There are a lot of misconceptions floating around about natural stone worktops. It can be confusing and difficult to separate fact and fiction, especially as many of these myths have no clear origins. This blog is here to debunk any myths and answer some of the most commonly asked questions.
The Myths:
- “Granite contains radon gas”
This is a myth that seems to crop up every few years. There have been plenty of studies into how accurate this is, and the general results all say the same thing: some Granite may contain traces of radon gas, but it’s such a small trace that there is more radon gas in the air outside your house than there ever would be in the stone itself.
- “Granite is expensive”
Granite is a heavy stone, so it’s easy to see why people assume it will be the most expensive option. However, that is not necessarily true. All stone works on a price scale, there will always be options on the lower end if you’re on a limited budget. If you’re worried about budget, the best approach is to research well and ask your supplier for recommendations that work with your budget.
- “Stains on marble are permanent”
Marble is often seen as a high-maintenance stone. And, sure, it can be if you’re set on keeping it as pristine as the day it was installed. But there’s no need to fear everyday rough and tumble. The occasional spill is very unlikely to cause permanent damage to your worktop. Simply wipe (or blot) the spills away with a cloth, rather than leaving them to dry, and you shouldn’t have any staining. If the stain is already present, you can find advice on our cleaning marble blog or take a look at our general worktop cleaning recommendations.
- “Quartz is completely synthetic”
Quartz is not completely synthetic. It is a man-made material, but it can contain up to 93% of natural stone. The nature of it allows for a variety of colours and patterns, simply adjusted with customised resins. This mix keeps the beauty of natural stone with all the benefits of extra strength and durability.
- “Granite is unhygienic”
This is a popular myth that seems to put off many people from granite. Many people believe that the porosity of granite means its a breeding ground for bacteria. The truth is bacteria can be harboured in nooks and crannies, but the same can be said for any other natural stone worktop. If you’re still on the fence, this study confirms that granite is just as hygienic as any other stone.
- “All brands are the same”
This is definitely not true. There is a difference between brands, some of them very slight and others more significant. There is also a huge difference between genuine products and knock-offs or imitations. Some brands are known for the place they source their stones from, and other companies can take advantage of this and sell non-genuine versions sourced differently for cheaper prices. These knock-offs are not the same and can often lead to disappointment. Which is exactly why it’s important to research your worktop supplier and ensure that you’re receiving a quality product that has been responsibly sourced. Like any industry, there are brands at the top level and brands that are of much lower-than-average quality.
You can read our blog about 10 top quartz brands for examples of what makes brands so different.
- “Dark granite is better than light granite”
This is a pretty strange myth, and no one really knows how it started. Dark granite is denser, and while this may make it slightly harder, it doesn’t necessarily make it better. Figuring out which style will work best for you will be a personal decision between their different qualities. Just don’t expect there to be many notable differences between them, (there aren’t).
The Common Questions:
- Which material ages best?
The biggest factor in how well your worktop ages is how well you look after it. All stone worktops should last you an exceptionally long time in comparison to materials such as laminate and wood. There are a few things that can cause damage with prolonged exposure like sunlight, rough/high usage and heat. However, in general, it’s all relative to how well you care for it.
- How many times will I need to seal my worktop?
Sealing times tend to vary stone to stone, and can also depend on how much you use your worktop. The best approach is to ask your supplier what they would recommend. We’ll also provide you with our leading stone care treatment.
- Do I have to be home for the fitting?
We do ask that you are present for templating and fitting for your own peace of mind as well as ensuring the installation goes as smoothly as possible. You can download our Free Buyer’s Guide for a more detailed look at our process.
- What happens if my worktops chip or crack?
If a worktop is submitted to extreme pressure or weight, it is possible that they will chip or crack. If it’s superficial damage it is possible that the flaw can be buffed out or fixed for a modest cost, but in the unlikely circumstance that the damage is irreparable you may be recommended to replace the worktop.
- How do I clean my worktop?
Cleaning your worktops is surprisingly simple and often only requires a hot cloth and soapy water. Quartz and marble worktops do require a little extra care in terms of avoiding certain products. For further details, you can check out our blogs on how to clean worktops.
If you have any thoughts or questions that weren’t answered in this blog, please reach out to us so we can help.