Grease Stained Granite Countertops

[Kim in FL]

Originally Posted by Parnassia

Negligence aside, one has to ask...who puts granite (an expensive, porous surface that requires care) in a rental? Seems like begging for trouble to me.

A homeowner who found himself as a landlord. I’ve seen plenty of higher end rentals w or h granite. It’s not a new product... and common sense who’s avoid this type of damage.

[Steve19605]

Originally Posted by AZ Manager

It is tenant caused damage, charge it and move on. These arguments are as stupid as the people who argue that water damage on a laminate countertop is wear and tear. You have to leave the mess a while for the damage to actually take place in both situations; that's neglect and you charge for it.

Afraid you are wrong. Try pouring some grease on unsealed granite or where sealer has worn off. See how well you get it out of the pores.

Plus you cant compare to laminate. That is a much better healthier product for a food prep area since it is not porous. More waterproof unless it gets under the laminate.

There is a reason most health codes dont allow granite in food prep areas for restaurants.

Granit is for people that want the better looks of a solid surface material. But are looking to cut cost or cant afford the good stuff.

[Kim in FL]

Originally Posted by Steve19605

Afraid you are wrong. Try pouring some grease on unsealed granite or where sealer has worn off. See how well you get it out of the pores.

Plus you cant compare to laminate. That is a much better healthier product for a food prep area since it is not porous. More waterproof unless it gets under the laminate.

There is a reason most health codes dont allow granite in food prep areas for restaurants.

Granit is for people that want the better looks of a solid surface material. But are looking to cut cost or cant afford the good stuff.

Health codes don’t allow it because it can chip, and yes, it’s porous which can make sanitizing and disinfecting more difficult in a professional kitchen. Granite is a great counter material for home use, which is what we’re talking about here.

Laminate also chips and get small cuts and dents, perfect places for bacteria to grow so not idea for a professional kitchen either.

Stainless steel is ideal for the professional kitchen.

[Steve19605]

Originally Posted by Kim in FL

Health codes don’t allow it because it can chip, and yes, it’s porous which can make sanitizing and disinfecting more difficult in a professional kitchen. Granite is a great counter material for home use, which is what we’re talking about here.

Laminate also chips and get small cuts and dents, perfect places for bacteria to grow so not idea for a professional kitchen either.

Stainless steel is ideal for the professional kitchen.

Guess it depends on what you call a great countertop material. Your definition raw varnished wood would make a good countertop I guess.

Laminate with chips, cuts and dents should not be normal use.
Since that would not be a normal part of food prep.
But getting liquid on a countertop would be considered a foreseen and normal case in food prep.

I dont agree granite is a good material for a kitchen. High maintenance and porous.
But if your idea of normal would be cutting and dropping heavy objects on a countertop. And not getting liquids on the countertop. Then granite would be great for that person.

I still say only reason people use it is because it is a cheap way to get the better looks.

[Kim in FL]

Originally Posted by Steve19605

Guess it depends on what you call a great countertop material. Your definition raw varnished wood would make a good countertop I guess.

Laminate with chips, cuts and dents should not be normal use.
Since that would not be a normal part of food prep.
But getting liquid on a countertop would be considered a foreseen and normal case in food prep.

I dont agree granite is a good material for a kitchen. High maintenance and porous.
But if your idea of normal would be cutting and dropping heavy objects on a countertop. And not getting liquids on the countertop. Then granite would be great for that person.

I still say only reason people use it is because it is a cheap way to get the better looks.

Please

Who cuts on their counter top?? I don’t.. I have a cutting board and I would be correct in assuming that anyone with anything other than stainless steel counter would have the same.

Price wasn’t a concern when I chose my counters... I have no idea how much it cost and I don’t care how much it cost. I just knew I needed 2 1/2 10 ft slabs of whatever I wanted. I looked at ALL my options (very time consuming task) and liked what I chose the best.


To stay on topic.. op needs to charge for the damage and be done with it

[Steve19605]

Originally Posted by Kim in FL

Please

Who cuts on their counter top?? I don’t.. I have a cutting board and I would be correct in assuming that anyone with anything other than stainless steel counter would have the same.

Price wasn’t a concern when I chose my counters... I have no idea how much it cost and I don’t care how much it cost. I just knew I needed 2 1/2 10 ft slabs of whatever I wanted. I looked at ALL my options (very time consuming task) and liked what I chose the best.


To stay on topic.. op needs to charge for the damage and be done with it

OP problem was a porous surface. And what a normal person should expect with a porous. And the question, could a reasonable person expect a kitchen counter to be used for food prep. As kitchen counters have been used for 100 years.
In your case you may have been more concerned with what you liked are far as looks. Other wise better with a non porous surface like quartz. Worth the extra cost.
Just like I guess you could fine someone, somewhere that likes glass or wallpaper for a kitchen counter.
Which is fine if that is what they want.
Just dont expect a tenant to pay for the problems that would cause. Unless the lease specifically mentions the problems and puts it on the tenant.

otherwise a Judge will say it is reasonable for a tenant to use a kitchen counter like a kitchen counter.