You’ve probably heard that granite stains easily or is out of style. If that’s all the myths you’ve heard about granite, then you haven’t heard enough. Granite is one of the most popular countertop materials ever, and with that popularity comes many misconceptions that confuse homeowners and contractors.

At RMI Surfaces, we’ve been working with granite for nearly 10 decades, and we’ve heard it all—from complete exaggerations to outright false statements. We’ll clear it all in this article so that you can see granite for what it truly is before investing in it.

Myth 1. Granite is Going Out of Style

As a homeowner, you want a kitchen or bathroom that will stay relevant and trendy for years. You don’t want to end up with a kitchen that will reduce the value of your home in the “unrealistic” event that granite eventually goes out of style. That’s as understandable as it is unrealistic.

However, granite is HIGHLY UNLIKELY to go out of style. WHY?

For something to go out of style, it has to be predictable and monotonous. However, Granite doesn’t have that problem. How can something go out of style when it’s never the same twice? Every slab is one-of-a-kind, with natural veining, rich colors, and movement that you simply can’t fake.

Although no material is 100% immune to changing trends, granite is about as close as it gets to timeless.

Myth 2. Granite Countertops Require So Much Maintenance

This common misconception about granite countertops mainly comes from the fact that granite is a natural stone and is believed to be a porous material. Yes, granite is porous but doesn’t require as much maintenance as soft materials like marble.

When you buy your granite from us at RMI Surfaces, it is sealed upon installation to prevent stains and liquids from seeping in. This seal can last from 5 to 10 years. Once sealed, you only have to wipe it with mild soap and water to keep the surface clean and flawless for years.

Myth 3. Granite Countertops are Too Expensive

Many people believe that granite is a luxury item only the ultra-wealthy can afford. That’s just ultra-false. Granite, just like gemstones, comes in a range of colors and patterns, and some varieties of the stone are naturally rarer than others. This, among a few other reasons, affects the price of granite.

At RMI Surfaces, we offer granite options at multiple price points — many are comparable to quartz or even less expensive. Tell us your budget, and let’s help you create your dream kitchen countertops.

Additionally, you should consider choosing granite as a long-term investment for the beauty, timelessness, and financial value of your home.

Myth 4. Granite Countertops are not Food-Safe

Properly sealed granite is food-safe as long as you properly clean the surface. 

A study by the Hospitality Institute of Technology and Management evaluated various countertop materials, including granite, stainless steel, concrete, and others, for their cleanability after exposure to E. coli bacteria.

The findings indicated that granite surfaces achieved a bacteria reduction ratio of 36,000 to 1 when washed and rinsed, outperforming even stainless steel by a wide margin.

Beyond bacteria issues, homeowners have expressed concern about how food-safe the sealant is. This all boils down to the integrity and expertise of your granite countertop fabricator. At RMI Surfaces, we ensure our sealant are food-safe because we care about you and your family’s health.

Myth 5. Granite Cannot Scratch or Crack

While it is highly uncommon for granite to scratch or crack, that statement is simply not true. Granite ranks about 6–7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which is extremely hard and durable, but it is not made of metal.

Certain levels of force and impact can scratch and crack granite. It is resistant to scratching and cracking but not bulletproof.

Another reason your granite could scratch is if it is not installed properly. 

Myth 6. Granite and Marble are The Same

This is the most impossible to believe among the many myths surrounding granite as a countertop material. While both are natural stones, they’re made from completely different minerals and formed differently.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from cooled magma and packed with hard minerals like quartz and feldspar, which makes it incredibly dense and durable. Marble, on the other hand, is a metamorphic rock formed when limestone is subjected to extreme heat and pressure over time. This gives marble a smooth, softer look but makes it more porous and prone to etching.

So, no, granite and marble are not the same. Not in composition, not in performance, and definitely not in maintenance.

Myth 7. Granite is Not Heat-Resistant

Granite and quartz countertops are made from the natural mineral quartz. However, granite is composed of other minerals like feldspar that further enhance its resistance to heat and some chemicals.

Additionally, granite is literally born from heat and pressure deep underground, making it one of the most trusted materials in terms of durability and heat resistance.

Final Word: Choose Granite for What It Is — Not What You’ve Heard

Granite is strong and beautiful and has stood the test of time in homes, restaurants, and historic buildings worldwide. Yet, a few persistent myths have made some homeowners second-guess it.

Don’t let that be you.

If you’re planning a kitchen upgrade or just exploring your options, the best thing you can do is see the material for yourself. Touch it. Compare slabs. Ask questions. We’re here for all of it.

Visit our showroom at RMI Surfaces, schedule a free consultation, or browse our granite collection in person — and let’s help you find the granite surface that’s right for your space, style, and everyday life.