So you’ve made a smart investment by having granite countertops installed in your kitchen but now you’re dealing with a crack or stain and wondering how to fix it.
But wait, you may be saying, I thought granite countertops were durable?
While yes, granite countertops are very durable (they’re made of raw granite pulled from the each and shaped into countertops), they’re not indestructible.
Let’s discuss the most common types of granite countertop damage and how to repair each.
1/ MINOR CHIPS AND SMALL CRACKS
A professional can fill these small chips and cracks with an epoxy or resin that’s color-matched to the stone.
This usually blends well with the rest of the stone and results in a smooth surface.
DIY STYLE: These can sometimes be fixed with granite repair kits but pros tend to match the finish better.
2/ LARGER CRACKS
Similar to minor cracks, an epoxy or resin can be used to fill larger cracks (often cause by heavy impact or structural stress like leaning on overhangs) however with larger crackers sometimes benefit from reinforcement with steel pins or mesh.
Doing this will make the countertop strong and usable again, but the crack line may still be faintly visible depending on its size, location and how good of a repair job was done.
3/ COUNTERTOP STAINS OR DISCOLORATION
Granite countertops should be properly sealed every 1-3 years to reduce the risks of staining, however even with the best care possible stains can still happen.
Use specialty granite cleaners, poultices, or refinishing products to work on the stain.
Carefully following the instructions provided by the product and treating the stain promptly can often lead to many stains being removed successfully.
4/ ETCHING OR SURFACE WEAR
The best way to address etching and visible surface wear is to have the granite countertops professional polished and resealed.
This is something a DIYer could attempt to tackle. Either way the goal is to restore the shine and smoothness of your countertops while enhancing their stain resistance.
5/ BROKEN SECTIONS
What happens is a large crack turns into a piece being totally broken off?
Sections can sometimes be epoxied back together, but for severely shattered pieces, countertop replacement may be the more practical route.
Remember: Granite is durable but not indestructible. You should avoid dropping heavy objects onto it, never stand on it, and make sure to keep it sealed every 1–3 years to prevent staining and weakening.
Kirkstone Countertops is a leading service provider in the stone kitchen countertops industry throughout Niagara. Please reach out anytime with any questions or concerns you may have and we'll be happy to help.