Customers visiting the Bedrock Quartz showrooms tend to have some common concerns. One of them is chipping. It is not unusual for customers to ask about how easily quartzite, marble, and granite crack and chip. We get it. Who wants to invest a ton of money in new countertops only to see them chipped a few years later?
While we could talk about a variety of natural stone materials in this post, we will focus exclusively on granite. Perhaps the other materials are topics for future posts. Regardless, here is what you need to know about chips in granite countertops:
1. They Aren’t the Norm
Fortunately, chips in granite countertops are not the norm. Granite is one of the toughest countertop materials around. It is highly resistant to both cracking and chipping under normal conditions. In fact, considerable force is required to create a chip in granite.
What can cause chipping? Here are a couple of possibilities:
- High Impact – Dropping an extremely heavy object on the edge of a granite countertop can result in chipping. Anything involving high impact and excessive weight could do the trick.
- Extreme Pressure – Likewise, placing extremely heavy objects on a granite countertop that hasn’t been properly supported could create enough pressure to cause chips or cracks. This is one reason we recommend professional countertop installation.
- Sitting on the Edge – Although granite countertops are strong, they are not designed to support the weight of a human adult. Sitting on a granite countertop for an extended amount of time could create chips in the edges.
Most consumers choosing to install granite countertops will never experience chips and cracks. But most doesn’t mean all. Chipping is always a possibility under the right conditions.
2. Common Locations for Chips
Due to its tough nature, it is the weakest points of a granite countertop that are most susceptible to chips. And guess where the weakest points are found? Wherever the stone has been worked during fabrication and installation.
The two most common places to find chips in granite are overhangs and around sinks. Both sink openings and edges are worked more during installation. They are the weakest links in the granite chain, so to speak.
3. Chips Can Be Repaired
Even when chips do occur in granite countertops, there is good news for consumers: most can be repaired. Repairs are affected by applying an epoxy material that fills in and covers the damage. The only downside is that the finished product will not perfectly match the original surface. You will always be able to see the repair, especially if you know where to look.
Repairing granite requires a certain measure of skill. So while you could do it yourself, we recommend bringing in a professional. You’ve put so much money into your granite countertops; why not make sure repairs are done right?
4. How to Prevent Chips
Let’s close by discussing how you can prevent chips in your granite countertops. Right off the bat, make sure your countertops are properly supported across their entire surface. If you are concerned they aren’t, bring in a professional to take a look.
In addition, always be careful with heavy objects around your countertops. Never cut directly on the stone either. Instead, use a cutting board. And finally, seal your granite countertops on a regular schedule. A good coat of sealant can help prevent chips and cracks from forming.
Granite countertops don’t chip all that often. But chips are still possible under the right conditions. Now you know how and when they occur, you can take the steps necessary to avoid them.
