Natural stone
Granite
Granite is plutonic igneous rock, formed slowly underground as magma cooled over millions of years. Its extreme hardness comes from the interlocking crystal structure of quartz, feldspar and mica. It is the material of choice for kitchen worktops in Britain, and for good reason: resistant to heat, hard to scratch, relatively forgiving of accidents.
But "relatively forgiving" is not the same as "indestructible". The most common failure mode we see on granite is dulling from long-term exposure to mild acids, often household cleaners sold as "kitchen-safe" but actually containing citric acid. Over years of repeated use, this micro-etches the surface. Polishing restores the mirror finish; re-sealing slows future damage.
Services we offer for granite
- Granite polishing to restore mirror finishes on floors and worktops
- Granite worktop restoration for kitchen islands and runs
- Sealing and impregnation for darker granites and heavy-use worktops
- Crack and chip repair on edges and sink cut-outs
Characteristics
- Among the hardest popular natural stones, highly scratch-resistant.
- Crystalline structure with feldspar, quartz and mica forming the speckled pattern.
- Dense and largely non-porous, less susceptible to staining than marble or limestone.
- Available in a vast palette of colours, from arctic whites to deep blacks.
Common issues
- Dullness from repeated use of acidic cleaners (citrus, vinegar).
- Surface halos around kitchen sinks and hobs from grease and detergent.
- Sealer failure leaving darker areas around heavy-use zones.
- Rare but possible: heat damage from very hot pans placed directly.
Care guidance
pH-neutral cleaner only. Re-seal every 2–4 years. Though granite tolerates most spills, long contact with citric or phosphoric acids will dull the polish over time.
Got a granite restoration project?
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