Is Granite Countertops Porous

Quartz engineered stone vs.

Is granite countertops porous.

Are you trying to get an elegant stylish focal piece that won t get much cooking action. This is not an easy decision because the distinction between the two countertop materials isn t apparent. The quality of protection depends on the quality of the marble granite countertop sealer and the quality of the application plus. In your eagerness to choose a countertop for your kitchen or bath you have narrowed it down to two materials.

If you can t get a sample don t despair. Granite countertops are porous if left unsealed. Granite countertops deliver gorgeous aesthetics in kitchens and bathrooms and have other good qualities. However there are some potential weaknesse cons countertop granite kitchen low maintenance options porous prices pros sealing staining.

All natural stone possesses some degree of porosity. Granite is a porous material. Sealer is specifically designed to go down into the surface and close off or seal the pores. Even worse germs bacteria and mold can invade unsealed granite counter tops with stains running not far behind.

Being porous is not necessarily a bad quality. In terms of natural stone countertop options materials like granite are on the less porous side whereas a material like limestone is very porous. Logic tells us that the more porous the stone the faster and deeper it will absorb any spilled substance. Also granite is immune from the damages of most common household acids.

To protect your countertop you will need to seal it and re seal when appropriate. If liquids are left on the surface for long periods of time they will eventually absorb. When looking for natural stone countertops you may hear the term porosity. Granite countertops are a popular countertop material that is appealing and affordable fit for kitchen countertops.

Because the minerals in granite are so variable you can t tell how strong or porous granite is from the color. A granite sealer will clog up most pores preventing a deep stain. How porous your granite countertop is will depend on how it is finished and how it is treated. Alas its porous surface is granite s kryptonite.

This term refers to the amount of void spaces in the stone that allow liquid and air to pass through. While granite is porous there is a way to protect your countertops from liquid damages or stains. Polished granite is the most durable most granite countertops are polished then sealed making them nearly impermeable. After all quartz and granite are each loudly touted by their respective manufacturers as being purely natural straight.

Polishing the stone creates a flat smooth surface that reduces the porosity. Most fabricators will apply a sealer to granite countertops before they are installed which will protect them from absorbing liquids too quickly.