How are you caring for the natural stone slab in your GTA home? Read more to learn about the proper precautions to take in order to preserve the beauty of a natural stone slab.

 

When deciding on a type of natural stone slab, GTA homeowners are often forced to compare the differences between marble and granite. It’s a good idea to make an attempt to view the actual slab that will be placed in your home. This can be difficult, but homeowners should still find a way to make it out to one of the local showrooms in Toronto to get a better understanding of the natural stone options that are available for their home. Granite and marble have seen increased residential usage as building materials in recent years, due in part to their natural beauty, durability, and ability to add value to residential properties. Whether you are planning on selling your home or looking to stay in it forever, the addition of a natural stone surface is one that homeowners expect to last a lifetime. The natural resiliency of granite makes it great for areas that see a lot of usage, such as kitchen countertops. Marble is a more porous stone than granite, making it better suited for aesthetic applications, but it is certainly formidable enough to withstand regular home use. Granite provides added protection against stains, etches, and heat, but what is the difference between marble and granite when it comes to maintenance and care?

 

 

For homeowners looking to get the most out of their investment, proper maintenance and care is an integral part of preserving the beauty and functionality of your stone surface. Homeowners with granite countertops know that the added resistance that the material provides does not make it indestructible. Though it’s possible to get away with putting hot pots and pans directly on the surface, people with granite countertops are advised to use heat pads to ensure long-lasting beauty over time. Marble surfaces can be burned or damaged when they come into contact with very hot objects, so it is especially important to keep heat pads readily available. Many of the same precautions necessary for the protection of marble surfaces can be applied to granite surfaces as well.

 

No matter the type of natural stone surface, all stains should be blotted up immediately; wiping stains can spread the mess and increase the potential damage done to your surface. Annual resealing is a great way to give homeowners a little bit of extra time to clean up those spills without causing damage to your surface. Homeowners like the added utility of being able to cut and prepare food directly on their granite countertops, however, like marble surfaces, using a cutting board is the best way to protect the long-term beauty of your natural stone surface. Marble surfaces are more porous and more greatly affected by acidic solutions, foods, and juices. Alcohols, tomatoes, lemons, and vinegars are all common household kitchen items that can leave a mark on your marble surface.

 

The addition of a natural stone slab countertop or surface can increase the value of any GTA home. Natural stone countertops and floors add to the beauty, appeal, and functionality of any kitchen or bathroom.