At Anderson Granite & Marble Shop of Greenwood, we speak with homeowners every day who love the look of granite but feel anxious about maintaining it. Many people believe granite is fragile, high maintenance, or easy to ruin with one wrong move. That fear often comes from misinformation, outdated advice, or confusing granite with softer stones. When chosen and cared for correctly, granite is one of the most forgiving and durable materials you can install in a home.

For homeowners researching granite countertops in Laurens, SC, this uncertainty is common. Granite has been surrounded by myths for years, and those myths make people afraid to enjoy their own kitchens. As professionals based in Greenwood, SC and serving Laurens, SC and surrounding areas, we believe it is time to clear up what granite actually needs and what it absolutely does not.
Granite is not a delicate surface that needs constant attention. It is a natural stone built to handle real life. Understanding how granite truly behaves allows homeowners to relax, cook, clean, and live without worry.
Why Granite Care Feels So Confusing
One reason homeowners feel nervous about granite is the flood of conflicting advice online. One article says granite stains instantly. Another claims it cracks under heat. Some sources insist granite must be resealed constantly, while others say sealing is unnecessary. This confusion leads people to overprotect their countertops or, worse, avoid granite altogether.
When people visit Anderson Granite & Marble Shop of Greenwood, we often hear concerns like “I’m afraid to put anything on it” or “I don’t want to ruin it.” Those fears usually come from treating granite like marble or laminate. Granite is neither.
For homeowners considering granite countertops in Laurens, SC, it helps to understand that granite is an igneous stone formed under extreme heat and pressure. It is designed by nature to be strong. Most damage happens not because granite is weak, but because people misunderstand how to use it.
Myth One: Granite Stains Easily
One of the biggest misconceptions is that granite stains at the slightest spill. Properly sealed granite resists staining extremely well. Granite is naturally dense, and sealing adds another layer of protection that slows absorption.
Spills like coffee, wine, or oil should still be wiped reasonably quickly, but panic is unnecessary. Granite does not instantly absorb liquids. In most kitchens with granite countertops in Laurens, SC, regular daily use never causes staining issues at all.
Sealing is important, but it is not a constant chore. In most homes, sealing once a year is sufficient. Some granite varieties need even less frequent attention. When sealed correctly, granite allows homeowners to cook, host, and clean without fear.
Myth Two: Granite Cannot Handle Heat
Another fear we hear constantly is about heat. People worry that placing a warm pan on granite will cause cracking or damage. Granite is one of the most heat-resistant countertop materials available. It forms deep within the earth under extreme temperatures far beyond anything a kitchen can produce.
While sudden temperature shock is never ideal for any material, granite handles heat better than quartz, laminate, or solid surface materials. In real-world kitchens using granite countertops in Laurens, SC, heat damage is extremely rare. Using trivets is a good habit, but granite does not demand constant caution.
At Anderson Granite & Marble Shop of Greenwood, we see granite kitchens that have been used daily for decades with no heat-related issues at all.
Myth Three: Granite Scratches Easily
Granite is harder than most household metals. Normal kitchen activities will not scratch it. Cutting directly on granite can dull knives faster than it damages the stone. Scratches usually occur only with extreme force or improper use of heavy tools. Using cutting boards is recommended mainly to protect knives, not granite.

Families with children, pets, and busy routines often choose granite countertops in Laurens, SC precisely because granite holds up so well to daily activity. Granite is not fragile. It is forgiving, strong, and stable under normal use.
Myth Four: Cleaning Granite Is Complicated
Many homeowners believe granite requires specialty products and strict cleaning routines. In reality, granite care is simple. Warm water and mild dish soap handle most daily cleaning needs. Harsh chemicals and acidic cleaners should be avoided, but that rule applies to many household surfaces.
Granite does not need constant polishing or scrubbing. Overcleaning can actually cause problems by wearing down sealers unnecessarily. Calm, consistent care works best.
When clients work with Anderson Granite & Marble Shop of Greenwood, we always emphasize simplicity. Granite care should support daily life, not complicate it.
What Actually Ruins Granite Countertops
Granite damage usually comes from neglect or misuse, not everyday living. Ignoring sealing for many years can eventually allow staining. Using harsh acidic cleaners repeatedly can dull the surface. Dropping extremely heavy objects on unsupported edges can cause chips.
These situations are avoidable with basic awareness. Most homeowners using granite countertops in Laurens, SC never experience serious problems because granite is naturally resilient. Granite does not require perfection. It requires basic respect.
Why Granite Is Ideal for Real Homes
One reason granite remains so popular is that it ages well. Minor wear often blends naturally into the stone’s pattern. Unlike synthetic surfaces that show every flaw, granite develops character over time.
Busy kitchens benefit from granite’s stability. Bathrooms benefit from its moisture resistance. Outdoor kitchens benefit from its durability. Homes with children benefit from its strength.
At Anderson Granite & Marble Shop of Greenwood, we help homeowners choose granite because it supports how people actually live, not an unrealistic version of daily life.
Understanding Sealing Without Stress
Sealing sounds intimidating, but it is straightforward. A quality sealer penetrates the stone and reduces absorption. Most homeowners can reseal easily, or professionals can handle it during routine maintenance.
Sealing is not constant. Granite does not suddenly fail if sealing is delayed by a few months. Homes with granite countertops in Laurens, SC often go years without issues when sealed properly. Understanding sealing removes fear and replaces it with confidence.
Granite Versus Other Materials
Many fears about granite come from comparing it incorrectly to other stones. Marble etches easily. Quartz contains resins that react to heat. Laminate scratches and burns quickly.
Granite sits in a unique position. It offers natural beauty with real-world durability. That balance makes it ideal for homeowners who want elegance without anxiety. At Anderson Granite & Marble Shop of Greenwood, we explain these differences clearly so clients feel confident in their decisions.
Why Education Matters More Than Caution
Fear causes homeowners to treat granite like glass. Education allows homeowners to enjoy granite fully. Granite is meant to be used, not admired from a distance.
When installed correctly and understood properly, granite countertops in Laurens, SC become one of the least stressful surfaces in a home. They allow cooking, entertaining, and family life to happen naturally.
Granite Confidence Starts With the Right Partner
Choosing the right fabricator matters. Stone selection, fabrication quality, sealing, and installation all affect long-term performance. Working with experienced professionals eliminates many issues before they ever arise.
At Anderson Granite & Marble Shop of Greenwood, we guide homeowners through every step, from stone selection to installation. Serving Laurens, SC from Greenwood, SC, we focus on education, quality, and long-term satisfaction. Granite should feel reassuring, not intimidating.

Living With Granite Without Fear
Granite is not something to fear. It is something to trust. When homeowners understand what granite truly needs, anxiety fades and confidence grows.
For families researching granite countertops in Laurens, SC, the biggest mistake is believing granite is fragile. The truth is the opposite. Granite is one of the most forgiving materials available.
At Anderson Granite & Marble Shop of Greenwood, we see granite kitchens that are lived in fully and proudly. Granite does not demand perfection. It supports real life.
When care myths are replaced with real knowledge, granite becomes what it was always meant to be: a strong, beautiful foundation for the home.
