Granite Counter Tops - Pros and Cons

My personal experience with granite counters, including the great, the not-so-great, and things to look out for during installation.

This video was inspired a conversation on ChickFix DIY Group Page on Facebook!

[hetvandenbergh]

I have had granite counter tops in my last 2 homes. A total of 24 years of living with granite. Would not trade it for anything else! Very easy to clean (warm water and soap) NO sealing needed. I love cooking and spend a lot of time in my kitchen. If you can, reward yourself with granite! And yes, you will learn to place glass items more carefully and eventually save on buying new glasses....😆

[kimjay]

Your under-mount sink installation tip was priceless! Thank you! I hadn’t thought of HOW the countertop guys would do it! I would think they had done it so many times that they knew what they were doing! 😱 Thank you!

[believeme]

I am going to give you an update having been in this industry for thirty years, now retired. One, get a radon test to see if your counters are radon free and healthy. We have always used silicone to adhere the sink to the counters, never had a problem, but you did a good with brackets, don't forget to seal your joints. Never put anything hot on your granite, ever, because over time you will regret it with one BIG large crack.

[ampquartz]

Thank you for this informative video; it is extremely helpful! After watching this video, I think this video would be used by our team to show to our customers, so that they can better understand the pros and cons

[nortonnewmann]

Getting ready for granite install... I did my own under-mount farmhouse apron sink install. I built a wood frame on both sides under the cabinet to support the sink with vertical corner supports sitting on the bottom of the cabinet. Then ran supports at top edge front to back under the sink lip. Screwed & glued in place...SOLID! I don't trust these guys to do any plumbing, sink installs, etc. Let them do what they know best - installing countertops. All they have to do is drill the faucet holes... I'll reconnect all the plumbing - then I KNOW it's done correctly!

[lamoabird]

My sister has had her granite countertops for more than 20 years and they look as good as the day they were put in. She uses (and abuses) her countertops everyday. She never sealed them, cleans them with whatever she has at hand... while they have a pattern similar to the one in this video, they do not look outdated because she has simple lines in the rest of her kitchen ...

[Miss_AriStarry]

I agree with the fact that it doesn’t stain and I love putting hot pots on the counter. It definitely looks great.

[nhmisnomer]

Im trying to decide beween granite & quartz. I really like the practical info i got here.

[David-mhjn]

Just purchased my 1st granite counter today at HD. Cut some corners but they'll install and put in my new sink. I loved you video and will subscribe. Should be here in a week. Here goes

[luaneketcherd]

Great video. Love granite tops vs the man made quartz that so many folks are hipped about

[marcosphillips]

As someone who works granite countertops you were pretty accurate!
Those glued tabs were the wrong price for a kitchen sink. They are meant for bathroom sinks. There are specific undermount kits for kitchen sinks, even the cast iron ones.

[patrickrafferty]

Good vid ! I almost replaced my laminate for quartz but was afraid with the kids they would drop cookware that I decided to replace it with newer laminate but change my old ceramic floor which made a bigger difference in the value of the house, just a thought :)

[slicksnewonenow]

Tastes are too fleeting over the last 10 or so years... Who knows what's gonna be "in" next month?

I'm a firm believer in installing what YOU want in YOUR home.

[sneakerbabeful]

Use a spray cleaner/disinfectant specifically designed for stone. I was using 409 on my granite countertops and they kept gettimg duller & duller. Using a cleaner for stone makes them much cleaner.

[-What-are-your-thoughts]

We really love our granite counter tops. The only thing we noticed after they were installed and never noticed in the shop or stores is that when natural light hits them from curtain angles they look dull or dirty like they have water spots all over. I asked the installer if they needed buffed to get that out and he said it’s the stones in the slab. He pointed out a spot and as you walked closer and got on top of it it was actually a stone in the slab. Other than that we truly love them.

[dustingarlock]

I am a granite installer I love granite but u have to seal it no bleaches or lisols warm water and blue dawn dish soap

[ass-a-tony]

I work for a countertop company, those "honeycomb" mounting points are generally used on vanity sinks, the real issue was the steam from your dishwasher. PROTIP, Never let a countertop company put a seam over the dishwasher.

[Dizinii]

Glad i saw this. Was about to settle for porcelain tile

[YocastaAReyes]

GOOD JOB! I AM RENOVATING MY KITCHEN I AM USING GRANITE!!! THANKS

[rvwvn]

Types of granites are as different as their colors and patterns. Two of the most important characteristics are fragility and resistance to staining. Get some samples before committing and experiment. Try red wine and oil which could leave permanent stains. Fragility I'll leave to your own devices. My last installer told me if it water spots he'd reseal it for free. Finally gluing sinks has been standard practice for years. I made the mistake of gluing a vanity sink on backwards with silicone. Took me days to get it off. Don't forget huge aquariums are nothing but glass and silicone.