Home renovating is an endeavour not lightly entered into. There is much planning and designing that goes into turning a room into one that you have envisioned. Transforming dream renovations into reality takes time and research. Two of the most complicated rooms to renovate are the kitchen and the bathroom. There are many components, both functional and aesthetic, that have a considerable impact on how the room will look and work. Cabinetry, flooring, working surfaces and space all play their role in how the room will come together. Natural stone is a material that is used, as it is both functional and aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Different types of natural stone slabs have properties that are attractive to Toronto buyers. When buying natural stone slabs, GTA home owners should know the benefits of each type and how to maintain them properly before deciding based solely on what a slab looks like.

 

 

Natural stone slabs are preferred to tiles for a few reasons. Slabs are more durable and are easier for installers to work with. Tiling, although more cost-effective, takes time and patience. Installing tiles can be cumbersome and, if not done just so, can be laid uneven and crooked. Slabs, however, are one uniform piece usually. If more than one piece is needed depending on style, then they are adhered together with strong materials. The seams are virtually undetectable. Natural patterns captured in the stone almost flourish compared to the broken appearance of tile. Swirling patterns and colours are showcased in slabs. Choosing the right slab is more than just looking at colour and pattern, it’s about planning out where your cuts will be. For example, countertops in "L-shapes” are cut in specific ways so that natural patterns create a striking focal point.

 

 

So, which stone is going to work best for your needs? There are advantages and disadvantages of each type that should be considered.

• Marble – a soft stone derived of limestone, marble is soft and malleable. Marble is also easy to stain and requires consistent and responsible upkeep to ensure your slab looks as great as it did the day it was installed. Marble is a great choice for low-traffic areas or bathrooms. Marble is a classic choice and reminds people of luxury and sophistication. Marble accent pieces and mantels are often used to compliment a room as well. Marble is virtually unaffected by changes in heat, so modern uses for marble include fireplace faces, pastry counters or islands in kitchens where a lot of baking takes place.
• Onyx is also a softer stone and requires consistent care. This exotic looking stone is translucent. This means that. in spots, light can come through the stone. One trendy way to use onyx is to install slabs onto walls or as countertops. By adding lighting underneath, the onyx appears to glow and creates a unique ambiance in any room.
• Slabs of porcelain are gaining popularity in home decorating. Porcelain is created by firing clay, natural minerals and glass in a very hot thermal chamber called a kiln. Designers are using porcelain to create beautiful countertops and islands in kitchens, stairs and flooring, as well as bathroom backsplashes. Porcelain is virtually waterproof, making it perfect for any area in which there is running water. Bath tub accents, shower floors, shelves and bathroom floors would benefit greatly from porcelain.

Enjoy a Lifetime of Natural Beauty

 

Using natural materials in home decorating not only looks great, but adds value to your home. Resale value is increased, and wear and tear that can have a negative affect on manufactured products, such as laminate or vinyl, is not an issue. Most popular natural stone in the GTA, if it is maintained as recommended by cleaning and sealing properly, will last a lifetime! Visit a reputable show room with experienced staff to have your questions about natural stone slabs answered so you can turn your dream renovations into reality.