Natural stone countertops are widely renowned for their exceptional durability. Granite, in particular, is known for its strength and resistance to cracks, heat, and chips. It’s sturdy enough to withstand heavy use in the busiest kitchens, but there’s one caveat here.
Without proper installation, granite countertops can be susceptible to cracks. Weak points in the countertop, such as the area around the sink, require adequate support. While cracks are commonly associated with poor installation, they can happen in other scenarios (faulty cabinets can’t support the weight), although rare.
So, regardless of why your granite countertop cracked, we’re here to help. While you can’t necessarily make the granite whole again, you can remedy the split. Here’s how to do it.
Can A Crack In A Granite Countertop be Repaired?
Cracks in granite countertops can’t necessarily be fixed. That said, you can repair them. Generally, this is done by filling the cracks with epoxy or acrylic, which hides the gap, making it appear flawless once again.
Achieving this result is tricky, as you need to glue the split with epoxy, then color match it to the rest of the countertop. After the glue, you fill the remainder with a color- solution to hide the different materials. To achieve a seamless result, you need to buff the surface with a power tool fitted with a diamond buffing pad.
The appearance of granite is unique and inconsistent, with slight variations that make the piece different from any other slab. While this is excellent in some cases, it makes repairing damage difficult. The process is somewhat artistic, requiring a skilled eye to pick the right colors and hues to match the rest of the countertop.
Do All Cracks In Granite Countertops Need To Be Repaired?
Not all cracks and gaps in granite surfaces need to be repaired. In some scenarios, the tiny crack running down the countertop might be a fissure, which is a naturally occurring granite crack.
So, before you commit to repairing the crack, make sure it actually requires repair. If there isn’t a gap in the countertop as a result of the crack, there’s not much you can do. Hairline cracks are tough to correct since there’s not typically a gap to fill.
However, filling it with epoxy is usually your best option if there’s a gap in the countertop. If you’re unsure whether the crack requires repair, run your fingers along it. If you can feel a divot or gap, you need to repair it. If you can’t feel anything, you won’t be able to do much.
How Much Does It Cost To Repair Cracked Granite?
Repairing a cracked granite countertop isn’t easy, primarily due to the color-matching portion of the process. In some cases, it might be best to pass the process to a seasoned professional, as they have the tools necessary to achieve a beautiful result.
Of course, make sure you do your research on the company beforehand to ensure you get the results you’re hoping for. Feel free to ask the company for photos of other similar repairs, as this will give you an idea of what the finished result might look like.
Most homeowners pay between $200 and $1,000 to have a professional repair a cracked granite countertop. The drastic range is due to the variation in the severity of the crack – larger cracks cost more to fix, while smaller, more minor cracks are usually less expensive.
How Do You Fix A Cracked Granite Countertop?
Fixing a cracked granite countertop can be a complex process, especially when it comes time to color-match the filler to the countertop. However, if you’d like to tackle the process without professional help, here’s a quick overview of the process:
Pick An Epoxy
First, you need to choose an epoxy to fill the gap. Many manufacturers develop epoxy products for this particular scenario, so you should have plenty of options. Make sure you select the appropriate type – there are epoxies designed for patching broken counters, while others are specifically for filling cracks.
Not all epoxy mixtures are colored, so you might need to buy pigmentation to dye the mixture. Some companies offer repair kits featuring pigments with epoxy for color matching, but not all do. Choose the appropriate color and type for your countertop.
Choose Granite Dust
Granite dust is an excellent way to fill the gap with a closely-matched color. Many fabricators and installers generate obscene amounts of granite dust during the beveling and finishing process, so you might be able to buy dust from them.
If you decide to go this route, make sure you choose granite dust from a slab that’s very similar to yours. For the most part, two teaspoons of granite powder are sufficient for a foot-long crack, so you might be able to get what you need for free.
Clean The Area
After you purchase the necessary materials, you need to clean the area of the gap. Clean in and around the crack with acetone, then let the area dry completely. Tape off the countertop around the crack with painter’s tape, ensuring you place the tape as close as you can to the edges of the crack.
Prep The Epoxy
Next, you need to prep the epoxy for pouring. Generally, epoxy comes in a two-part mixture, but this can vary. Follow the instructions on the packaging for mixing, then add the granite dust (if applicable) until the color closely matches the slab you’re repairing.
Fill The Gap
Once the epoxy is ready, apply it to the damaged area. Using the same tool you used for mixing the epoxy, push the mixture into the crack until it is completely filled. Remember, anything that overflows will have to be polished down later, so try not to grossly overfill the crack.
That said, it is good to slightly overfill the crack, as this will help ensure there aren’t any low spots that could cause a dip in the repair, even after polishing.
Let the epoxy dry entirely according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Finishing Touches
After the epoxy is completely dry, your final steps are the finishing touches. This is the part where you polish the repair until it is level with the rest of the counter. If you color-matched the epoxy well enough, the crack should blend in with the counter.