13

Sep

Choosing the Right Countertop Backsplash

With a modern kitchen design inspiration, most of the time the backsplash is an oversight. You will most likely plan your appliances, countertops, and kitchen cabinets in advance, but a lot of homeowners forget the backsplash.

Even if a kitchen backsplash is mostly a practical tool that is used for stopping walls from becoming dirty, it also serves as an aesthetic backdrop and focal point in the kitchen. It depends on the design, but you should know which one to choose. You can ask the advice on countertop replacement services, but it would also be good to have your own ideas.

The nice thing about choosing a beautiful backsplash is that you do not have to be a professional interior designer to choose one that matches your style.

Tile or Stone Backsplash

There are many kinds of kitchen backsplashes to pick from, but the majority of homeowners choose a stone or tile. If you have granite or quartz countertops, you can get a matching backsplash that goes along the walls. This option is not for all applications, it can be expensive to install. The stone is heavy and it needs sturdy bracing to secure the walls. It is hard to cut around the cabinet layout.

For the majority of kitchen designs, tile is the best way to go. You can have it customized, installation is easy, and it is more cost-effective as time goes by.

Calculate How much You Need

If you want to calculate how much backsplash you will need, you should take the length of the area where the tile is going to be placed and multiplied by the area height. You can complete this calculation for each tile area. You can then add each amount together and multiply it by 1.1. This allows a 10% overage if there is a broken tile or odd tile cut.

Design Accent

In a lot of kitchens, the area on top of the stove is the best place for an added feature. This is normally a rectangle or square tile that looks a little different compared to the rest of the backsplash. If your backsplash is fake, the accent can be a herringbone pattern of brick that has a square border. These small changes help in making your kitchen look personalized and thought out.

Glass Tile

You would not think it will be a nice backsplash for your kitchen, but glass is 100% waterproof, so it is a great backsplash option if your kitchen has a lot of moisture, steam, and splashes.

And it will not easily shatter, so do not worry.

Glass tile has a lot of colors and the natural translucency can create a dazzling shiny effect unlike anything else. Usually, the glass will be reinforced and scratch-resistant as well.

However, since glass is translucent, you will see grouting that is poorly done beneath it, so a professional installation is required. No one wants to look at their glass style and see adhesive or grout staring at them.

Do Not Break Your Budget

If you are currently remodeling your kitchen, the costs add up, which is why it is important to balance your budget. Even if there are areas where you can splurge and save on some, you can be more conservative if you choose tiles.

With a lot of tile options available at great prices, it is not sensible to dedicate a huge part of the budget to your backsplash. Therefore, you do not have to pay too much.

You can contact granite companies Rockville once you have chosen a backsplash so they can install them already.

30

Aug

Fun Facts About Quartz Kitchen Countertops

If you have not undergone a kitchen remodel before, or you considered even just one, you are aware that it is important to choose the right countertop material. This can be the hardest decision you will ever make in the process. Every homeowner is different, which means there is not one material that is the best for any situation.

Therefore, to make maintenance easier and achieve versatility, you can do a lot better if you go for quartz kitchen countertops. Quartz is popular because it is customizable and it can be made into almost all shapes and patterns. Most of the time, they are the most expensive luxury countertop materials. Read on to know more facts about quartz countertops.

Durable and Damage Resistant

Quartz is among the hardest materials you will find, and it is the compound stone that is used for countertops that maintains a lot of that toughness. This makes it the most durable material for countertops. When you are using quartz, you do not have to worry about the wear and tear so much, like the scratches, and heat resistance. Aside from that, since it is non-porous and resistant to germs, mildew, and bacteria, it helps alleviate worries when it comes to sanitation.

Even if it is a hard material, it is flexible as well, so it can be shaped into almost anything and have the counter you want. Therefore, if you do not use an uninterrupted slab, that is fine, because it cuts cleanly. That means there are barely perceptible seams.

