Many homeowners in the GTA will turn to natural stone slabs as a wise way to add the perfect natural element to a room. From marble, to granite or slate, all natural stones are beautiful, but some are not as durable as others. It is important to know the durability of these stones, to be able to decide which is the best choice for your house.

 

 

Marble is considered a soft stone, which brings with it both pros and cons. Marble is created over long periods of time as limestone is heated and compressed, and as the stone recrystallizes, it becomes marble. Marble is a timeless choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and general flooring, and can withstand years of constant use. Marble is also heat and cold resistant, which makes it a great choice for busy rooms. Because it is a soft stone, it is less durable than granite or slate, and in turn, requires more attention and regular cleaning. Over time, the stone can absorb colors from acidic food spills, such as tomato sauce or red wine. Similarly, the use of acidic cleaners on the stone can affect its color, and is not recommended.

 

 

Unlike marble, granite is considered a hard stone. The natural stone is defined as an ingenious rock, as it is created slowly from magma crystalizing and turning to rock. Granite is one of the most durable natural stones that is added to the house, which is why it is found in a variety of high-impact areas such as:

• Countertops
• Floor Tiles
• Stairs and Staircases
• Fireplaces
• Foyer Decoration

Granite requires more care and attention than manmade materials. Given granite’s hardness, it is more likely to chip and crack than other stones. Granite also requires a high-quality polish to bring out its natural beauty. Many polishes are not heat proof and can damage the natural stone underneath if not treated correctly. It is also a porous stone, meaning it can absorb liquids into it. Low quality stone sealants can absorb into the stone and not protect it, allowing it to wear down more easily and harvest bacteria. Like all natural stone, granite has both pros and cons, and requires some thought before becoming an addition to the home.

 

 

Slate may not be an immediate choice for household decorating, but is one of the best choices. The natural stone is a metamorphic rock, meaning it is created as other rocks are put under extreme heat and pressure, forming a new stone. Slate comes in a lesser variety than its counterparts, however this allows for more even coloration when choosing a slab. It also has the additional benefit of not being a porous rock like granite is; therefore it cleans easier and is much less likely to harbour bacteria in its crevices.  Additionally, slate is so heat proof it is actually fireproof, so the worry of leaving hot cooking tools or styling appliances on it is no concern. The only downfall of slate slabs is that the stone can be so hard, edges can be sharp and dangerous. When filed down and curved however, this worry immediately vanishes.

 

Like all big purchases, it is important to know the quality of the product you are getting. Durable natural stone slab from reputable GTA suppliers will naturally be higher quality,  but as long as you are able to keep up the maintenance of the stone, any purchase will be a good one.