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The numerous benefits of granite make it a timeless choice for kitchen countertops. It is not only an amazing natural stone; Compared to marble, it is harder and more wear-resistant. As such, it’s a low-maintenance option that lets you use your kitchen without worrying about breaking anything. It’s heat resistant, so placing a hot pot directly on its surface won’t leave a noticeable mark, and it’s more stain-resistant than other materials, so you don’t have to worry as much about wine or food spills.
Furthermore, due to its extreme strength, it is resistant to chipping and nicks. But just because granite is flexible doesn’t mean it can withstand bullets. When it comes to granite countertops, there is one thing you should never do and that’s standing on them.
Although few people jump on their counters to enact a scene from “Coyote Ugly,” there are many realistic situations in which you have to balance your entire weight on a surface. Let’s say you’re trying to reach the top cabinet shelf to get the bowl. Maybe you choose to sit at the island counter while your significant other prepares dinner, or you choose to sit on it while you clean tall cabinet doors. In any case, you should refrain from repeating this action in the future as it can lead to expensive cracks.
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Why Granite Countertops Can Break Under Body Weight
Given that granite is the hardest countertop material available, how could your weight cause it to crack? Your counter has some weak spots, which are prone to breakage even if it’s unlikely to split in the middle. First in any area where a seam exists. The size and shape of your kitchen will determine how many granite slabs the fabricator needs to join together to create a single, harmonious design.
A seam appears when slabs come together. The design has an inherent weakness as the epoxy resin, the glue that holds the slabs together, holds them together. Standing or sitting near the seam increases the chance of fracture in the counter.
Anywhere there are cuts, such as for sinks or integrated stoves, is another weak point. Removal of a significant portion of the stone has weakened these areas. The thin outline between the wall and the edge of the sink is an example of an area of the stone where it is prone to chipping.
Sitting or standing near these cutouts puts additional stress on an already vulnerable area. Maybe it’s just your pressure to crack. So, for whatever reason, try not to put your entire body weight on your granite countertops if you want them to look great.
How To Avoid Cracking Your Granite Countertop
Refusing to stand or sit on granite countertops is the easiest way to prevent chipping. One of the two solutions will address this, however, if there is an item on a high shelf that you need to remove regularly. The first is pretty obvious: just put the item on a shelf that’s easy to reach.
Top and hard-to-reach kitchen cabinets should be reserved for infrequently used items, such as holiday plates or specialty baking supplies you rarely use. Be careful to keep items on the bottom shelf if you use them frequently. Incorporating a kitchen ladder into your design is another. Choosing a simple wooden and metal structure gives the effect of such a ladder.attractive enough to keep on display, and makes it easier to grab items on higher shelves.
Granite on your kitchen island follows the same logic, especially with regard to its overhang. This overhang, usually about a foot long, allows people to pull up stools and sit comfortably at the counter. But, it is best to avoid placing anything heavy on this part of the granite slab as it is suspended in the air and not firmly supported by the base boundary of the island. It could be a large parcel you just picked up from the front door, a few storage boxes taken upstairs from the basement, or a toddler looking for a place to sit in the kitchen.
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