GRANITE
What is Granite?
Granite is a rock that occurs naturally in various locations around the world. Once quarried, the blocks of natural granite are then cut into slabs and polished using diamond grinders.
What can it be used for?
Granite can be used for:
Kitchen worktops
Kitchen cladding and splashbacks
Fireplaces
Outdoor BBQ areas
Tabletops
The benefits of Granite…
is natural so each piece has its own individual beauty and character
is available in a wide range of colours, textures and patterns
is polished to provide a naturally shiny finish
is highly resistant to physical damage through scratches and abrasion
is highly resistant to damage from extreme temperatures
is fairly low maintenance*
is suitable for use in contemporary or classical kitchens and bathrooms.
Granite is naturally porous and therefore can be vulnerable to staining. We seal all granite countertops, cladding, splashbacks sinks and shower trays on installation to help resist staining and recommend that it is properly maintained thereafter.
Care and Maintenance of Granite
Although granite is scratch-resistant it is not scratch-proof and may be subject to damage if you use knives directly on its surface. We recommend you always use a chopping board, which will have the added benefit of keeping your knife sharp too! Similarly use a mat under sharp-edged ceramic objects that could also scratch the surface.
Granite is resistant to high temperatures and is not damaged by temporarily resting hot cooking pots on it. However, longer exposure to heat could cause lasting damage, so we recommend using a trivet under hot dishes you are leaving on the worktop for longer periods.
Granite is naturally porous so should generally be sealed before use. This may be performed at the processing stage, or if we are installing granite that has not been sealed at Latino Granite we apply a suitable sealant once the material has been cut and installed. The granite should then be treated with sealant once a year.
Avoid using acidic cleaners or leaving acidic fruits on the granite. If an acid is accidentally spilled, mop it up straight away, clean the surface with a mild detergent and rinse with clean water.
Avoid standing on your granite worktop as this could cause it to crack.
Clean your granite daily as follows:
Clean your granite surface with an antibacterial detergent spray and wipe with a damp cloth. Rinse the surface thoroughly with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.
If you spill something on the granite, blot it up with a paper towel or soft cloth immediately, and avoid spreading the spillage to other areas of the surface. Wash the affected area with warm water and detergent and rinse thoroughly. Dry the area with a soft cloth. Properly sealed stone will repel most stains if the spills are cleaned promptly.
