Granite countertops can last decades with proper maintenance
Although proper maintenance can dramatically extend the life of your granite countertops, every countertop that sees regular use will need replacing sooner or later. Over time, granite will chip, stain, or crack, but there are ways to extend its life span, including restoring it if you’re not ready to replace your granite countertops. Read on to learn more about how long granite countertops last.
Granite is a durable natural stone, which is one of the reasons granite countertops can last up to 100 years with proper maintenance. However, since granite countertops are usually installed in high-traffic areas in a home, such as kitchens or bathrooms, they typically last 10 to 15 years. Heavy use areas make it more susceptible to chips, stains, and cracks. Eventually, granite will lose its luster.
If you want it to last longer, you'll have to be willing to do more maintenance for certain countertop materials like granite and other types of stone countertops. For example, you must regularly seal granite to prevent stains and etching. On the other hand, quartz and laminate are low-maintenance materials, and small repairs are relatively inexpensive.
Granite, like marble and other types of stone countertops, is porous, so you’ll need to seal it to avoid the possibility of stains caused by fluids such as oil, wine, juice, or other liquids. Adding a quality sealant will help extend your granite countertops' life span and appearance.
Sealants wear off over time, so resealing your granite will help keep it looking beautiful. Lighter-colored granite tends to be more porous than darker ones, so those may need resealing more often, but generally, a good rule of thumb is to reseal granite countertops every two to four years.
You'll have to be willing to do more maintenance for certain countertop materials. For example, you must regularly seal granite to prevent stains and etching. On the other hand, quartz and laminate are low-maintenance materials, and small repairs are inexpensive.
Regular cleaning will help granite countertops last longer, but it’s important to consider what you’re using to clean granite. Warm water and a rag are sufficient for most spills, but if you want to use a disinfectant to destroy any bacteria or germs, use a disinfectant specifically designed for granite countertops. You don’t want to use a regular disinfectant, which may compromise the integrity of the sealant. Some disinfectants are too abrasive and will break down the sealant too soon.
Restoring granite countertops is possible rather than replacing them when they are dull, damaged, or never thoroughly cleaned. If the granite countertops are dull or lose their luster, which many will do over time, remove any built-up residue using a granite-safe soap film remover. You can find these at most home improvement retailers, but use only those that are safe for granite. These work particularly well for minor dullness as a result of soap scum and mineral deposits.
Next, you may need to use a polishing powder to restore its shine, after which you’ll need to reseal the stone.
If the granite-safe soap film remover isn’t enough and you need something more powerful to remove residue from your granite countertops, you may need to use a stone scrub or acetone. These are more abrasive, and while you can do this by hand or with a polisher or buffer, you will need to reseal the granite afterward to restore your countertops.
While sealants are meant to protect your granite countertop investment from liquids seeping into the stone’s surface, they do wear off over time with regular use, wear, and cleaning. You can determine whether it’s time to reseal by dropping a few droplets of water on the countertop and waiting about five to 10 minutes. If the droplets don’t stay on the countertop and have seeped into the granite, it’s time to reseal.
It’s possible to polish and seal granite countertops as a DIY project with some off-the-shelf products, but if your granite has suffered more severe damage, such as stone etching or cracks, it’s advisable to hire a professional who can ensure your granite restoration is done correctly.
While granite countertops can last years, there comes a time when they need to be replaced. Some signs it’s time to replace granite countertops include cracks that make it difficult to clean the surface or damage that is beyond repair. Or perhaps the granite countertop design is outdated, and you’d like to update the design or color. If you’re moving and the granite looks old, drabby, or out of date, it might be time to replace it.
There are different types of stone countertops and the costs to install them varies depending on the type, size, and quality. Most stone countertops take the form of tile or unseparated slabs of natural stone. The cost to replace granite countertops averages $3,250, depending on the size and quality of granite.
For comparison, the cost to install other types of natural stone countertops ranges from about $2,700 to $5,000, depending on type of natural stone. Some options include:
Soapstone countertops cost between $2,700 and $4,200
Marble countertops cost about $2,000 and $5,000
Travertine counters average $1,500 to $4,000
If you’re seeking kitchen countertop ideas on a budget, granite remnants might be a cost-effective option. If you know or are willing to learn how to cut granite countertops, you can save some money.
Depending on your skill level, resealing or replacing granite countertops might be challenging to do as a DIY project. Consider hiring a local stone countertop installer to make sure the job is done correctly.
