If you’re trying to choose between granite and marble slab in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) for your home renovation, it’s important to have all the facts before you make a decision. Consider the strengths and weaknesses of each natural stone so you’ll end up choosing the one that’s right for your lifestyle.

 

 

If you’re looking for prestige and elegance, granite and marble are the two front-runners for most people. Each has a distinct look and both are formed in completely different ways.

 

Granite is formed deep beneath the ground, closer to the planet’s mantle, and it needs high temperatures to form. Granite is extremely hard and has a grainy appearance. That grainy appearance helps create a sense of depth for those looking at the rock. It comes in many different colours and patterns.

 

Marble starts as animal skeletons, silt, plants, and other organic material. It takes millions of years for marble to form, explaining the high price of rarer marble types. Unlike granite, marble is a soft stone, prone to scratching and easily stained if not sealed. Marble patterns vary from fine veins to bold, swirling colours.

 

 

Granite resists scratching and pitting, and, as long as you reseal it every two years, it is also fairly stain-resistant. It’s also a sanitary choice since it is non-porous, meaning germs won’t work their way into the stone.

 

Granite is incredibly hard. You can even dull a knife’s edge if you use granite as a cutting board. This toughness makes it resistant to heat scorches as well. There is a drawback to that hard surface; it can be hard for fabricators to cut granite without chipping, which is something to think about if you need a non-standard shape that your fabricator may not have experience cutting.

 

One of the greatest advantages of granite is that the colour will never fade.

 

 

There’s no mistaking marble for another rock — you know it when you see it. Marble’s beautiful and distinct patterns, paired with its vibrant colours, make it extremely popular. The rarer the marble, the more expensive it is, but it also adds more value to your home. Prospective buyers who are looking for marble won’t be swayed by other natural stone slabs.

 

The softness of marble means that fabricators find it easier to work with. If you want a scalloped or bevelled edge, it can usually be cut without chipping the stone. If you have a special shape that you need cut, it’s easier for marble to fit in the area than some of the harder stones.

 

One drawback of marble is that it is extremely porous, so it stains easily. If a stain sets, you may have to look at it permanently — or cover it with an appliance or trivet. Keep acidic foods and liquids, like apples or wine, away from the countertop. One spill could cause pits or stains.

 

Marble needs to be resealed at least once a year, and more often than that if you notice wear and tear from frequent use.

 

Choosing between granite and marble slab for your GTA renovation is an important first step in transforming your kitchen, bathroom, fireplace, or any other area of your home into an elegant, majestic room. By investing in granite and marble slabs, you’re making your home more attractive to buyers across the GTA.