How to Avoid Cracks and Chips in Your Natural Stone Surfaces
So you’ve decided to invest in classic, chic, natural stone countertops. Great choice! Natural stone surfaces are tough and durable, but you can still damage them if you don’t care for them correctly. In this article, we’ll share some tips for preventing cracks, chips, and stains so that your new countertops will still look their best for many years. In addition, check out some other common remodel mistakes beyond chips and cracks we often see homeowners make.
Seams Logical
Did you know that seams in a natural stone countertop are actually a good thing? Natural stone is extracted in large slabs and then cut to appropriate size and shapes for each customer. For split countertops, bars, or kitchen islands, it’s possible to have a solid, continuous piece of stone. For these smaller applications, countertops don’t always need a seam.
However, larger surfaces must have seams to reduce the stress on the stone and make sure that it doesn't crack or fracture over time. The sheer weight of a large slab of stone makes it impossible to go beyond a certain size without a seam.
A quality stone countertop fabricator can blend seams so that they fade into the stone, and you’ll barely know that they’re there. One trick is to plan for the seams to be in hard to see places, like under the cabinets or near columns.
In many cases, darker stone hides seams better than lighter stone since we tint the epoxy to match the stone. Epoxy usually has a yellow tinge and is more obvious on lighter surfaces.
If seams are a big concern for you, it would be best to speak with your countertop contractor about seam placement and their strategies for disguising them. You can even request pictures of your contractor’s previous work to see what their seams usually look like. While seams will never be completely invisible, they should be very subtle and well-blended into the countertop so that they really are hard to see.
Best edges to resist chips
Many homeowners love to customize their natural stone countertops with a special edge design. Certain edges help resist chips, while others are more prone to damage.
One edge style that’s popular but prone to chipping is the simple square edge. This type of edge is pointy and sharp, making it easy to bang and break small pieces off accidentally. Any rounding or softening of the edges lessens the chances of damaging the surface. Below are a few edge options that usually don’t chip or break as easily as the square edge.
Straight edge
The straight edge is clean and classy. These edges are slightly rounded to reduce the risk of breaking or chipping. The level of rounding is up to you when you place your order.
Full bullnose edge
The full bullnose edge is a very popular choice. It has rounded edges all around. The softening of the edges helps prevent breaks and cracks.
Beveled edge
The beveled edge is another popular choice and common in elegant and contemporary kitchens. The corners are clipped flat at 45 degrees. The angle and width of this edge are customizable to match your kitchen and desired look.
Pencil roll edge
Also known as a quarter round edge, this option works well with a modern, streamlined kitchen that boasts sleek features and sharp angles. This cut has a flat edge with subtle rounding on the top and bottom, resembling a pencil eraser.
Waterfall edge
The waterfall edge is a beautiful showcase piece because it creates the illusion of no edge at all. The countertop makes a 90 degree turn at the edge and continues down to the floor rather than ending atop the countertops. It is a bold edge option that’s not prone to chips or cracks.
Ogee edge
The ogee edge is a beautiful, S-curved edge that adds a touch of pizazz to your kitchen. The level of rounding and degree of thickness are customizable and can really punch up your surfaces or add subtle elegance. Ogee is a popular choice and is harder to chip and crack.
Caring for your natural surface
It’s not just the edges of your countertop that are prone to damage. Without proper care, the top surface can scratch or stain. Use the following guidelines to keep your surface looking like new:
Use a gentle cleaner
Abrasive cleaners like Comet are okay to use in some places of your home, but not on your natural stone countertops. Harsh cleaners can scratch the protective sealant on your countertop and, eventually, the stone itself. Instead, use a mild dish detergent and warm water on a soft rag for daily countertop cleaning.
Wipe up spills right away
If you spill something acidic, such as wine or tomato juice, make sure that you wipe it up right away. The acid can actually wear through your sealant and leave a stain in the stone. If that happens, you’ll need to have it professionally cleaned and resurfaced to get rid of the discoloration.
Use hot pads
A lot of stone surfaces are heatproof or heat-resistant. However, many pans have texture on the bottom that can scratch the surface. It’s good to get into the habit of placing something between your cookware and countertop to prevent scratches and chips.
Cloth hot pads or rubber-tipped trivets are great ways to protect your stone.
Use cutting boards
Your countertop is hearty enough to stand up to a knife, but cutting directly on the stone will quickly dull your knives. Plus, the knives will create scratches in the sealant that will allow liquids to sink into the stone.
You should always use a cutting board to prep food. Doing so protects your sealant and also keeps acidic juices off your stone.
Don’t get in a rut
Working in the same area of your counter day after day can lead to visible wear and tear in that spot, while the rest of the countertop will be pristine. If possible, change up where you do prep work to prevent rapid aging in just one spot.
With a little care, your countertops will stay beautiful for decades!
If you’d like to learn more about caring for your natural stone countertops, download our free Countertop Care Guide eBook. With just a few simple steps, you can keep your surface looking its best for decades!