The kitchen is the busiest part of the home and requires a great deal of maintenance. Especially when it comes to the stone countertops used in the kitchen, some points need to be mindful so that the countertops can remain functional in the long run. One of the common practices in the kitchen involves cutting and chopping while meal preparations. If you are a lazy person, you might also prefer using the countertop to cut vegetables and fruits. This saves time as required by cleaning the cutting board several times a day. However, do you know this can damage the countertops if the stone is not durable enough?
To answer your FAQs, we have compiled some important points to note for maintaining your kitchen countertops.
What Kind Of Countertop Stone Is Suitable To Cut Directly On?
Stones’ nature and hardwearing ability vary based on composition and manufacturing. Every stone used for making kitchen countertops show different scratch and stain resistance properties. Some durable and reliable stones have a more extraordinary ability to withstand cuts and scratches, yet others are easily damaged when subjected to sharp contacts.
Quartz:
When compared with stones of other natures and types, quartz is an engineered stone with a tough nature and the highest durability. Knife cuts of a normal extent can not pose much harm to the surface as it is strengthened with compressed polymers. The surface is scratch resistant and hence it is commonly used for making kitchen countertops. However, this should be considered as a green flag for using Quartz Countertops for directly slicing vegetables or other stuff as no material is indestructible. Long-term use of quartz countertops as cutting surfaces can also lead to damage and scratches which become prominent with time.
Granite:
Just like quartz, countertops made with granite stone are also very resilient when it comes to wear and tear. The main difference is that Granite is a natural stone and its durability is due to the extraordinary strength it possesses. It is common to note that granite also does not gets damaged severely with direct slicing with knives. In most households, granite countertops are commonly found and are therefore used for direct cutting and slicing, etc. However, granite countertops can have a sealant coating on the top which can be torn off as a result of sharp knife contact. As the sealant is worn out, the inside stone can be damaged. So, it is recommended to use a cutting board.
Other Natural Stones:
The most common natural stones, including Marble, Limestone, and Sandstone, are softer than Granite. Hence, the countertops made from these stones are easily damaged and scratched by even minor cuts from sharp knives. Due to the less resistant surfaces, these natural stones often require a sealant which adds to the reliability of the countertops made from these stones. It is a big No when cutting directly on natural stone countertops as the scratches can become prominent and kill the whole look of your kitchen. Thus, natural stone countertops such as those made of marble and Limestone should never be used for directly cutting or slicing.
What Are Some Reasons For Not Cutting Directly On Stone Countertops:
Damages The knives:
Stone countertops should not be used as a cutting area because they can damage your knives. The sharpness of your expensive knives may be lost and it can also lead to chipping off the blade and ruining your knives. In a nutshell, if you are using your stone countertops for directly cutting vegetables and fruits on, then it can damage both your knives and the stone as well. Thus, cutting directly on countertops made of stones can break or damage the knives and other chopping tools.
Bacteria Can Seep Inside:
When you are directly cutting meat or vegetables on a stone countertop, there are evident chances that the bacteria residing in food can seep into the surface of the countertop and it can lead to polluting the whole area. This is an unhygienic practice and is never recommended by chefs and professionals.
Moisture Damages The Countertops:
There are always some gaps on the stone countertops through which moisture can penetrate the stone and affect its durability. Excessive moisture can harm the natural texture of the stone reducing its longevity. So if you are using stone countertops for slicing vegetables directly, then the moisture from the food items can be absorbed leading to irreparable damage.
Damages The Sealant:
As mentioned above, most stone countertops come with a coating of sealant for protective purposes. The sharp blade of knives can ruin the sealant and displace it making the underneath stone susceptible to further damage. Therefore, it is recommended to always use a cutting board while slicing or chopping fruits, vegetables, or meat.
Stains The Platform:
Countertops add to the aesthetic appeal of the entire kitchen. The delicate look of countertops can be ruined if the area is stained. If you cut directly on stone countertops and do not pay heed to proper cleaning, then it can leave annoying stains and marks. These stains make the countertops look old and worn out and steal the vibe of your kitchen. Thus, it is suggested to use cutting boards to avoid stains and marks on your kitchen’s stone countertops.
Conclusion:
From the above discussion it is proved that though some stone countertops can withstand scratches and stains, it is damaging in the long term. Both artificial and natural stone countertops can be damaged if directly used as cutting platforms. Experts always recommend the use of a cutting board for better results and to ultimately maintain your kitchen countertops. Cutting boards provide better grip and feasibility in cutting and chopping vegetables or fruits. Thus, never put your expensive stone countertops and cutting tools at risk, and opt for a good quality cutting board that is easily available in stores. If you want to read more about such stuff visit our website right now!
