Granite

Pros and Cons of Granite. Granite is our 3rd material to review as part of our series on benchtop materials.

Pros:

📌 Granite has some wonderful aesthetic qualities and offers a luxurious look and feel.

📌 Granite is naturally scratch resistant, although it is not recommended that food be cut directly on a granite bench, as knives will go blunt over time.

📌 It is naturally heat resistant, we don’t recommend placing a hot pot or pan upon it, as stone contracts and expands and may cause cracking.

📌 If sealed correctly, it is also highly stain resistant, and will not absorb spilled food or liquids. Always make sure the benchtop is professionally sealed as well. If properly cared for, it has a long lifespan.

📌 As it is a natural stone, it does come in varying colour arrangements, which adds to the appeal, every single piece is unique.

📌 It is naturally moisture-resistant and hygienic, so great for cafes

Cons:

📌 Like other natural stones, it can be expensive.

📌 Like marble, granite is an unsustainable material, although a natural material, it is not renewable and the energy use in terms of manufacturing is high. However, it can be recycled, with many ways to reuse it.

📌 Poorly sealed granite counters will absorb wine, juice or oil, which makes it porous. If properly sealed, or the sealer is maintained, this won’t occur. Poorly sealed counters will also attract bacteria. Always speak to the supplier as to the frequency of resealing and maintenance required.

 Note the Silica content of Granite is 20 to 45%, averaging 30%, source Crystalline silica and silicosis | Safe Work Australia