While home
renovations are always an exciting time, it is important to ensure that
upgrades add significant value to a property in order to be considered an
investment. This can be done by paying careful attention and care to the materials used
in various aspects of a home upgrade. When it comes to countertops and floors,
more and more homeowners are choosing to invest in high quality natural stone
over ceramic and laminate. Options such as marble, granite, and quartzite offer both an aesthetic
appeal as well as durable surfaces that are guaranteed to stand the test of
time.
Benefits of Natural Stone
Countertops
Natural stone
countertops are generally available in these three material options: granite, quartzite, and
marble. These materials are all, to a certain degree, durable and scratch-resistant, making them an
ideal option in the kitchen or bathroom. While it can withstand high
temperatures, placing hot objects directly on marble surfaces is not
recommended as this can cause a discolouration that can only be fixed by replacing
the entire countertop. Because of this, many opt for granite or natural quartzite countertops, as
they will not discolour should they happen to come in contact with a hot pot or
cooking dish. You should never, however, place hot pots directly on a natural fissure or a seam as these can open up.
While these natural stone surfaces are fairly easy to maintain, granite and quartzite in particular are recognized for their ability to withstand bacteria from food. Due to its porous qualities,
marble is particularly susceptible to acidic food products, scratching, and staining. All natural stones, especially marble due to its porosity, should be sealed yearly or so ( it's easy! ) to prevent absorption of liquids and the penetration of stains.
One of the
most attractive aspects of upgrading
countertops to natural stone is that you are inviting the elegance of far-away countries to your home. While there are
cheaper countertop alternatives, few materials are capable of withstanding heat
and traffic as are upkept natural stones. Some of the world's most beautiful
buildings were made with these materials and they still stand today as a true
testament.
Benefits of Marble Floors
Not only is
natural stone an excellent option for countertops, it is also an ideal choice
for floors. Marble floors complement any home and add substantially to its
value. They are not only aesthetically pleasing, they are also available in a wide range of colours
to suit all design schemes and personal tastes.
Marble tiles are a lovely addition
in any room of the home.
Marble, quartzite,
and granite offer numerous benefits when it comes to home upgrades and renovations.
Discuss all the available possibilities with your Ottawa natural stone
distributor. A professional will walk you through the various options as well
as offer helpful tips and tricks on protecting your new investment.