It is More Than Meets the Eye

A lot of people might be shocked to hear that many quartz countertops are not made of quartz. Some of them do, but naming quartz countertops is only requiring that they follow a certain manufacturing process known as the Bretonstone process. It does not mandate that quartz stone should be used in the manufacturing process. Therefore, a lot of companies began to use materials to achieve the same result and the polished look that quartz owners love. Therefore, those quartz countertops you have eyeballed might be comprised of a combination of marble granite and other types of stone. They are mostly made using crushed quartz. It is available and extremely durable, so it is an excellent choice for the Bretonstone process of production.

Wider Color Range

Since quartz countertops are made out of ground-up minerals and are not cut from one piece of material, they need a manufactured finish. Even if about 90% of a quartz countertop is made using ground-up quartz, the other 10% is comprised of polymers, resins, and pigments. Using pigments at this stage lets manufacturers create an endless variety of color options. Even if natural stone countertops are confined to the colors in stone around the world, engineered stone can be engineered in its appearance and structure. Quartz countertops are made to look like other kinds of stone or concrete.

There are More People Embracing Quartz Today

Many years ago, quartz became a way for people to achieve the look of granite and marble without paying a high price. Companies are doing their best to go with the trends every year in terms of a specific pattern or popular countertop shades. Since quartz has been there so long, it has helped bring it out from the shadows. People are now more confident with their self-expression as well. One benefit of quartz and other engineered stone is that they are customizable.

You can contact countertop replacement services Potomac anytime once you are ready to have your quartz countertop installed.

22

Aug

What You Did Not Know About Kitchen Countertops

Among the countertop materials available are granite countertops, and granite is normally the most sought-after. It is beautiful, elegant, and lasts a lifetime if you compare it to other countertop materials. Most of the time, it offers numerous benefits. Being a homeowner who considers granite as an option for kitchen remodeling. It is important for you to know what you can about it. This knowledge is helpful when it comes to ensuring that you make the right choice for your lifestyle and family, and it helps you in making an informed decision regarding your investment.

There are a lot of common and popular facts about granite, and an average person does not know all of them as well. Read on.

Granite is Among the Hardest Materials to Ever Exist on Earth

You for sure knew that granite is solid and hard, but are you aware that it is among the hardest materials you will ever encounter? Granite is so hard that it comes second to diamond, which is the hardest material. Granite cannot get chipped or cracked using any substance, but you need to be careful if you have a diamond ring and you are close to the countertop because that can chip it. Granite is the toughest and hardest material you can buy for a countertop. Granite installers are going to recommend you make a heavy and hard cabinet base in order to withstand the pressure and granite countertop weight.

Granite is Comprised of Many Materials

The granite mineral composition is mainly mica, feldspar, and quartz. Other materials also make up the granite composition, and these materials determine different stone colors. For example, red or pink granite comes with a high concentration of feldspar. Dark brown or black granite has plenty of amphibole and mica.

Granite is a Little Radioactive

This is a fun fact, but you should know this because, even if it is true, it gets reduced most of the time. Granite emits some radon, but that should not scare you. The amount granite emits is less than common compared to garden soil. Mostly, the fear that is aroused by radioactive countertop is because of fact. Granite is a safe substance for the home and where you will prepare food.

The Cost Depends on the Color

The granite countertop color depends on the granite slab’s mineral composition. The most common colors of granite kitchen countertops are beige, sand, and brown. The rarest colors are red, blues, dark brown, and maroon. The mineral content of feldspar is what makes it red while a higher mica quantity gives the dark and brown color. Blue and red colors are rare, and they are very expensive. In addition, increased crystal content in granite countertops costs more. A granite countertop is a colored sand with low crystal content.

Granite is Not Totally Smooth

When people look at granite, they think it is totally smooth, but that is not completely true. There are small pits and spaces between different crystals in stone. These pits are because of the mineral called biotite, and you should expect them when you buy a natural stone, which includes granite. Some people could believe that these pits make an undesirable granite slab, but this is not the case because all-natural stone slabs come with pits.

