Q: I adore my new granite countertop! It really is the centerpiece of our new kitchen. I know it’s a durable surface, so do I really have to cover it with an ugly cutting board when I work? Can I just slice and dice right on the granite surface? 

A: One of the great things about granite, in addition to its timeless beauty, is that it’s an incredibly hard and durable material. In fact, it’s harder than your knife’s edge. So while you can cut and chop directly on your granite surface, unless you want to replace your lovely Laguiole knives on a regular basis, your best bet is to use a cutting board.

Granite countertop by Venegas and Company; photo via Houzz

A luxury of having a granite countertop is that, if you’re in a hurry, you can cut up an apple right on the surface. Or if you’re mixing a quick cocktail and need to add lemon/lime, it’s not a big deal to slice it right on the countertop. Keep in mind that the main purpose of a cutting board isn’t necessarily to protect your granite from scratches. It’s also to protect your expensive knife blades as well as protect the sealer on your granite from acid erosion. While the acid in a tomato or lemon won’t necessarily hurt the granite itself, it can break down the sealer, requiring you to seal more often.

To boil it down… a quick chop here and there, and your knives (and countertop) won’t be any worse for wear. But if you’re preparing a dinner that requires a lot of cutting, chopping, and prep work, it’s a good rule of thumb to use a cutting board. Granite does a very good job of standing up to scratches, acids, heat, and cold. But remember that your granite countertop is an investment. And when well cared for, it will last a lifetime. It’s just a good habit to use a cutting board. But if you’re in the market for a new set of Wusthofs, by all means cut away!

Have more questions about marble, granite, quartzite, soapstone or any other surfacing material? Visit our showrooms or Call us at 877-39-STONE