Let’s talk about a few myths concerning natural stone products.
- Cleanability: Granite ranked #1 in cleanability when compared to six other counter top surfaces (based on a 1999 study by the Hospitality Institute of Technology and Management).
- Price: Natural stone is competitively priced with quartz surface products and often priced lower.
- Maintenance: Natural stone is LOW maintenance often requiring warm water, mild dish washing liquid and a soft cloth.
- Radon: Granite does not emit dangerous levels of radon!(Based on a technical paper by Dr. Donald Langmiur, PhD, Colorado School for mines in 1995, confirming that consumers do not have to worry about radon exposure stemming from natural stone in their home).
- Individuality: Stone is a product of nature and has its own unique qualities that distinguish it from quartz surface materials. The wonderful character that is offered by vein patterns , color variations , and other design characteristics of stone should be taken into consideration when selecting the perfect stone for your project. Discuss these characteristics With your natural stone fabricator.
Why Granite?
While some synthetic surfaces scratch easily and melt under hot cookware, granite resists heat. Granite is also one of the most bacteria-resistant kitchen surfaces, and its not affected by citric acid, coffee, tea, alcohol, or wine. It is nearly impossible to scratch, and with proper cleaning/sealing, will not stain under normal use.
A leading consumer magazine recently compared granite with engineered stone, ceramic tile, laminate, butcher block and other manufactured surfaces. Granite received the highest overall performance rating as a kitchen counter top material. Because of its exceptional strength, granite is well suited for exterior applications such as cladding, paving, and curbing.