Granite Should be Sealed

While it is durable and scratch-resistant, granite is a bit permeable to moisture unless you seal it. ideally, you should do this once a year so it stays intact.

You can contact granite countertop installers Rockville anytime for the best outcome.

09

Aug

Causes of Stain on a Quartz Countertop

Quartz countertops are made using two main materials: natural quartz and polymer resins. Natural quartz is the one that is impervious to different liquids, non-reactive, and impermeable to gases.

The polymer resins are binding the quartz particles. However, in certain conditions, the polymer might experience some chemical transformations. This can occur if you leave behind any harsh chemicals on the countertop for a longer period.

Slow reactions can lead to staining. This might sound alarming but different manufacturers use stable polymers with high resistance to chemicals, which makes countertops safe for preparing food. The quartz will unlikely stain since it is non-porous and hard.

Here are the causes of staining on a quartz countertop.

Acids

Acidic liquids such as vinegar are a huge no-no regardless if you have granite or quartz countertops. The spills can be wiped off, but you can try to prevent your vinegar from drying on the surface. The same goes for wine. The wine stains can be cleaned easily, but when you cook using these ingredients together with balsamic vinegar, you would want to clean up all the mess right away.

From Cleaning Chemicals

You must never use chlorine or bleach-based products on your countertop. These are corrosive chemicals and cause heavy etching. When you use these chemicals, the sealant can also degrade on your countertops.

The time you can use bleach is through deep cleaning where you might have to use it on the surfaces inside your home. It can be used once the quartz countertops are dry and then it should be immediately wiped off.

The top cleaning solution you can use for quartz countertops is a commercial-level cleaner that is primarily made for stone surfaces. These cleaners are going to ensure that your quartz countertop will always look new and shiny for many years to come.

Coffee and Tea

Like wine and vinegar, you should never allow coffee and tea spills to linger on the quartz countertop until it becomes dry. The tannins that give these drinks their colors will slowly penetrate your quartz countertop’s seal. Through time, this will slowly make your countertops appear more aged than it is. Thankfully, the majority of coffee stains can easily be removed using a quick wipe of a damp cloth. For the tougher stains, you can use a granite cleaner and mild quartz.

Heat Damage Caused by Hot Pots

Similar to hot spills produced by coffee, oil, etc. It can cause your quartz surfaces to get badly stained, heat damage coming from hot pans, and others can cause stains to appear on the quartz.

If you put a hot pot on the quartz surface, the heat damages the resins that hold the stone together which causes staining.

Even if you can use a hot pad or trivet to prevent any heat damage, you should avoid putting anything that goes directly on quartz surfaces.

In case you end up with heat damage, talk to a professional right away to restore the surfaces. They can provide you with resurfacing and cleaning solutions that effectively remove stains without damaging your quartz surface.

Sealants

As much as you want to keep future stains from happening with physical barriers, you should not use sealants that are for natural slabs. Quartz is non-porous, while natural slabs are, which means the sealants will not absorb and adhere.

Sealants are not going to be effective on quartz surfaces, and sometimes, sealants can change the color of quartz surface so it becomes hazy.

You can contact quartz countertop installer Rockville anytime if you have questions about the care and maintenance of your countertop.

 

 

30

Jul

Countertop Installation Mistakes

When you observe a person who steals installing countertops, with their given materials, making the job easy. However, people are unable to understand that installing a countertop, even the walls, floors, and cupboards are not always perfect, squared, or leveled. Professional kitchen and home builders will anticipate that expected places where they should be installed are imperfect and out of their control. It is going to take skills, experiences, and knowledge in order to set these items in place.

Aside from the capabilities of experts in installing granite countertop installers and doing things for you. It is worth it to know more countertop installation issues so you can understand the process. Therefore, here are common fitting issues and how they can be fixed.

