Most lumps of granite feel much more at home pointing upwards into the sky than flattened under a rolling pin in your kitchen! For this reason, granite counter tops need some understanding and care as they are made from a natural product, which is being used ‘out of context’ so as to speak

Granite counter tops can be very expensive, but as they can last a lifetime, they may work out to be a bargain price if you are sure that you are settled into your ‘dream’ home.

One of the reasons that granite is so expensive is because it is not a man-made material and it is heavy to transport and may even break during the process. Apart from its difficulty in maneuvering, it also needs expertise in cutting, fitting and handling. Because this is not a do-it-yourself option it costs more to install than regular counter tops.

However, being ‘rock’ it is tough and may withstand more of a beating than your average counter top. For instance chips and scratches can be repaired and you can stand hot pots on it with no problem.

Chips and scratches can be re-finished by an expert; scratches can be sanded and buffed away and even deep chips can be repaired. A specific technique is used whereby the chip is encircled and lifted out by drilling a complete circle around it. A circle of granite the same size and color is then dropped into the drilled out hole.

It is probably harder to get a chip than to repair it! Granite is very chip resistant and can be bashed around quite a bit without damage!

However, be warned there are two areas where granite can you let you down: cracking and staining; with awareness, both can be avoided. Cracking will be avoided by employing a builder who knows how much support each span of granite needs. (The other less likely cause of cracking could be the settlement of a new house.)

Granite is a natural rock that was not originally designed (!) for use in a kitchen and it can be porous. For this reason granite must be sealed and periodically re-sealed to maintain its function and looks. In most other aspects of care, it is a very forgiving material which can be repaired by the experts to keep its new looks for ever.

If used inadequately sealed, it can be spoiled by an acidic or an oily substance being spilled on it. Granite must be sealed on installation and each year thereafter (some say one to two years, but why take a chance?). Looked after properly and treated as the living thing that it is, granite will give you a lifetime of wear and become value for money.