How are you caring for the natural stone slabs in your GTA home? Read on to learn more about the precautionary measures homeowners are taking to ensure the beauty of the natural stone slabs in their GTA homes.
Many homeowners compare the pros and cons of different countertop and flooring options when building or renovating their home. It is not uncommon for natural stone surfaces to be a big part of their home design. Advancements in the building industry have made natural stone more readily-available and affordable for residential use. Homeowners have wasted no time taking advantage of the functional and aesthetic benefits of incorporating natural stone into their homes. Natural stone surfaces and floors provide long-lasting durability, adding value and appeal to your home for years to come. Natural stone is very unique; no two slabs of stone are identical in nature. Homeowners looking to decide between natural stone options should make their way to a local showroom where a distributor will have samples on display of various natural stone slabs. GTA homes can benefit greatly from adding natural stone in their kitchens, bathrooms, entrances and other highly impressionable areas.
Proper Maintenance and Care
Once installed, it is important to take proper care of your natural stone surfaces in order to maintain its beauty for years to come. Depending on your choice of surface, you might have to be more careful when handling certain foods. Marble, for example, is a more porous building material than granite, making it more sensitive to stains and etching from acidic foods, juices, and cleaning solutions. Below are some of the necessary precautionary measures homeowners should take when it comes to protecting the natural stone surfaces in their homes.
Cutting Boards
It is important for homeowners that prepare food on their natural stone countertops or islands to use cutting boards, even on granite surfaces. Though homeowners may be able to get away with cutting directly on the surface, cutting boards provide added protection that can increase the longevity of your investment. For owners that have a marble surface, cutting boards are especially important when preparing acidic fruits and vegetables, as these can damage your surface by leaving a mark.
Heat Pads
For both marble and granite countertops, it is important to use heat pads rather than placing hot pots and pans directly on the natural stone surface. Homeowners that have granite surfaces may be able to place pots and pans directly on the surface, however the use of heat pads is still encouraged to ensure the long-term protection of your stone. Marble, on the other hand, can be burned or scorched by items that are too hot, so it is a good idea to have heat pads readily available on your countertop surface.
Handle Spills Immediately
Both granite and marble are porous rocks that absorb liquids, so all spills need to be taken care of immediately. Rather than wiping a spill, which can spread the damage and surface area of the mess, spills should be blotted up. Both marble and granite will need to be resealed yearly to ensure that your surface is resistant enough against stains and spills. Natural stone slabs can add value, appeal, and beauty to every home in the GTA. With proper maintenance and care, natural stone surfaces and floors can last a lifetime.