Granite · 5 min read · June 7, 2023

Granite Stone Disadvantages You Did Not Know Until Now

Granite is a very hard igneous stone and one of the most widely used building stones, prized for its excellent compressive strength, very low water absorption, and outstanding durability. However, this popular stone also has disadvantages that have been driving many designers toward other stones in recent years. This article examines granite's lesser-known drawbacks in detail.

Granite is a very hard stone from the igneous rock family and ranks among the most widely used building stones. Its very high compressive strength, very low water absorption, and outstanding durability of this volcanic stone — alongside its beautiful appearance and uniform surface — make it a popular choice for kitchen countertops, bathroom spaces, and even living room and kitchen flooring. However, this popular stone also has disadvantages that have in recent years driven many designers and interior architects toward other stones. In the remainder of this article we will discuss the disadvantages of granite stone in detail.

Here are the most important disadvantages of granite stone that you should be aware of before purchasing.

Granite has the most difficult and expensive installation compared to other options. Because: the stonemason must ensure the precise leveling of the substrate surface, as even the smallest irregularity can cause the stone to crack and break. Installing this stone requires great skill due to its great weight and is not a job for just anyone. The irregular edges of this stone make using spacers impossible, so installing low-grade granite requires more effort. The inherent hardness of granite makes cutting it difficult, so if coverage of irregular and oddly shaped sections is needed, the volume of work will increase considerably. It is recommended not to install granite yourself because mistakes during installation can lead to cracking.

Not everyone can lift and move granite stone. This heavy stone can only be moved with the help of multiple people, and if a large surface area is to be covered, the labor force of the project faces a tough job. To better understand this issue, keep in mind that 30 square centimeters of granite weighs less than 6 kg! Naturally, thin wooden shelves do not have the strength to bear the weight of granite (as a countertop, for example); as a result, the shelves crack, break, and deteriorate very quickly.

One of the disadvantages of granite stone is the difficulty of repair and maintenance. All those who have experience using granite for interior facades unanimously know how laborious and troublesome cleaning and maintaining granite is. In fact, the long lifespan of this stone is conditional on observing these very maintenance points. For example, the joints between tiles must be periodically sealed to prevent water from penetrating. Also, great care must be exercised with chemical cleaning agents. The surface cleaner for granite must have a balanced and neutral pH — acidic products will sooner or later dull the surface of this stone and make it cloudy. Another important point is that periodic sealing is necessary to preserve the stone.

The sealed surface of granite appears completely smooth and even, but this natural stone is inherently porous and highly prone to staining. This means liquids can leave temporary stains on the stone's surface or find their way into the tiny pores of the stone and stay there. Be aware that oil stains never leave the tiny pores even after cleaning and over time change the color of the stone. On the other hand, this same high porosity provides a good environment for bacterial growth. Even if you clean the stone surface with a cloth, you are effectively pushing liquids and bacteria into these pores under pressure. These bacteria remain in the stone's cavities for a long time before eventually finding their way to the surface.

Granite is not the most expensive stone on the market, but it is counted among expensive stones — and both purchasing and installing it carries high costs. Of course, the high price of granite is not surprising at all given its beauty and long-term durability. The thicker the granite slab, the higher its price — and this is one of the disadvantages of granite stone.

The sealed granite surface and the glossy coating created on it are very slippery and will be dangerous if used as flooring in a wet environment. It is therefore logical not to use this stone as flooring in kitchens and bathrooms.

Granite is not as hard as it appears and can be vulnerable. Sometimes this stone cracks under pressure or from the impact of heavy objects, and filling the resulting gap has its own difficulties. Therefore, it is better as much as possible not to choose granite coverage for areas that are more exposed to pressure and impact.

Unfortunately, the color and pattern range of granite is not as broad as we might expect. There are limited colors and patterns available in the market to choose from, and they may not necessarily coordinate with the decor of the intended area of the home.

One of the most common complaints people have about granite and stone surfaces in general is that they feel cold. The mass of granite immediately draws heat from the body and transfers a sense of coldness. Therefore, it is not a suitable option for areas designated as seating and sitting areas.

Granite is one of the oldest and most well-known stones in the construction industry, and due to its good resistance in various conditions, it is applicable in different areas of the home. This attractive natural stone, if properly maintained and cared for, will remain in good condition for many years — even generations — and will retain its original beauty. However, despite all the advantages this material offers, there are disadvantages that must be considered when purchasing. We hope reading about these granite stone disadvantages helps you make a better decision when choosing this stone.