Those granite slabs you are buying for your Toronto home are an ideal investment.  Continue reading to find out how the beauty, versatility and durability of granite slabs increase the value of Toronto homes.

 

A strong case can be made for the use of granite slabs in Toronto design projects. It is a remarkably tough stone and surprisingly versatile in its uses. Granite slabs have huge appeal for kitchen flooring and other high-traffic areas because of their durability. They are also popular for bathroom vanities, countertops, backsplashes and fireplace hearths.

 

The density of the slabs makes for their durability. Maintenance of granite is not great – it does require periodic resealing. A gentle weekly cleaning is also going to keep it looking new – if a thousand-year-old stone can ever look new! Mild soap – not detergent – and even periodic dry mopping is all that is needed in addition to resealing.

 

Granite’s durability and beauty means that it will greatly enhance the resale value of your home.

 

 

Granite is quarried all over the world, and comes in a wildly diverse array of colours, which makes it easy to complement your existing home decor. Colours range from Niagara Gold (which is actually quarried in Africa) to Baha Blue. There are also whites and deep blacks. The veining and colour within the slabs varies considerably; there can be flecking and sparkling, which comes to life in the right lighting.

 

There are six basic colour groups.

• Black granite is a stunning choice for countertops, especially if set against white walls and steel appliances.
• Azul is popular in kitchens because it contains beautiful blues, and can be polished to an amazing sheen.
• Gold and coppered granites are more adventurous and are a little out of the ordinary.
• Green granite contains many supporting colours that make it a good choice for augmenting the decor of the room.
• Rose granite is rare and runs from pinks to lavenders.
• White granite works well in a room with little natural light, or dark cabinetry.

Installing Granite

 

Granite is an expensive stone and you must also factor in the cost of installation. In the case of a countertop, you are going to require the services of a fabricator to actually cut and prepare the slab for the exact dimensions of the required surface. The fabricator will work from a template, cut the slab to the exact dimensions required, polish and edge it, and add in any other design flourishes you may desire. Some fabricators do the installation themselves, or work with a partner on that process.

 

The important thing to bear in mind is that you can’t install granite yourself. If it is to be used as flooring, your installer will have to remove existing furniture and perhaps some cabinetry. The old floor covering will have to be removed and disposed of. A potentially hefty expense comes next with the preparation of the subfloor. Depending on its condition, it may have to be removed – or strengthened – as granite is heavy. There are usually product delivery charges and additional materials that may be required to complete the installation. The cost of the actual installation of the new floor is calculated based on square footage.

 

Finally, your floor of granite slabs is enhancing your Toronto home!