Can You Make RV Countertops from Granite?

Introducing natural stone such as granite into RV countertops is a great alternative to the materials traditionally used in the manufacturing and remodeling of these vehicles. Most options in the market these days are synthetic materials such as polyester carpeting, ceramic, laminate, and vinyl tiles.

However, some high-end RV makers such as Prevost are known to manufacture conversion coaches tiled with marble in the main living area as well as in the bathroom. Yet granite may be an even better option than marble for recreational vehicles. 

RV Countertops At a Glance

RV countertops must provide a variety of functions within the motorhome. Here are some aspects to consider prior to installation if you are thinking of installing granite into your RV.

The Look and Feel of Granite 

Class A motorhomes and luxury RVs stand to benefit from granite flooring and countertops. Going from a worn synthetic carpet to granite floor tiles is quite an improvement, and there is also the option of installing a system of heating elements underneath the granite tiles to keep the RV interior warm. The natural and diverse look of granite can be a major upgrade for RV owners who want to increase the value of their investments. Granite slabs can also be installed in the galley area as food prep counters or dining tables. 

Installation Concerns 

Additional weight, insulation, soundproofing and resistance to vibrations are the most important concerns for RV granite installations. Professional installers should handle this project, and they do the math with regard to the weight the granite will add to the vehicle. The tiles, adhesive material, heating system, and grout could add more than two pounds per square foot. Poor installations that do not absorb vibrations could cause the tiles and grout lines to crack, and they can also be noisy when traveling down bumpy roads. 

Maintenance 

Caring for granite surfaces used to be thought of as a high-maintenance concern, but this is no longer the case thanks to products specifically formulated to clean, seal, and polish granite on a do-it-yourself basis. Granite tiles and slabs are sealed prior to installation, and they must be frequently resealed with a stone-safe spray-and-wipe granite sealer. Though granite counters and backsplashes should be polished, floor tiles should only be cleaned and sealed to prevent slipping hazards when the RV is in motion. 

Installation Costs 

RV owners can expect to pay more for granite flooring installations than they would for a residential project. Some contractors may not even wish to take on the job if they feel the installation cannot be properly guaranteed to survive thousands of miles without cracking, not to mention the fact that installing heating elements under the tiles is not something all flooring contractors are familiar with. This is not the case with granite slabs for countertops and table surfaces since they do not require such intricate installation. 

Protect Your Granite Countertops with Granite Gold®

Whether you’re installing granite in your RV or in your home, it’s crucial to know how to clean granite countertops. One of the most essential steps is using a stone-safe cleaner such as Granite Gold® Daily Cleaner, which is safe to use on all types of natural stone, including marble, limestone, and slate. 

Call Granite Gold® today at 1-800-475-STONE to learn more about caring for natural stone with our high-quality products.