Granite Countertops: Are They Stain Resistant?

The beauty of natural granite is an important factor to consider, but so is its stain-resistant functionality. Granite countertops are a hard natural stone that resists staining and, when installed, are treated with a sealant that prevents liquid from being absorbed into the pores of the granite. However, it's very rare that it actually does. Because granite (and other natural stones) are porous, liquid and stains can penetrate the surface.

That said, granite is less porous than many other types of natural stone, such as marble. With the exception of perhaps stainless steel, no countertop is 100% stain resistant. Quartz is the most stain-resistant material because it's designed with ground natural stone and resin. This creates a non-porous material that is highly resistant to staining. Quartz is also easy to maintain, as it requires no sealant. As a general rule, as long as you clean after meals and food preparation, you won't have any problems with stains.

This is true for most granite and quartz countertop materials, as both are stain-resistant surfaces. Light-colored granite countertops remain stain-resistant even if the color of the stone is light. And of course, lighter-colored granite is more likely to have stains than darker colors, so if you have a countertop made of white granite or another pale color, it's important to be very attentive. If you're planning to sell your house in the future, granite countertops are often at the top of many homebuyers' wish list. The best thing you can do to protect your granite countertops from stains is to clean up spills as soon as they occur.

Remember, a granite countertop is a desirable feature in your home that will help increase the price if you ever sell it. While granite is a tough surface, acidic liquids can corrode the surface and wear away the granite. However, whatever type of countertop you have, the best thing you can do to avoid stains is to immediately clean up spills and always use the right stone surface cleaning and sealing products for the countertop. Granite countertops have been the centerpiece of many homes over the past few decades and are still the most popular natural stone option among homeowners.