Natural stone is a wonderful material to use when upgrading
your home. There are many different types of natural stone for selection in the
GTA, each with their individual properties that suit different purposes in home
construction. From strong and durable granite, to soft and supple marble, there
are many different natural stone slabs GTA homeowners can choose from. Whether
meeting functional needs or aesthetic needs, (and in most cases both), visiting
a stone slab showroom is your first step in selecting the
right
type of natural stone.
Marble: Limestone
faced with intense natural conditions changes its composition over time to
create luxurious and smooth marble. Often synonymous with sophistication and
grandeur, marble provides a wonderfully warm and smooth look to any room of the
house. Used predominantly in bathrooms and kitchens, marble slabs provide a
dramatic focal point on counter tops, backsplashes, floors and accent pieces.
It is softer and more absorbent than other natural stone slabs, so stains from
rust, dirt or particularly acidic liquids are quick to stain. Marble surfaces
polish nicely with the right tools – use a poultice to absorb stains
effectively. Best uses for marble are for backsplashes, pastry surfaces, tub
surrounds, fireplace decorating and vanity tops.
Granite: A leader
among the natural stone slabs for durability, granite is often the first choice
for kitchens and high-traffic areas. Granite can vary in colours and patterns,
and often has a salt-and-pepper appearance with flecks of different minerals
glistening through rock. Granite slabs are far from boring and offer a broad
array of different colours and patterns. Never choose a granite slab by working
off of samples alone as patterns can vary from stone to stone. When choosing
granite slabs, GTA buyers are urged to go to a showroom to see what’s
available.
Onyx:
Distinguished and used in a variety of designs, onyx is known for its
translucent appearance. Modern designs will use lighting behind the natural
stone slab to highlight the beautiful patterns encased within. However, it is more
prone to scratches than most of the natural stones. It is recommended to seal
onyx stone slabs often to prevent damage. Onyx is not recommended for high
traffic areas, but is intended rather for interesting accent pieces. It is best
for vanity tops, bath tub accents, shower tiles and interesting surface pieces
such as walls where lighting can show off what onyx is made of.
Travertine: A
very porous stone, travertine is recognized easily by bubble-like markings in
the stone. This is a result of the stone’s formation – hot
mineral-rich
bubbling springs give travertine this appearance. These unique stones often
come in lighter colours like beige, ivory and cream. Use travertine for
bathroom countertops, bath tub accents and floors. This type of natural stone
slab is very popular for floors as well. Simply fill in the bubble-like holes
to make an even surface.
Limestone: If you’re looking for a unique surface with
varying textures, consider limestone! Limestone is a softer stone, similar in
many ways to its marble counterpart. Buyers should understand that tender
loving care is needed and should be sealed often if used in high-traffic areas
in order to maintain its appearance. Limestone is best used as flooring, for
bathroom surfaces and entryways.
Visiting a showroom with a wide selection of natural stone
slab to choose from in the GTA will give buyers a good idea of what they are
looking at. Associates offer expert advice and can help you choose the right
natural stone slab to suit your decorating needs. Selecting different types of
stone may complement each other, (for example, choosing granite floors with
marble counters). Whatever your design needs, businesses specializing in
selling natural stone slabs to GTA buyers can help you make the right choice!