In recent years, granite has become a popular surface choice for bathroom and kitchen countertops. Granite is beautiful and extremely durable, but some homeowners hesitate to use it because of myths about it being unsafe or difficult to care for. Below, find a list of granite myths dispelled:

1. Granite is absorbent.
Granite qualifies as impervious to water and is actually less absorbent than some solid surface (plastic) products.

2. Granite stains easily.
Granite is resistant to stains. Generally any liquid spilled on a granite top, if wiped up within a few minutes, will not stain. Liquids that do not evaporate, such as oils, will cause stains only if left to soak into the stone.

3. Granite requires a lot of maintenance.
Routine cleaning with a mild soap and water is all that is generally required. Once a year, a reapplication of a penetrating sealer should be performed. It takes only about 15 minutes. Never use abrasive cleaners.

4. Granite's tiny pores and fissures harbour bacteria.
Bacteria are found everywhere. If they are on a granite top, then they can also be found on a laminate or solid surface top. Use an antibacterial soap to wash your countertop if you are concerned.

5. Granite and marble are essentially the same.
Other than the fact that they are both natural stones and can be polished, granite and marble are otherwise very different. Marble is generally a calcareous stone, formed from oceanic deposits and then compressed under pressure (metamorphosed). Granite, however, is an igneous rock, essentially molten magma, that is cooled and then hardened below the earths surface.

Your natural stone counter top choice will add years of beauty, strength, durability, and ease of maintenance to your home. Enjoy!