It makes sense to make long-term plans when you purchase a new kitchen countertop. This countertop may remain in the home for several generations or it might change hands several times before the stone is replaced during another redesign. In reality, some natural stone worktops in centuries-old kitchens are still spotless and dazzling.
How durable are your countertops? The initial material and how well you take care of your counters will determine the solution. Let’s delve into a detailed examination of countertop materials, durability, and what you can do to ensure that your countertops endure the longest.
Natural Stone Countertops are Long-Lasting
Natural stones are thousands of years old and was created in massive mountain ranges near the earth’s core. Pressure and time has made it strong and local minerals have made each slab uniquely beautiful. A genuine stone countertop can endure for 1,000 years with appropriate maintenance, but for safety’s sake, we’ll say 100+.
With Care, Marble Countertops Can Last 50 Years Or More
Homeowners all around the world are envious of marble countertops because of their luxurious patterns and creamy, delicate textures. Naturally, marble is a more softer stone than other natural stones like granite and is more vulnerable to wear over time. For this reason, a marble countertop should last for about 20 years. However, because marble is a natural stone, it may survive up to fifty years or more with the right maintenance.
Granite Counters May Last More Than a Century
Second only to diamonds, granite is the world’s second-hardest rock kind (but on par with a few other gemstones). If given the right maintenance, your granite countertop will continue to stand the test of time and serve as your kitchen counter for “forever.” Your granite countertop will remain sturdy and flawless for more than a century if you maintain it sealed and free of cracks.
Countertops Made of Sandstone, Soapstone, and Limestone Last 20–50 Years
Softer stone types like limestone, soapstone, and sandstone provide beautiful, solid-color counters for contemporary kitchens. All three, however, have a considerable danger of scratches, stains, and even concealed mildew if not adequately sealed because of their high porosity. You can maintain your porous stone countertops for more than 20 years and, with care, closer to 50 years thanks to advancements in countertop sealant throughout the years.
Read More: Our Top 4 Kitchen Countertop Materials
How to Extend the Life of Natural Stone Countertops
How can you prevent cracks, stains, or scratches from appearing on your granite, marble, or soapstone countertops? You can extend the lifespan of your stone worktops by decades, if not centuries, with proper maintenance and a few kitchen safety precautions.
- Larger Stone Slabs
When large objects are placed on countertop lengths, during installation, in response to impacts, or when, a thicker slab is less likely to break.
- Every 2 to 5 years, reseal
To avoid stains and scratches, keep your stone sealed. With the right sealer, even soft or porous stone countertops may remain flawless and have their lifespan extended by decades.
Every two to five years, or as soon as you see deterioration to the sealant layer, reseal your countertops. A fresh coat is as good as repairs since the sealant frequently stains or scratches but leaves the stone below unharmed.
- Avoid Exposure to Acid
Acids have the potential to harm both countertop sealant and the stone itself. Avoid using strong acids in the kitchen and avoid letting moderate acids, like as vinegar or lemon juice, sit in a spill for too long.
- Use cutting boards and trivets at all times.
Avoid exposing your counters to damage from heat or scrapes. Always place hot pans on trivets (hot pads) to protect surfaces when chopping.
- Don’t Let People Sit on the Counters
A hefty object is the only thing (apart from a sledgehammer) that can break a solid counter. The slab can be cracked by a sitting person weighing over 100 pounds on an unsupported length of the counter. This is readily avoidable by using thicker slabs and a no-sitting policy.
Read More: When to Replace your Countertops?