Granite Countertops in your Smith Mountain Lake Home - Some Do's and Don'ts

Most people nowadays love the look of natural granite countertops. No two are alike, they come in great colors, they're very durable and can last a lifetime and remain beautiful for years to come.These elegant countertops re fond in many local Smith Mountain Lake homes.

Even granite has some limitations, however, and here are a few precautions to keep in mind if you already have granite countertops or are planning to install them in your Smith Mountain Lake home:

When serving or cooking with lemon, vinegar or other acids, take care. Use coasters in the case of drinks containing citrus or other acidic juices or alcohol and use cutting boards when cutting such items as lemons or oranges. These juices can damage granite by leaving stains, as well as etching the stone..

Don't use harsh chemicals to clean your granite countertops, but rather milder solutions such as Murphy's Oil Soap or mild dishwashing liquid.

Some granite will need to be resealed every six months to two years, so be sure to check with the manufacturer or installer of your countertops to see if this is something you need to do. If resealing is necessary, there are two types of sealer you can use - penetrating, which seals by penetrating the stone, or topical, which coats the counter's surface. The topical also comes in two types - strippable and permanent, although the permanent type is not usually recommended for granite. Again ask your installer which is best for your lifestyle. Do be sure that whatever you choose is non-toxic, since it is probably being used in a food-preparation area.

If you're lucky enough to have granite countertops in your Smith Mountain Lake home, with just a little maintenance and care, you should expect to enjoy them for many years,.

To learn more about some of the beautiful homes for sale in the Smith Mountain Lake area, many of which do have beautiful granite countertops, Call Vicki Millehan, your local real estate expert, for more information on relocating to the home of your dreams. There is no place like HOME for the holidays.