Between quality granite and marble slab in Toronto, which is best for your kitchen reno? – a granite slab countertop or a marble slab countertop? Each has advantages and disadvantages, and many writers have listed them. This can be ultimately not very useful, however, as it seems that one homeowner’s advantage can be another’s disadvantage. The stone you choose can have more to do with your personality and life philosophy than with "pros” and "cons”.

 

 

Often listed as a drawback of marble slab is the fact that acidic substances like wine, lemon juice, or tomato can "etch” the surface or leave a permanent mark. In fact, it’s not only acidic substances; virtually any liquid can create a mark. Even a glass of water can leave a faint ring where it once stood if it is left long enough. Organic substances like food can leave a pinkish brown stain; oil or milk can darken the stone. Iron can leave orange-brown rust stains and copper can leave faintly green marks. In addition, marble is relatively soft, and knives and other kitchen implements can scratch, nick or gouge it. As it ages, your marble countertop develops a patina – a surface made beautiful by use.

 

In Europe, there are many fine homes that have marble slab countertops that are centuries old. These countertops are no longer perfect, glossy surfaces – rather, they bear the imprint of history. Chefs long dead have left their mark on them, conferring on them a document of times long past and lives lived.

 

If you are a perfectionist, then a marble countertop may not be for you when deciding between quality granite and marble slab in Toronto. But, if you appreciate the beauty of a grandmother’s lined face, or the softness of leather worn supple by years of use, then you will adore the way that marble changes with experience.

 

Marble countertop owners report that the first time you mark the surface of your beautiful stone may be difficult, but once you realize how much more lovely the marble becomes over the years, you will embrace the fact that it has a patina.

 

If, on the other hand, you like to keep possessions looking pristine, granite might be more suited to your lifestyle. Granite is extraordinarily tough: heat resistant, stain resistant, scratch resistant and easily maintained. You can set hot pots and pans down on it; you can spill liquids and, as long as it has been properly sealed, they will wipe up easily. Your granite countertop will dull your knives if you cut on the surface. Granite will stand up to anything life can throw at it and remain unchanged.

 

Granite is an igneous stone, formed when magma is subjected to extreme pressure beneath the earth’s surface. It is one of the hardest substances on earth, scoring a "7” on the Mohs scale.

 

Both quality granite and marble slab in Toronto for countertops are beautiful, natural and unique. Each stone has a "one-of-a-kind” colour and pattern that you can have polished or honed. Both granite and marble will add aesthetic value as well as resale value to your home.

 

Which stone will you choose?