Granite is one of the most beautiful and durable countertop materials on the planet, so it’s no wonder that it continues to reign supreme in the design world. It can hold its own against scratches, stains, and heat, and its easy maintenance schedule makes it a dream for most homeowners.
You may be wondering if granite is so strong, can you:
- Stand on it while dusting those top cabinets?
- Sit on it when chatting with someone in the kitchen?
- Kneel on it when changing the lightbulb above your bathroom countertop?
Unfortunately, the answer to all of these questions is a big, fat NO. Ringing in between $2,000 and $4,000 to install, granite countertops make up a significant part of your budget. As tempting as it can be to hop up there for a moment instead of breaking out the ladder in the garage, your granite is susceptible to damage from your body weight. Here are a few reasons why:
Integrity
The size and layout of most kitchens means that there will be a seam somewhere along the way. Whether it be in the middle of a long stretch or next to a sink, you are likely to have at least one seam in your kitchen.
While a skilled granite supplier and installer can make the seams almost invisible, they are still there, and their presence compromises the whole countertop’s integrity. That’s not to say that your granite countertop is weak, but the seam is not as strong as the granite slab itself because, well, the adhesive isn’t granite.
The areas that have seams are more susceptible to cracking, and your bodyweight alone could be the thing that breaks that joint. A granite manufacturer is usually capable of fixing the crack, but there are no guarantees. Additionally, even if they can fix the damage, it will likely be an expensive and intrusive procedure that is much more irritating than if you had just gone out and grabbed the ladder.
Flexibility
Another reason why you shouldn’t stand on your granite countertops is because they aren’t as flexible as other countertop options. Laminate countertops, for instance, are made with particleboard, plywood, or medium-density fiberboard (MDF), depending on where the countertop is located. These wood products have a little bit of give if you were to stand on them, which prevents cracking or breaking (though we still advise against standing or sitting on them).
Granite, a natural igneous rock, is incredibly durable and able to withstand the pressures of the Earth all around it. Unfortunately, the stress that your foot creates on a small area can make the granite want to break since it can’t bend. Particularly susceptible areas are those around the sink where the granite is already thin or areas by a seam. This lack of flexibility isn’t just for granite, either. The same goes for most other natural stones, as well as quartz countertops.
Hygiene
One last reason why you shouldn’t sit or stand on your granite countertops is because it just isn’t hygienic. Dirt and grime from your shoes and clothing can get on the countertops, and if you aren’t careful when cleaning, that soot could end up in your food. The type of dirt found around your feet can be very harmful to you and your family members if ingested.
Of course, it’s easy enough to clean your granite countertops. You can always purchase a specialty granite cleaning spray to ensure that your countertops are clean and sanitized. For the most part, though, warm, soapy water is enough to clean your countertops, so everyone in your family stays healthy and safe from contaminants.
Instead of stepping on your countertops, you might want to keep a small stepladder handy so that you don’t have to reach quite as high. Stepladders generally fold up small so that you can store them in your pantry or between the refrigerator and the wall. For your more intense cleaning or kitchen maintenance, it’s best to use a full-sized ladder. They aren’t terribly expensive (and definitely less expensive than replacing your countertop), and if you store them right by the back door, you can access them easily when you need them.
Your granite countertops are a beautiful and integral part of your home—they facilitate meal preparation, homework projects and more. Keeping your countertops functional and crack-free should be at the top of your list of things to do, so it’s important that you don’t stand or sit on them.
If you find yourself in need of a repair or replacement, contact our wholesale granite warehouse in Denver, Colorado. We will be able to fix you up with a gorgeous new slab that fits well within your budget.