If it’s a tie between prestigious granite and elegant marble slab for your Toronto home renovations, it’s time to discover the differences between the two so you can make the decision that’s right for your home and lifestyle.

 

 

For many people, the decision often comes down to marble and granite even though the stones are far from interchangeable. Each has an origin as different as their looks.

 

Granite is formed deep under the Earth’s surface at extremely high temperatures. It’s hard and grainy, and the variety of colour gives granite different patterns which combine with its graininess to give the stone depth.

 

Marble has an organic beginning, forming from animal skeletons, plants, and other materials over millions of years. Marble is rarer than granite and is one of the most expensive stones. Since marble is soft, it is easier for fabricators to work with. Unfortunately, it’s also easier to scratch. Marble patterns and colours vary by type, but its distinct veining and patterns are unmistakable.

 

 

Granite is a non-porous stone, so it’s a sanitary choice. You need to reseal it every two years to keep it looking its best and at its peak ability of stain-resistance. Since it’s so hard, it resists scratches. In fact, if you use it as a cutting board, it may dull your knife.

 

One of the greatest advantages of granite is that the colour will never fade. As time goes by, you’ll still see the colour you fell in love with.

 

A drawback to granite is that it is incredibly hard. If you need a non-standard shape or an extremely thin piece, it may be hard to cut without chipping the stone.

 

 

Marble is an elegant, distinctive stone that can’t be matched. It exudes luxury and can add a great deal of value to your home — the rarer the marble, the more sought after it becomes and the more it will wow prospective buyers.

 

The softness of marble makes it easier to cut into unique shapes. Your Toronto fabricator may be able to do more with it, like add scalloped or bevelled edging, or any other unique flourish you’d like.

 

A marble kitchen countertop is a true work of art. It’s time to find out the impressive effort that went into that gleaming masterpiece. Marble is extremely porous and stains easily. That means you have to stay on top of keeping it sealed. It’s recommended that you seal your marble every year, but, if the countertop is used frequently, it should be sealed more often.

 

If you’re a heavy soda or wine drinker, or your little ones can’t get enough orange or apple juice, be wary of marble. Acidic foods and liquids can quickly etch pits in your marble. You’ll need to blot them quickly and hope for the best. Once marble stains, it’s likely going to stay that way.

 

It’s hard choosing between granite and marble slab, but both can drastically increase the value of your Toronto home.