are granite countertops hard to maintain or clean?
Answers:
I have a granite countertop. Recently installed. They are pourous ( even though sealer is used on them ). You WILL get water stains and so forth on them but over the course of a few days, they do go away. If you spill something like oil on them ( olive oil, cooking oil, etc ), you're screwed. Because granite is pourous, the oil WILL seap into the granite. Not everywhere but in certain spots where it happens to be pourous. They are very nice countertops but be advised they definitely DO stain easily if you're not careful.
Other answers:
no.
no.
No, but marble countertops are. Best (the ones I make and install) are stainless steel. (Just my opinion!)
I've heard they are ok, but can stain and chip (like most others). I've also heard that a quartz-amalgam is the best new surface for kitches. It's about the same cost of granite, maybe a shade more, and comes in an array of colors.
YOu must use cleaners that are made for granite counter tops
I love my granite countertop and it's easy to take care of. Every 6 months or so you can clean, disinfect, seal and polish your countertop. You can buy kits containing all of these products at Home Depot, Lowe's, etc. or visit www.stonecare.com. Go for it!
no but you have to keep them clean