Using the Wrong Material

When you choose a material for your countertop, you must consider if the slab is natural or man-made and is going to suit your needs. Natural stones of the slab are porous in nature, and it requires the application of a great quality sealer. Granite that is properly sealed and natural is durable and sustainable, but the marble slabs are susceptible to getting damaged by anything acidic such as citrus juices, wine, or vinegar. If you leave it out too long, they can leave a dull mark on your marble countertops. For some people, this gives you a beautiful patina, but some see it as a frustrating mistake.

The Granite is Too Thick

Granite slabs should not be glued together. The reason behind this is that even if your granite slabs are going to last for years, the adhesives do not offer the same amount of durability. Therefore, if you choose a slab that is 1.5” thick but you are looking for something thicker, you might want to glue two slabs together if you want the desired look. This should not be done because the glue is going to begin deteriorating and they will have gaps between them, and this leads to irreplaceable damage.

Choosing the Wrong Edge

You should consider the edge of your countertop. This is mainly true for a family house or if there are kids because the wrong edge could cause a bigger hazard. Therefore, it is important that you should think about which edge is making sense for your home countertops. Usually, a counter must be smooth-edged so you can maximize the value it brings you.

Cracks

One common problem with countertop installation is cracks. This normally occurs when the countertop installers do not handle the slab carefully or place too much pressure on it. But the granite countertop will only crack after the installation. Chances are, it was in an uneven era. If you spot cracks after the installation, you should inform the countertop installer right away.

However, if you want to avoid this, you need to allow installation experts to check the surface first. You will witness them using a laser level while measuring the surface prior to installing a countertop. This is going to help them in identifying imperfections on the surface and they can formulate the right strategy for them. The countertop should be cleaned before installation.

The Sink is Not Levelled

With granite countertops, you can have an under-mounted sink, making it easier to clean. However, if you do not level the sink properly with the granite countertop, there are loose particles that will spill and roll in several directions, which is going to make everyday tasks harder.

Those who work within the space should clean up after.

You should talk to granite contractors Potomac so that you can be sure that the installation will go smoothly.

 

18

Jul

Reasons Why Quartz Countertops are High-Quality

Quartz countertops are becoming more popular. However, the drawback is that it is expensive and its closest rival is granite.

The primary reason for the high price of quartz countertops is because it is manufactured inside the factory made from raw source and then they should be processed and cut into chips. After these chips have gone through the milling process, they will then be sent to distributors who will ship them around the world. The retailers purchase these chips and resell them, sometimes selling them multiple times the cost of producing them. Therefore, why is quartz pricey? The answer is that it is a manufactured mineral and it can be remade in case you have to.

Cost of Installing Quartz Countertops

The installation cost is about $70 to $100 for every square foot, but some factors can impact how new countertops cost. You are going to pay high prices if you want countertops that are mainly for faucets and sinks, like those or with custom edging. If you want an average quartz size for your kitchen countertop, you should be ready to pay about $4,500 for installation and materials.

It is an excellent idea to hire a countertop contractor in your local area so they can check the space before starting out. A pro who can see the space in person is important if you want to receive the right quote.

Trade Tariffs

Since the majority of materials are made overseas, trade tariffs imposed during springtime have multiple costs. For instance, quartz that was imported from China, which is mainly among the lower-end varieties had a price increase of about 300%. This is very high and it really affects the price of quartz.

High-Demand

Unlike marble and granite, quartz does not need sealing. This feature made quartz very popular among homeowners and similar to other popular items, there is a high demand for this.

The law and demand supply dictates that if there is a higher demand, the higher the price will be which is why it is expensive.

Installation

Due to lack of porosity, quartz is dense and heavy. Cabinetry or vanities should be leveled prior to installation, and a section placed directly on the cabinets should be supported securely. If you want to maximize the sleek look, the seams should be matched unobtrusively. These are the things that make quartz countertop installation a difficult project that requires the services of an equipped and qualified professional contractor.

Versatile

Quartz has a lot of styles, colors, finishes, as well as edge treatments. In terms of thickness, the stone is running from 3/8” to 11/4”. Obviously, if there is a thick countertop, the pricier it will be.

