Granite is a very popular countertop material, and homeowners gravitate toward this option because of its natural beauty and durability. Granite countertops are scratch, chip and crack resistant and are also very sturdy, although regular maintenance is required to keep your countertops in great shape. In addition to daily wiping, you will also have to reseal your countertops, and it’s natural to wonder about this cost because it will have to be part of your routine.
The exact cost of resealing a granite countertop will vary from one home to another, as this will depend on several factors, including the size of your countertop space. Square footage, the supplies you choose, and the average labour cost for your area will all impact the cost.
The labour portion includes planning, purchasing materials, setting up, prepping the countertop for sealant application, and applying the sealant and cleanup. In most cases, it will take about four hours to complete this project, and the total cost for resealing your granite countertop should range between $200 and $350. If a general contractor has to oversee your project, you will have to pay more, and if your project requires any inspection of permits, this too can increase the price.
Granite Countertops
It’s essential to understand why you need to reseal granite, as this will ensure you get the task done. Granite is a generally moisture-resistant material, but because it is a natural stone, it is also porous, and this is why most granite countertops will have to be sealed from time to time. If you skip this step, spills will cause staining, but sealing will create a barrier which will prevent liquids and oils from penetrating the surface.
It is recommended that you reseal your granite countertop every two years, so it’s not something that has to be done too often. You can perform an easy test to determine whether your countertops need to be resealed, and all you have to do is sprinkle a few drops of water on your countertop surface. If you see that water beads up, there is no need to seal your countertop. However, if your countertop absorbs some or all of the water, it’s a sign that it needs to be resealed.
How to Seal Granite Countertops
There are several products you can use to seal your countertops, and each of these will fall into one of two categories; coatings and penetrating sealants.
Coatings create a protective layer on top of granite, although they are vulnerable to scratches because they do not penetrate the surface, so you may have to reapply the product. Penetrating sealers work below the surface to last longer, but it’s more expensive, and ventilation will have to be used during application.
Countertops: Surrey
If you are looking for countertops, Surrey is home to countertop experts at Pacific West Floor Decor! Get in touch with our team today for your questions and concerns regarding home renovations. We specialize in granite countertops and can provide you with more information on their care and installation. If you are looking for countertops in Surrey, contact us today at (604) 584-9269!