Although natural stone countertops are made of some of the hardest substances on the planet, they still have the ability to crack with enough of an impact from a cast iron skillet, or even a coffee mug. Some are natural fissures which began during the formation of the stone. These fissures are not seen with the naked eye, and after normal wear and tear, they begin to crack. In other instances, countertops can crack due to shifts in the structural integrity of the building or cabinetry. If you do get a crack in your countertop, first, make sure that any structural problems are addressed, and then consider your options.
In many cases, it’s best to call a professional, and The Granite Place can offer suggestions from our wide range of contractors. By using a stone restoration specialist, you will save time, and they will use color tones in their epoxies to match your stone for a flawless finish. But if you don’t want to spend the $200-600 it may cost, it may be something that you can fix yourself. While hiring a professional is more costly, for cracks and chips in stubborn places, like along the edge, they may have alternative methods to alleviating the problem, such as beveling the edge, or cutting the corner off altogether in some cases, which might be worth the convenience.
But if you do decide to fix it yourself, realize that it is not an easy job, and you will need to do your research before starting. There are many websites on the internet that will point you in the right direction, and you must do your due diligence to find one that offers a thorough guide. From the Today Show to Do-it-Yourself networks, there is no short supply of directions to help you step by step through the process.
Of course, the severity of the crack will determine if fixing it either by a professional or yourself is even an option. Some of the most severe cases might require replacing the countertop entirely, or depending on the design and installation, just the damaged portion. Whichever way you decide to go, don’t forget that our showroom is open to the public, and we are here to help answer any questions you might have!