How Long Do Granite Countertops Last? – More Than You Expected in 2023

Introduction

Granite is a natural stone that comes from pure stone quarries. These stones are polished, cut into thin slabs, and fabricated into countertops.

Before you use granite countertops, a question should arise: How long do granite countertops last?

The average lifespan of granite countertops is between 20-30 years. If you take really good care of these granite countertops they can last 30+ years. Moreover, if the granite is pure then it may last longer.

It’s not all you should learn. There are other facts you should learn. To increase longevity you should learn the factors that affect the lifespan of a countertop and maintenance tips.

In this article, we’ve mentioned everything above. So, keep on reading.

How Long Do Granite Countertops Last?

Now the main segment is how long will granite countertops last.  According to the MOHS scale of hardness, granite has a score between 6-7 out of the 1-10 scale range.

But what about the granite countertop? There is no straightforward answer to this query. But in general, it should last around 20-30 years on regular use.

It also depends on the maintenance and how you use it. If you can take proper care of it and use it with caution then it should last 30+ years.

A table is given below for a quick overview –

Which Factors Affect the Longevity of Granite Countertops?

There are a few factors that affect the longevity of granite countertops. You have to keep these factors in your mind while choosing granite countertops. Now I’ll describe those factors to you.

Sustainability

A single quarry can give the stone to many residential and commercial projects for several centuries. Granite is considered a countertop material for its natural state. Once you quarry it, you need to prepare it for the kitchen. Engineered materials often produce toxic chemicals and harmful emissions into the atmosphere.

Heat Resistance

Granite countertops don’t melt or explode by heat. Granite is one of the most heat-resistant elements used for countertops. You can place hot pans directly on the surface of a granite countertop. It won’t create any damage to the countertop. But using a trivet will affect the longevity of the countertop.

Scratch Resistance

On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, granite scores 7 out of 10. It means there are just a very few minerals that can scratch on a granite countertop. You can even cut on it but it will damage your knife.

Repairs

Getting a crack on a granite countertop is rare but if you get a crack, it should be repaired by a professional. It would be best to call the person who installed the countertop. A color-matched epoxy can fill the crack.

If you place heavy iron pans in the sink carelessly, it can cause chips to the cutouts of the countertop. If accidentally you get a chip on your countertop then use superglue in a pinch to fill the chip.

Sealing

Granite is a liquid-absorbing material. If you keep water on it for a long period of time, it will absorb it. It’s a bad thing but you don’t need to worry because as it absorbs the liquid it evaporates as well.

You can use different poultices to speed up the evaporation process. Most of the countertops come with pre-installed sealing.

Maintenance

Granite countertops are low-maintenance type countertops surfaces. It means the need for repair and resurfacing is low. However, you might have to paint them after a certain time.

The sealing technology developed so far that’s why it came to a situation where you don’t need to re-seal it before 10 years. Also, you don’t need to re-apply anything before 10 years. When there will be a need to re-apply something, you will be able to re-apply it on your own.

Stain Resistance

The darker the granite is the denser they are, sometimes they don’t need any sealing at all. And the lighter they are the more porous they are. To be considered stain-resistant surfaces they require multiple coats of sealer sometimes. Overall you can say granite is a stain-resistant surface.

Genuine Natural Material

Granite is a purely natural material. But there is engineered granite too. There is a big difference between natural granite and engineered granite.

The natural granite is quarried from the earth in its natural state and strapped into slices but the engineered granites are made in the lab. They aren’t the same.

Resistance to Chemicals

Granite countertops are the most chemical-resistant surfaces out there. But be careful when you are working with chemicals on it. Because some chemicals can harm the seal on the surface which will cause a need for re-sealing.

How Often Should You Seal the Granite Countertops?

Most granite countertops don’t require any sealing but some do.  Experts recommend to re-seal your granite countertops every 3-5 years. But it’s not necessary to change it frequently.

