There are many types of countertops available to today’s homeowner, including laminate, solid surface, engineered quartz, stainless steel, porcelain and granite. However, those who appreciate fine stone prefer the beauty and elegance of the marble slab countertop. Toronto homeowners have never before had access to so many different varieties of marble slab, at such affordable prices.

 

 

Marble is a metamorphic stone created when limestone is subjected over time to heat and pressure in the earth’s crust. Carbonate and any accessory minerals recrystallize and form large grains of calcite. Hard and compact, the resulting marble is relatively soft and can be polished to a high shine. Marble is a translucent stone with the ability to reflect light, giving it a luminous quality.

 

Depending on what minerals are present during the recrystallization process, marble can take on colour. Marble can range from pure white calcite to deep mahogany shades, with a rainbow of colour in between – ensuring that you will be able to find the perfect marble slab for your kitchen countertop.

 

Marble is classic and timeless, and its natural beauty is compatible with any type of décor. It can be highly polished or finished with a honed or matte, surface. As well, there are numerous types of edges that you can choose to reflect your personal style, from sleek lines to ornate traditional edges.

 

Marble is also a great surface for cooking and baking. In fact, marble’s cool surface is de rigeur for pastry chefs. It’s easy to clean with just a damp cloth and it repels bacteria, mold and more.

 

In addition, making a modest investment in a marble countertop can pay great dividends. Studies show that stone countertops add resale value to your home and may even be a factor in the speed of home sales.

 

 

Obviously, marble is durable. Many of the most famous classical structures, monuments and statues are made of marble. Famed marble buildings include the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Taj Mahal, the Parthenon and other ancient Greek buildings such as the Temple of Apollo at Delphi. Monuments include the Washington monument, which is constructed of three different types of marble, and many of Canada’s First World War monuments both overseas and at home. Marble statues include such familiar works as the Venus de Milo andMichelangelo’s David.

 

Marble will last through the ages. Your marble countertop is tough, durable and made to last. However, marble may be stained when it comes into contact with acidic substances such as tomato juice, red wine or orange juice. Because it’s a softer stone than granite, marble is also more susceptible to scratches. Some marble owners embrace the patina that a well-used marble slab acquires, but others work hard to keep the stone as pristine as possible. Most spills can be wiped up simply with a damp cloth; as long as they’re not left on the surface for any length of time, they should wipe off easily. About once a year, the marble should be resealed, a simple process requiring less than an hour.

 

Visit a Toronto area stone importer’s showroom today and learn more about beautiful marble slab countertops.