Here at Bad Lizard Granite & Quartz, our customers frequently ask us the question, “How long will my countertops last in my house?” And that is a logical question, since choosing new countertops is a significant investment and decision. At our countertop fabrication and installation company, we work with granite, quartz, marble, soapstone and other natural stones. Each of these countertop materials is different, so the durability and maintenance level will vary. Continue reading to learn more about how long your countertops will last in your house.
HOW LONG WILL NATURAL STONE COUNTERTOPS LAST?
Granite, marble and soapstone are just a few examples of popular natural stones used for countertops. Natural stone countertops are an excellent investment because they are long-lasting. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), natural stone countertops can last 100+ years (or a lifetime), provided they receive the proper care and maintenance.
Let’s learn a little more about these natural stones below:
- Granite: Granite is a popular countertop choice known for its robustness and variety of colors and textures. Besides its natural beauty, granite is also stain, heat and scratch-resistant. However, this material is porous and requires sealing after installation.
- Marble: Marble is an igneous stone found in a wide variety of colors that bring an elegant look to your home. Marble is also heat-resistant. However, it is a relatively soft stone (compared to granite) and is more easily scratched. Like granite, marble is prone to staining and requires sealing after installation.
- Soapstone: Soapstone is made from quarried stone with a high talc content. Soapstone offers design versatility, ages well and changes color over time, which can be very attractive in certain kitchen styles. Furthermore, it is a non-porous, low-maintenance material that is both heat and water-resistant.
HOW LONG WILL ENGINEERED STONE COUNTERTOPS LAST?
Quartz is an engineered stone, so it is not mined traditionally like natural stone. Engineered stones feature crushed crystals bound in slab form with resin to reinforce the material. Engineered countertops include about 93 percent crushed quartz.
Quartz comes in a wide range of colors, including solids. It is a low-maintenance material that is stain and scratch-resistant and does not require sealing. Like natural stone, quartz is also a highly durable material. Furthermore, many manufacturers offer warranties ranging from 10 to 25 years or lifetime on quartz. However, this material scratches easier than granite and is not as heat-resistant as natural stone. Keep in mind that quartz is also not recommended for outdoor use.
MAINTAINING YOUR COUNTERTOPS
To help your countertops last and look great for years to come, you must properly care for them. That starts with daily cleaning. Our team recommends using hot to warm water with gentle dish soap and a microfiber cloth to clean your countertops. Additionally, we recommend that you stay clear of abrasive cleaners. You should avoid products, which can weaken your countertop’s sealant, like:
- Windex
- Acidic cleaners (vinegar, lemon, lime)
- Cleaners with ammonia
- Bleach
If you notice marks in the sealer coat of your natural stone countertops, they will need resealing to bring back their shine. You can easily do this at home, or our team would be happy to do it for you. Check out some tips here on resealing your countertops from Bad Lizard Co-owner, Johnnie Rominger.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT COUNTERTOP FABRICATOR AND INSTALLER | BAD LIZARD GRANITE & QUARTZ
If your countertops are not installed correctly, they will have many long-term issues certain to decrease their lifespan. But don’t worry! Our experienced team at Bad Lizard Granite & Quartz provides high-quality installation and fabrication design for all your countertop needs. You can rest assured that we care for each project as if it were for our own home. We are fiercely proud of the quality of our work and the professionalism of our workers. Click here to read what some of our customers are saying about their Bad Lizard experience!
If you have any questions about countertop durability, maintenance or installation, please do not hesitate to give us a call at 304-472-6483 or contact us online. We are ready and eager to help! To provide quality assistance to our clients and eliminate wait times, please keep in mind that all clients must schedule an appointment before visiting our facility.