Again some experts suggest there is no need to re-sealing between 10 years generally but if anything harms the seal, you will need to seal the granite countertop before the recommended time.

What’s the Best Replacement for granite countertops?

We all know that granite countertops are the most popular countertops in the market but when it comes to choosing it for your home, there will be many options in your mind.

Now the question is What’s the Best Replacement for granite countertops?

Granite is not always the best option and it doesn’t fit everyone’s taste. That’s why some other countertops in the market are the best replacement for granite countertops.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops are also one of the most famous countertops in the world. It’s an engineered type surface that is blended with many types of natural quartz and rock-solid binders. It’s incredibly durable and luxurious.

Read also: How to Save Money on Quartz Countertops? – 6 Tips for You

Stainless Steel Countertops

A few years ago Stainless steel wasn’t considered a countertop material but at this time stainless steel is considered the best replacement for granite countertops.

It is a good option for backsplashes. It is also a clean and lightweight material. It is easy to maintain, clean, and serve food on.

Concrete

Concrete is not normally used as countertops but it’s very durable and heat resistant. There are many types of concrete countertops available in the market these days. It can be a great replacement for granite countertops.

Granite Or Quartz: Which One Lasts Longer?

Granite purely comes from natural material but quartz doesn’t. Granites are quarried directly from the earth and cut into slices but quartz is a kind of material that is blended with many kinds of natural materials and rock-solid binders.

Quartz is generally harder and more durable than granite. That’s why it will last longer but there are disadvantages to quartz. The surface of quartz is made of resulin, that’s why it can take more than 150° of heat. If you put a pan out of the oven directly on the quartz, it will create permanent damage on the surface.

It is up to you which countertop you choose for your home. The quartz countertops are artificial and durable but take serious damage. On the other hand, granite is 100% natural and doesn’t take any serious damage.

Maintenance Guide to Increase the Longevity of Granite Countertops

Granite countertops are so beautiful and durable. But it’s necessary to maintain the countertops to increase their longevity. Here I’ll provide you with a complete guide on the maintenance of granite countertops.

1. Clean Granite Countertops Regularly

Granite is stain resistant but when some liquid like coffee or beer spills on it, it can cause discoloration. So try to clean it immediately. It would be best to clean the surface after every use.

2. Avoid Heat

Granite countertops are heat resistant but it is good to avoid heat while using. Prolonged heat can cause a crack on the surface. The heat also creates damage day by day which affects the lifespan of the countertop. Just use a trivet under the pan when you put it on the surface.

3. Seal Your Granite Countertops

Most Granite countertops don’t require any sealing but some do. It’s better to use sealing on the surface to avoid any kind of possible damage such as discoloration.

Granite is a liquid-absorbing material. If you keep water on it for a long period of time, it will absorb it and it evaporates too but some liquids can cause slight damage like discoloration. That’s why it’s recommended to seal your granite countertops.

But how often should you seal the granite countertops?

Well, I think you can seal the granite countertop once every few months if you notice dark marks or rings developing on it. And if it seems okay then sealing it once a yer will be enough.

4. Use the Proper Cleaning Products

The wrong type of cleaner like acid-based liquids can cause serious damage to the countertops. That’s why you need to use the proper cleaning products.

You can check the information material that comes with your countertop to know which type of cleaner you should use to clean your countertop.

5. Don’t Stand or Sit on the Countertops

Granite countertops contain gaps that run through the stones. If you place a lot of weight, it can create a crack on the surface of the countertops. That’s why it would be best to not sit or stand on the countertops.

Granite countertops are very durable and beautiful. If you take good care of it, it can last more than 30 years.

Conclusion

Hopefully, You may get an idea about How long do granite countertops last?

I think you already got the result that you were looking for. I tried to include almost every factor of a granite countertop. If you are done reading then go and buy a countertop for your home or if you already got one please take care of it.

You may read our popular article: What Countertop Would Look Good With Hickory Cabinets?