Natural Art for the Home
For homeowners in the GTA, natural stone slabs such as marble or granite are incredibly versatile, stylish and durable ways to showcase the earth’s natural beauty in their homes. The complex, layered textures and colours of marble and granite can not only enhance your décor, but add significant value to your property. Whether it’s for elegant kitchen countertops, stunning backsplashes, modern vanity tops, sleek coffee tables or slick bathroom surfaces, there are a myriad of options of marble and granite products available in the GTA to suit your home that also offer day-to-day functionality and long-lasting beauty.
Granite or Marble?
Granite is an extremely popular option not only because it offers a polished and modern look, but it’s also naturally stain-resistant, heat-resistant and bacteria-resistant, making it an excellent choice for kitchen countertops. Historically used by the Egyptians for some of their most magnificent structures, including the Red Pyramid of Egypt and sections of the Great Pyramid of Giza, granite is comprised of quartz, feldspar and mica, as well as amphibole. These stones are embedded in the surface and as a result, granite’s shiny, glossy texture offers a range of speckled colours. The shades of granite are also diverse, from rich deep reds to warm pinks, golds and greens. It’s considered to be one of the hardest natural materials on the planet, and it’s resistant to chipping, cracking and breaking, ideal for surfaces in high-traffic areas.
In comparison, marble can be expensive but offers a luxurious, classic and cool look, with its naturally white brightness in tone. It has been used in some of the world’s most famous and awe-inspiring buildings, including the Greek Parthenon and the Taj Mahal. The surface of marble has darker veined lines running through it, which are created from mineral impurities, such as silt and iron oxides. Marble is waterproof and heatproof but is also a much softer stone compared to granite and can be susceptible to scratching and staining. It’s more vulnerable to heat and acids, and over time, marble can become duller in appearance. Both granite and marble are porous, so it’s vital to use sealants once or twice a year to prevent staining and etching on surfaces.