Granite Works

It’s important to choose the right countertop for your kitchen because it affects not just your cooking space’s overall appearance, but it’s functionality as well. You want a countertop that can keep up with your needs. You also have to make sure that your choice can accommodate all the food prep you’ll be doing without trouble. But should you be cutting food directly on your countertop in the first place?

Some Countertop Materials Are Harder Than Others

Hard stone countertops like granite and quartz can withstand knife work in the kitchen without scratching. While granite tends to be more expensive, quartz can be a cheaper alternative since it’s made by mixing small pieces of stone and compacting them together with resin. It’s also one of the hardest materials around as it has a great capacity to resist cuts and scratches. 

However, cutting directly on a countertop can deteriorate its surface over time. If you cut acidic foods like citrus fruits, the acid can degrade the surface of the countertop and leave a noticeable spot. This is especially apparent on materials like marble and limestone, which scratch much more easily so they’re more susceptible to degradation due to acidic foods or beverages. 

Selecting the Right Material

Because some natural-stone surfaces are more porous than others, they have the potential to harbor bacteria that could transfer from one food item to another. It’s for this reason that sealing is essential in caring for granite, marble, travertine and other types of natural stone. However, the protective seal that’s applied to your countertops will weaken faster with constant direct food preparation. This is another reason why it’s often better to isolate food preparation through the use of cutting boards.

Talk to Granite Works about your needs. Call us today at (301) 640-5010, or fill out our convenient contact form. Talk to us today! We serve customers in Maryland and the surrounding areas.