For many generations, natural stone has been used to build custom homes, mansions and elaborate palaces. Sought after for its beauty, natural stone is synonymous with high quality, luxury and sophistication. Even when used in small ways, a natural stone slab will bring a room together in any GTA home and provides a variety of styles from traditional, to rustic, to contemporary.

 

A timeless look that will never go out of style, natural stone comes in a wide variety of colours, textures and applications. Choosing the right stone to incorporate into an interior deserves careful consideration. Consider these options, from the familiar marble and granite, to more extraordinary limestone.

 

 

Authentic marble is formed from limestone or dolomite that has undergone enough heat and pressure to transform into a crystalline substance. Minerals present during the process of metamorphosis give marble its veining.

 

Marble slabs can be incorporated pretty much anywhere in a home, but work best for:

• Backsplashes
• Pastry surfaces
• Vanity tops

Marble slabs are available in a rich palette and spectrum of colours ranging from classic white and earth tones to rich browns and greens.

 

 

The physical appearance of granite is very different from that of marble. Granite has a variety of speckled colours resulting from the melded stones within it – namely, quartz, feldspar and biotite mica – and comes in numerous shades and tones.

 

In the home, granite is best used for:

• Kitchen countertops
• Fireplace surrounds
• Trivets

With unmatched durability, granite is hard to scratch and even harder to stain. Granite will not harbor bacteria either. One of the most appealing attributes of granite is that its luster will not fade over time.

 

 

Formed from the shells and coral of the sea, limestone is a natural stone that is millions of years old and that will complement any décor. Limestone works best for:

• Bathroom surfaces
• Kitchen floors
• Entryways

Available in an array of textures, most limestone comes in softer earth tone colours. Designed by nature, limestone delivers a serene, uncluttered design that works well in both minimalist interiors and more traditional spaces.

 

 

Natural stone is one of the most environmentally friendly material choices available today. According to the Natural Stone Council, it takes less energy consumption to quarry stone than it does to produce artificial materials. In its finished form, natural stone contains next to no pollutants.

 

When it comes to home renovation projects, natural stone is the top choice for discerning homeowners looking to add a natural, grounded look to their interior while at the same time creating a positive effect on the environment.

 

 

With so many choices at a homeowner’s fingertips, regardless of the natural stone slab that is settled on, a few basic rules apply to its upkeep:

• Wipe up spills immediately, especially acidic juice and alcohol, which will corrode the surface
• Avoid placing wet, hot or abrasive objects directly on the stone’s surface.

With proper upkeep, a natural stone slab in the GTA can last for a lifetime.