Some chips on the edges - no idea how that happened.

I have some chips around the undermount sink -- I can't see them, but I can feel them if I run my fingers along the edge. I'm not the original owner of the house, but I'd bet some of the gloss has worn off. When I see the same granite (tropic brown) in newer houses, it's shinier. It's 16 years old (well, I guess it's a LOT older, but it's been in this kitchen for 16 years).

Same here. A couple of chips around undermounted sink. Also a chip from where I accidentally smacked an edge with a bowl. Yikes.

We have granite in our current home. Nothing has damaged it by now. Nobody's extremely careful with it too.

(We're third owners..when we came the granite was here. I'd say this granite is between 10 to 15 years old minimum, maybe more)

After 19 years of eating at our eating island (we have 2 islands), there are some scratches where our plates sit. That's the extent of it

The only damage is the scratch from my engagement ring. I talked about here:

Thread: Yes, AB Granite CAN Be Scratched :-(

• http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2603938/yes-ab-granite-can-be-scratched?n=7

Our granite has been installed & in use since June 2008.

And you know what, I haven't noticed or even thought about the scratch since back then! I actually completely forgot about it until this thread popped up!

I have a very large crack behind my undermount sink. Much larger than the one Joseph posted above. It's the original granite that was installed 15 yrs ago. I don't remember if it was here when we moved in 3 yrs ago, I'm guessing so.

The only damage is that it is not as smooth behind the sink as it was when first installed. Too many water drips sitting there between wipe downs.

My plumber canned tomatoes and had the jars sitting on his black granite counter. He poured the hot tomatoes in and the counter cracked from thermal shock.

Thanks for sharing everyone. So it sounds like dropping dishes on the edge, pooled water, and extreme temperature fluctuations are the most common issues. Oh, and wear and tear scratches.

smm5525:

Post a picture please, but I'm betting you've blown a rod. Here's where you're going if you do nothing:

Thx Joseph. We are doing a total remodel soon, hopefully start demo in a few months. But here is the pic:

We try to be careful to not get too much water back there.

Classic rod failure.

11 years and no damage - looks like the day it was installed. I have not babied it, though I don't clean it with any abrasives or chemicals. I haven't even sealed it. It's all about which granite you have; there is so much variation. If you are looking for durability, ask for a granite with a "low absorption rate".

Regarding pooled water: my granite by the sink will feel rougher if water has dried on it so that minerals are left after the water dries. I simply take a damp Dobie pad and wipe up the minerals, then dry with a paper towel or cloth. Leaves it smooth as glass. Takes about a minute.