Granite slabs give GTA homes value and beauty. Continue reading to learn more about choosing a granite slab, finishes and edges.

 

 

Like many homeowners in the Greater Toronto Area, you may be considering installing a granite slab kitchen countertop. Whether you’re building a new home or renovating your current kitchen, granite slab is a smart choice. Not only does a granite slab countertop add resale value to your home, but it also adds beauty and grace to your everyday life. Each granite slab is one-of-a-kind, a unique work of art created by nature! A granite countertop can become the centrepiece of any kitchen and the heart of your home.

 

 

When considering a granite countertop, you’ll have plenty of choices to make. One of the first choices is colour. One of the reasons that interior designers love granite is that it is available in such a wide variety of colours. Granite is found in virtually every country in the world, and a quick look at some of the names of popular types of granite is an indication of the range of stone colours available to you:

You’ll also have to choose whether you want the patterning of your granite to be subtle, dramatic or somewhere in between. Make sure that patterning is consistent throughout the whole slab. (Never choose fine stone from a small sample; always view the whole slab.)

 

The best way to find the perfect granite slab for your kitchen is to visit a GTA stone importer’s showroom. Better importers maintain large showrooms where you can view hundreds of slabs. Look for a company with a welcoming atmosphere and knowledgeable staff to answer all of your questions. The best choice is often a family-owned enterprise that’s been in business for many years. These smaller companies build relationships with quarries around the world and take pride in bringing quality stone to GTA consumers.

 

 

After you’ve found the perfect slab, there are more choices to be made. The type of finish that you choose will greatly affect the appearance of your granite slab. Polished slabs are very shiny and reflective, and they highlight the character of your stone by making the colour more vibrant and bringing out the depth and crystal structure. However, many of today’s homeowners prefer a honed (or matte) surface. Honed surfaces are smooth and soft without being glossy.

 

There are various other less well known stone finishes, including tumbled or antique, which involves tumbling the stone with stainless steel bearings to create an "old world” look and is usually used for tiles. The flamed or thermal finish uses extreme heat to sear the surface, which creates a highly textured finish.

 

Edges also affect the appearance of your countertop. You can select from a number of different types of edges, including eased, quarter round, bevel, demi-bullnose, bullnose and ogee. Custom edges are also available.

 

Choose wisely and enjoy your beautiful granite countertop for decades to come!