The Durability of a Three-Centimeter Granite Countertop

Impact

• Granite is one of the most durable materials you can use for the countertop in your kitchen. However, its durability does not mean it can withstand every type of damage. One way to damage a granite countertop is through impact. If you drop something heavy and hard from a shelf above the counter, it might chip the granite. A large crack is unlikely, but a chip affects the look and finish of the granite.

Scratches

• It's highly unlikely that you will be able to scratch your granite countertop. Because of the durability of the granite, using sharp knives to cut food directly on the counter will result in damage to the knives, rather than the granite. As such, use cutting boards for food preparation, just as you would do with any other style of countertop.

Heat

• Granite is extremely resistant to heat, making it ideal for counters and islands in your kitchen. While other countertop material, such as laminate, can melt or discolor under intense heat, granite does not. As a result, it's safe to remove a hot pot from your stove or a casserole dish from your oven and place it directly on the countertop without using a cooling pad.

Stains

• Granite countertops are sealed to protect the color of the stone from being stained due to food or cleaning agents. This sealant, coupled with the durability of the granite itself, makes granite countertops very difficult to stain, even if a brightly colored food sits on the counter for an extended period of time.