Do’s & Don’ts Of Countertops
It is true that nothing completes a kitchen or a bathroom like a beautiful countertop! From quartz to marble, granite to tiles, your space will hum with a certain style, rhythm and tone with the right countertop.
Strength
The strength of any countertop is measured on a scale called the Mohs Relative Hardness Scale. The stone is rated based on its resistance or hardness to being visibly scratched. The scale runs from 1 to 10, with your fingernail being a 3 and diamonds being among the hardest of minerals at 10. Granite countertops range from 6-8, which is a result of the wide range of minerals that make up the stone and their contributing strength.
Do’s & Don’t
Here are some simple do’s that your granite will love you for:
Seal your granite after installation and frequently thereafter (say every 6-8 months)
Blot up spills as soon as possible to prevent stains
Use coasters under pots, pans, and glassware to prevent damage to the surface
Use only cleaners made specially for natural stones on your granite (Everyday Stone Clean and Polish from Mapei & OneStep Cleaner and Re-Sealer)
Quartz Countertops
Strength
Quartz countertops are rated from 7-8 on the Mohs Relative Hardness Scale. The main factor contributing to its strength is the amount of quartz that is used to make the slab.
Do’s & Don’ts
Being an engineered natural stone slab has given quartz countertops a wide range of benefits:
Non-porous and requires low maintenance so they does not require sealing
Stain-resistant but spills should still be cleaned quickly
Scratch resistant but coasters and cutting boards should still be used
Affected by temperature changes so hot pots should not be placed directly on the surface
Cleaners made for natural stones should be used on quartz or mild soap and warm water
Marble Countertops
Strength
Marble is rated at 3-4 on the Mohs Relative Hardness Scale along with limestone (fingernails are also rated at 3). While it is not as durable compared to granite and quarts, marble is rarely purchased for its strength but rather for its endless beauty.
Do’s & Don’ts
Marble requires the most maintenance as it is porous, easily scratched and stained.
Not recommended for kitchen use
It must be sealed frequently using only recommended sealers (OneStep cleaner and Re-Sealer)
Marble is very easy to scratch so place a kitchen towel on the surface and then use your coasters or cutting boards
Stains easily and the stains are adsorbed into the stone - clean up must happen as soon as possible
So, where is the best place to use marble in the home? On the wall, on the floor or in your bathroom – either on your vanity or on your shower wall. It will still need to be sealed and cleaned with the recommended cleaners. A good routine will allow it to keep its’ pristine look.
Porcelain Countertops
Strength
Porcelain tiles are rated from 7-9 on the Mohs Relative Hardness Scale, and that is within the same region as granite and quartz countertops.
Do’s & Don’t's
Should porcelain countertops be cleaned and maintained like porcelain tiles on the floor? We know that a good and regular routine will do wonders.
Does not require sealing
Although porcelain is stain-resistant, it can be stained so spills should be wiped up
Protect grout lines (use a stain-free grout)
Porcelain countertops should not be cleaned as harsh as we do our floors. A good solution is dishwashing liquid & water