Due to the versatility of quartz, you should research and look for one that is going to be ideal for your application. If you are unsure of the one that is going to look best, you should get what the professional is saying.

Customization

In case you are looking for an unusual countertop width or shape, or maybe custom cutouts in order to accommodate the appliances you own or a special feature such as a bar sink? They are doable with quartz but it will be expensive.

Uniqueness

Quartz countertops have a distinct place among the trends of today. In the era of people not wanting to miss out, the popularity of this kind of countertop has caused a demand that normally goes over the supply. This has the tendency to drive the costs high.

You can contact quartz countertop Montgomery County MD for the best contractors and deals.

 

09

Jul

How Granite Countertops Increase Home Value

If you own a home and you know that you will eventually sell the property, you should consider renovating carefully. While a home renovation is appealing, not all upgrades can improve the value of your home as much.

One room that a lot of homeowners normally improve and renovate is their kitchen. Granite countertops are among the first areas in your kitchen where you can consider upgrades. These granite countertops are now more popular, but a lot of homeowners are wondering if the value-added can justify the expense of an upgrade.

If you are investing in kitchen renovation, one way to revamp your room is to use granite for a clean and high-end look. They are very durable and contemporary in any kitchen. Read on to know more reasons why granite increases the value of your home.

The Appeal is Timeless

Granite retained its popularity and appeal for a lot of reasons, which include strength, beauty, and durability. The veining, marbling, and colors occur naturally, and no two swabs are the same. If your concern is about adding home value and making it more appealing to future buyers, go for granite with neutral or earth tones such as black, white, or brown. Granite is very popular that a lot of home buyers consider it a necessity.

Aesthetically Appealing

Granite countertops are known for having rich colors and they have distinctive veining, which adds unique character and unparalleled appeal to the décor of your kitchen. Each slab has its own shade and flecks, as well as streaks that allow you to see impressive visual effects and personalized designs as well. These subtle variations and contrasts make granite look so stylish and luxurious.

High Return on Investment

Real estate experts will tell you that kitchens are going to sell homes. When you update your kitchen, homebuyers will appreciate it even more. However, a kitchen upgrade does not have to cost a fortune.  A minor to moderate kitchen renovation can cost between $20,000 to $25,000, which offers a return on investment between 90% to 100%. This might include upgrading your granite countertops, which the majority of buyers see as a desirable material.

They are Practical and Durable

Granite is strong and hard, which means it can retain the gorgeous look and feel even after many years of use. When you seal it properly, it is scratch-resistant and stain-free, which takes the normal wear and tear very well. In addition, granite is not a heat conductor and it can withstand 900 degrees Fahrenheit without getting damaged. Granite surfaces do not get marred by scraping, cutting, or other kitchen activities and have little requirements for maintenance. All you have to do is to keep your countertops looking good and clean by wiping the surface using a dampened cloth with warm water and mild detergent when the day ends.

They are easy to clean and durable, resistant to heat and scratch, suitable for preparing food, and great for kitchen countertops.

Environmentally Friendly

Unlike a lot of countertop materials sold in the market today that are harmfully manufactured, granite is a product that is naturally quarried from the earth without chemical damage. You can polish or hone granite before installation, but there is no need for a manufacturing process. If you properly maintain it, granite countertops can last a long time, which reduces landfill waste. You should clean it regularly to maintain your granite countertop, and it is a lot easier than other countertop materials.

You can talk to granite installers Rockville if you want to increase your home value with the best outcome.

29

Jun

How to Choose the Right Granite Slab for Your Kitchen

While kitchen remodels might feel overwhelming, there are so many options these days you can choose from, including the colors of granite you choose. All of them look beautiful because granite is natural, and each slab varies in color and pattern. Therefore, which color do you choose? In this article, you will learn a couple of principles to remember before choosing the color for your countertop.

Granite is among the most popular material for countertops. Aside from its durability, it is available in many styles and colors, which makes it easy to pair with any kind of appliance and cabinetry.

