Granite Table Tops Buying Guide for Restaurant Owners

Table of Contents

• What is Granite?
• Does granite make good table tops?
• Pros and Cons of Using Granite Table Tops
• How can you maintain granite tabletops?
• What are the common shapes of granite table tops?
• What do you seal a granite table with?
• Where to buy granite table tops
• FAQs

Choosing table tops is not a simple task. When it comes to selecting material for table tops, there are various options and each of them comes with its own set of pros and cons. In addition, there is a wide price range for table tops. Keeping that in mind, here we will talk about granite, an igneous rock, a durable stone, and great to use for table tops. Get to know everything about granite tables and how granite material can be the perfect choice for your next table top design.

What is Granite?

Granite, also known as igneous rock, is a natural stone and widely used for buildings, monuments, bridges, and interior decor around the world for decades. It has volcanic and natural properties, and therefore it is very strong, dense, and durable. Unlike marble or soapstone, granite is less likely to scratch and stain.

 

Does Granite Make Good Table Tops?

Using granite for table tops has been on trend for years. With its numerous advantages, granite has become one of the most popular and preferable materials for table tops for restaurants and homeowners. It is resistant to stains, can handle the heat of plates and pans, is easy to maintain, and waterproof. Additionally, it has a smooth surface with a shine that highlights your dining space. There are multiple ways to use granite for table tops in your commercial space, such as:

• Black granite for dining tables to make the stains and scratches camouflaged
• White granite table tops for adding a bright, classy, and luxurious look to the interior
• Combined with wood seating, granite can make table tops a timeless piece of furniture
• Granite table tops with bright lights and contrasting walls and floor can leave a solid impression in front of your guests
• Granite table tops with chairs on one side and relaxing sitting arrangements on the other side do not only accommodate a large ground of people at once but also deliver a soothing dining experience when you get to bond with your friends and family over meals.

 

So you can see why granite table tops are a perfect addition to your personal or commercial space.

Pros and Cons of Using Granite Table Tops

Knowing the granite table top pros and cons will help you make the best buying decision. Here these are:

Pros

• Granite is extremely durable. It is less likely to get scratched. Even if any small scratch occurs, that can be easily repaired.
• Granite is a hard natural stone, having stain resistance. If it is sealed properly, any kind of liquid can be prevented from getting absorbed into the pores of granite stone.
• Granite is not just beautiful looking, but also a very hard natural stone. A granite table top can withstand potential damage from heat more effectively than other tabletops.
• Granite is one of the hygienic options when it comes to building table tops. Its surface seal does not harbor bacteria.
• Using granite table tops for outdoor use is absolutely possible as it is trendy, solid, and able to withstand different weather conditions.
• Another feature that makes granite a perfect option for table tops is its uniqueness. As it is a natural igneous rock, there is no two granite stone that is completely the same in pattern and color. Therefore every table top made with granite has a one-of-a-kind appearance.
• Cleaning granite tabletops can be done in a breeze. Simply wiping the table tops daily with a mild cleaner or stone-specific soap with a soft cloth is enough to keep the shine intact.

Cons

• The price range of granite can be expensive.
• There are not many options available for granite customizations. You have to choose natural colors granite comes in naturally.
• Granite table tops need sealing. Though it is a one-time investment, it needs maintenance from time to time.

How to Maintain Granite Table Tops?

Granite stone requires very little maintenance. Still, granite does require some maintenance to keep it beautiful. Here are some steps to keep your granite tabletops beautiful. Here are the best ways:

1. Do regular cleaning

Doing regular cleaning with microfiber cloth or any soft cotton cloth is necessary to keep granite table tops shiny and in excellent shape. Dust off the tabletop using dry microfiber cloth on a daily basis. And if there are any minimum spills, use only water and clean it off immediately. Once a week, you can clean the surface with a damp cloth and mild stone cleaner.

2. Use coasters

Even if a granite table top is properly sealed, the best practice to keep the tabletop as good as new for years is trying not to leave spills sitting on the surface. Use coasters and heat-resistant table mats for food and beverage items to protect the surface from possible scratches and stains. If any accidental stain occurs, wipe it off as soon as possible.

3. Avoid excessive weight

Though granite is a durable material, to keep it last long, avoid putting heavyweight or excessive force on a granite table top, as it could lead to damage on the surface.

4. Never use harsh cleaning agents

Harsh cleaning agents can cause permanent damage to granite. Always use a stone specific cleaner with a neutral pH balance to clean granite tabletops. You can also opt for natural options. Tough stains on granite table tops can be easily removed by a mix of dishwashing liquid and baking soda.

What Are the Common Shapes of Granite Table Tops?

When it comes to choosing the granite table tops for your space, picking the right shape is very important. The two most popular shapes of granite table tops are:

1. Round table top

These are great to have as dining tables or coffee tables indoors or outside. They save space and look simple yet beautiful.

 

2. Square table top

 

Square is the most common shape in granite table tops. They look traditional, classy, and match every dining space. They are easily pushed together to create larger seating groups for diners.

 

 

What Do You Seal a Granite Table With?

The right type of sealant protects granite surfaces from stains and makes them last longer. If you keep your granite table top unsealed, daily use will increase the probability of absorbing stains and getting damaged. The two common types of sealants used on granite table tops are:

• Topical sealer: It adds a protective layer to granite table tops.
• Impregnating sealer: It soaks into granite and fills its pores up to prevent t from absorbing liquids and stains. No matter what type of sealant you use to seal a granite table with, you should reapply it once a year or two as these sealants may break down due to everyday use for a long period of time.
  
  

Where to Buy Granite Table Tops?

After discovering all this knowledge about granite table tops, you must have been thinking about the best place to make your purchase. Here’s the good news for you. At Missouri Table & Chair, you get great deals commercial grade granite table tops. We make sure that every piece of table top carries a unique look and an aesthetic appeal. Our selection of granite table tops is available in four standard colors. You also get customization options. So, make a choice and give your space a stunning transformation.

FAQs

Q. How to clean granite table top?

A. Use dry microfiber cloth to dust off the granite table top. To clean light stains, use damp microfiber cloth and plain water. To remove tough stains, use mild cleaning agents with natural pH formula.

Q. How to polish granite table top?

A. To maintain the high shine finish of granite table tops, firstly, clean the table top. Then buff it with a solution made of baking soda and water. You can also use any mild granite cleaner.