Choosing between granite and marble slabs for your Toronto renovation can be tough. Find out the advantages and costs involved in using natural stone in your home.

 

 

If you are buying granite or marble slabs for your Toronto kitchen, here’s something to keep in mind: the stone that appeals to you most at the dealership may not be the right one for your home.

 

There are a number of considerations as to the kind of stone you are choosing, ranging from cost to durability. Let’s assume the latter is, in fact, your strongest motivator, and, as a result, you’ve settled on a granite slab for your kitchen countertop.

 

When choosing your piece of granite, you must consider four things next.

1. Colour. Granite comes in a variety of colours; some are going to work well with your decor – and some are not. What colour are your kitchen cabinets? Pick a countertop that will contrast and complement them. What other furnishings are in the room and what colour are the walls? Again, go for a complementary contrast.
2. Natural light. If the kitchen gets a lot of natural light, then you have more latitude to choose a dark piece of granite. The reverse is also true – the darker the kitchen, the better a brighter stone will look in it.
3. Size of kitchen. Dark granite will make a small kitchen look even smaller. Go for a light stone in that case. For a larger kitchen, consider a dark stone as a way of gathering focus for the room.
4. Resale value. Think about how your choice of granite will work for future owners of the house – or if it will even appeal to them. Granite’s durability means that it will outlast you – so consider the legacy you will be creating with it.

Colours, Cracks, Pits and Pitfalls!

 

There is a wide range of colour to choose from, falling roughly into six colour palettes. Azul is popular in kitchens because it is showy and contains blues. Black is bold and sophisticated and really draws attention to the food preparation area, giving it a focal point. Gold and copper-tinged granites offer pizzazz, accentuated by supporting colours in white, black and greys.

 

Green granite can offer a surprise to the kitchen decor. It also often contains aquas and blues, along with greys and golds, which means that it complements most colour schemes. Rose coloured granite is rare, and ranges from soft pink to gentle lavenders. And finally, for a contrast to dark cabinetry, white granite is a strong choice.

 

Things to watch out for in granite are ‘pits.’ The stone naturally has holes in it and you can feel them by running your hands over it. The smaller the holes, the better the stone. Watch for hairline cracks in the stone, as this could suggest weakness in the granite. And, finally, look for consistency of coloration.

 

 

You are not alone in this process. A reputable dealer will take the time to walk you through the many options you have with granite slabs. Once you’ve selected your stone, a fabricator will fit your chosen piece of stone to the countertop or kitchen island. The fabricator shapes and polishes your slab, giving it a decorative and personalized look that suits your vision.

 

Granite and marble slabs in Toronto – the choice is yours. Enjoy the process!