Once you contact the countertop replacement services, at least you already have an idea of what you want. Read on to know more.

Match it with the Cabinets

There are two main ways that you can pair cabinets and granite: matching the color with cabinets or you can pair the marbling and veining. The first way to match granite counters is to opt for granite with the same color as the cabinets but the veining is darker. For instance, white cabinets are gorgeous looking and have grey veins, brown, and black. If you are interested in granite with color contrast, you should choose the one with veins that will match your cabinetry. The same one pairs beautifully with espresso cabinets. It might also be helpful to check out popular things of granite countertops and cabinetry.

Consider Your Kitchen Size

Do you have a small or large kitchen? The kitchen size is an important factor when it comes to picking the perfect slab, and the pattern. If you have a small kitchen, you should opt for light-color granite because it gives your kitchen a spacious look. When there is little natural lighting, your kitchen is going to look smaller. You can correct this effect when you use light-colored granite. Dark granites that veins running through will work for this purpose as well. As for the large kitchens, you can safely experiment with dark colors. In addition, choose the patterns based on your kitchen size. The three main patterns are speckled, solid, and marbled. Solid granite is an excellent choice for kitchens that are smaller. Busy patterns make a small kitchen seem cramped. If you have a large kitchen, marbled and speckled forms are great. Two colors of granite also go well with larger kitchens.

Contrast Makes the Kitchen Look More Pleasing

If you check photos of designer kitchens or watch several home makeover TV shows, you will notice that the majority of them feature some contrast between dark and light. For instance, in case the kitchen cabinets are dark then you want light kitchen countertops. If there are light and dark elements in a room, they will add visual balance: Dark colors serve as anchors and lighter ones take off some weight and make your room feel more open and spacious. Therefore, when you consider using a contrasting color to cabinets for your countertops, it will be good.

Choose a Unique Granite Pattern

Aside from choosing a color, you can also choose a granite pattern. Solid granite does not have a lot of variation in the pattern, and it is a great choice for smaller kitchens where a busy pattern makes the area look cramped. Marbled granite comes with a smooth transition between color and texture. Speckled granite is a great option with a lot of variation in texture and color and it would be excellent if you want to make a statement.

These are the best ways to choose granite countertops Rockville for your kitchen.

 

16

Jun

Mistakes to Avoid When You Have a Quartz Kitchen Countertop

The majority of homeowners still see kitchen remodeling as one of the most important home renovation aspects. Based on statistics, one in every household does a kitchen remodel yearly.

The most important surface in your home is the countertop, and it is the main feature that homeowners want to replace. They contact countertop replacement services to have their quartz countertop installed. However, there are mistakes that some people make when it comes to their countertop. If you are planning to get quartz countertops, you should know what not to do in order to properly maintain it. Find out what you must not do so that it will last for a long time.

Relying Too Much on Harsh Cleaners

Harsh cleaners loaded with chemicals do not mix well with quartz countertops. It is important to stay away from alkaline and acidic cleaners because they can weaken the bonds between quartz and resin and can damage the surface layer over time. While it hampers the sealant’s efficacy too, the countertop can become prone to easily getting stained.

You Do Not Wipe Spills Right Away

If you allow any type of spill to sit on your countertop, specifically an acidic solution like vinegar or wine, for a long time on your countertop, it is going to penetrate the stone. This will result in staining. Quartz is normally marketed to be stain-resistant. It is crucial to remember that the engineered stone is not stain-proof.

The best way for you to prevent stains is to make sure they do not happen at first. However, if you spill something, make sure that you clean up the mess right away. You can take a dish cloth together with warm soapy water in order to clean up spills.

Using Pads that are Too Abrasive

Some homeowners like to use abrasive cleaning pads that can starch and dull quartz countertops. You need to avoid hard-bristled brushes, metal scourers, and scrubbing pads. You should use a gentle approach, ideally a soft rug for cleaning and clean cotton cloth for drying. This way, the quartz surface will remain beautiful and shiny for a long time.

