one coating of sealant will be enough.
  • If it takes 30 minutes to darken or if it doesn’t darken at all: there’s no need to seal your countertop.
White tones granite countertop with white cabinets and a sink
Sealing is the best way to maintain your countertop, but not all slabs need to be sealed!

Don’t leave your countertop unsealed!

Since all granite varieties are somewhat porous, the best thing you can do to maintain and prevent damages on the slab is sealing. Fortunately, sealing is easier than people think, and with the right sealer, you can protect your granite countertop for a long time. Here’s what can happen if you leave it unsealed:

Stains from foods and liquids

Kitchen countertops are very susceptible to stains once they are very close to foods and liquids, this staining can happen in a matter of minutes. Another thing you need to worry about is grease, which can also permanently stain your beautiful granite slab.

Damages

Even with granite being very durable and resistant, it’s not an indestructible material. If the piece is porous and smooth, it is more prone to scratch and crack. Sealing protects your countertop by creating an extra layer that prevents any kind of damages from sharp objects and hot pans or plates.

How to seal granite countertops?

Sealing granite countertops is a simple process, yet a chemical one, nonetheless. You can do it by yourself, but you need to be careful! If you need help, we have an article that can help you out with this task!

But, always remember that hiring a professional to help you will ensure the best results. If you live around Sarasota, FL, you can trust our team at Eagle Stones to be of assistance with anything countertop-related.

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