Many people are taking advantage of low interest rates by doing upgrades to their home. One of the most popular upgrades is to the kitchen where from floor to ceiling, everyone is generally tired of their current design. The kitchen also presents the most beautiful opportunities available in home décor.
Everything from flooring, cabinets, backsplashes, countertops, sinks, appliances and everything in between can be fully customized to meet your specific needs. One of the biggest impact pieces done in kitchens are generally the countertop and backsplash. With so many options at your disposal, getting started can be difficult and overwhelming. While there are so many options available, few can compete with the beauty, timelessness and general benefits of a natural stone countertop.
Granite
Granite is one of the most popular, upscale and elegant countertop materials available on the market. It combines natural beauty with the strength, durability and other benefits that granite offers. It is generally available in five different colour categories, and has two specific subcategories of each colour: variegated, which contains veins throughout the stone, and consistent, which has a similar flecked-bit appearance throughout the entire stone.
Pros:
- Resistant to all heat
- Timeless beauty
- Each piece is unique
- Water resistant with sealing
- Scratch resistant
Cons:
- Expensive
- Requires annual sealing
- Tough to repair heavy cracks
- Tough on dishes
Marble
Marble has the kind of beauty that has captured the minds and hearts of people dating back to the Roman days where marble was a sign of affluence, power and strength. It continues to retain those values today. Marble is a more porous and softer stone than granite, but it can hold up with proper maintenance just as long as granite.
Pros:
- Resists heat
- Truly luxurious and beautiful, a great focal point
- Ideal for bakers as it has a cool to touch property
- Can be sealed to protect from staining
Cons:
- Expensive
- Must be sealed regularly
- Softer stone makes it more susceptible to damage
- Tough on dishes
Slate
Slate has generally been used to make highly durable roofs and walkways. However, it has seen increase demand in the kitchen of late. Coming in a variety of colours including grey, blue, dark green and purple, it really does bring a unique matte property to the kitchen. It is less prone to staining, however sealing is still recommended.
Pros:
- Heat resistant
- Timeless beauty
- Incredibly strong
- Not prone to staining
Cons:
- Expensive
- Can be brittle
- Somewhat prone to scratches
- Requires some maintenance
The most common upgrades done to the
home right now is in the kitchen. The kitchen presents many different options from the cabinets to the lighting. However, the most common upgrades are the ones done to the countertop or backsplash. Three common selections in Ottawa include marble, granite and even slate. The best one for your kitchen will depend on your specific needs, as well as usage. Learning about each material is the key to selecting the one that will fit your lifestyle perfectly.