You Place Hot Items on the Countertop Directly

Even if quartz countertops have heat-resistant properties, you should not assume that it is immune to heat. If the temperature is over 300 degrees F, it can damage your countertop.

You should not place hot pans or pots on the countertop because extreme heat can be damaging to the resin of your countertop’s surface, which results in discoloration. Discoloration, because heat damage is irreversible, and you would have to replace the entire slab of stone to remove the damage.

You Cut Food Directly on the Countertop

Most of the quartz slabs are NSF-approved. They can be used for food preparation. However, with the right force, using your knife directly on the countertop’s surface to cut and chop ingredients can cause scratches. The small scratches and nicks will gradually dull the surface and erode the beauty of your countertop.

Placing Your Sizzling Hot Utensils on the Countertop

Yes, quartz countertops are resistant to heat by nature. However, placing sizzling hot utensils on the countertop all the time will cause discoloration on the countertop. At the same time, it becomes more prone to cracks. Before placing your sizzling hot utensils on the countertop, you should put a tray or cloth where you can place your utensils so that they do not directly go on the quartz surface.

You can contact the quartz countertop installer Rockville for your kitchen countertop replacement.

07

Jun

Benefits of Sealing Granite Countertops

The beauty and durability of granite countertops are well-known, but that does not indicate that they do not need any TLC and proper maintenance. Even if granite is resistant to moisture, it is porous as well. Therefore, spilled liquids, especially the ones with colors, can get damaged by dirt.

As a homeowner, you should regularly clean and maintain your granite while you mop up spills while they happen while protecting the surface. It is also wise to use the services of cleaning and polishing experts.

Normally, customers are advised to “seal” countertops. When you have thoroughly cleaned your granite countertop, contact a professional to seal it. This will make it effective against oil-based and water stains.

Read on to learn more.

Prevents Stains

Granite is known to be porous. Sealing it is going to make the liquid bead on the surface, which prevents it from staining. This is important for granite with a lighter color since it is more prone to stains.

In addition, you should practice wiping up spills while they happen. In the bathrooms, you should not leave containers of cosmetic containers and beauty aids on the granite countertops. That is because they could leave chemical residue that can cause stains.

In case you see stains, you can attempt to deal with them on your own. You can create a water and baking soda for some of the oil stains, and then a baking soda paste and hydrogen peroxide for water stains. You can leave the paste there overnight, sealed in plastic, and then you can wipe it off when you wake up.

Cleans and Disinfects Your Granite Right Away

Similar to other natural stones found in homes, like limestone and marble, granite has tiny open spaces in it because of its porousness. Stones that are highly porous can attract bacteria because of the small openings. This is something that you do not want granite countertops to experience.

When you properly seal granite countertops, they become hygienic, which makes it easier to disinfect them. The sealing can penetrate deeply into the stone to create a protective layer against bacteria, dust, and dirt.

Once those pores are sealed, dirt, moisture, and bacteria cannot penetrate the surface of your countertops even further.

Reduces Etching Threat

The etching of the granite countertop will happen when you spill acidic food on it, such as lemon juice. Vinegar, juices, coffee, wine, soda, and cleaners also cause etching. If you are using the cutting boards and other food protections on the preparation surfaces, that goes a long way to prevent any etching. However, accidents happen, and sealing your granite is going to shield it against spillages.

Prevents Your Countertop from Getting Dull

Granite countertops are luxurious and they rarely show any signs of wearing. Sometimes, people have an impression that their granite lost its shine and has become dull. In case that happens, you just might have to polish it. With a lot of polishes out there, it is hard to find out which is the best polish to use for countertops.

After polishing your granite countertops, the shine should return. If you want to maintain the shine for a long time, you would want to add granite sealer. Protecting your granite countertop properly with the right sealer and polish keeps your granite countertop looking new for a long time.

These are the top reasons why you need to seal your granite countertop. You can call granite companies Rockville so they can do it for you. This is something you want to be done professionally because granite is an investment and you want to make the most out of it.