Natural stone slab is one of the most popular kitchen countertop choices across the GTA. Many people are familiar with popular stones, such as marble and granite, but may be missing out on other great choices like soapstone and quartz.

 

If you are planning on using natural stone slab, it’s important to carefully consider the strengths and weaknesses of different natural stone slab for GTA home renovations.

 

 

Soapstone is regaining its popularity as an alternative to granite and marble. It’s available in many colours and gives your kitchen countertops a sleek, warm look. It usually feels softer to the touch than other natural stone slabs.

 

Although soapstone is one of the softer stones, like marble, it resists the pitting damage that marble incurs when acidic liquids and foods touch its surface. With soapstone, you merely wipe the spill and move on with your tasks. There should be no permanent damage.

 

One of the disadvantages of soapstone is that it isn’t as heat-resistant as some of the other natural stone slabs available, so you’ll have to use a trivet before placing hot pots and pans on the surface.

 

Soapstone isn’t as hard as granite, but it does offer a solution to any scrapes and scratches—just etch them away. Soapstone also dents fairly easily, something that many view as an advantage because they love the look of distressed soapstone.

 

Soapstone needs regular maintenance to keep it looking it’s best. You will need to rub it with oil and buff it to keep the surface in good condition.

 

 

If you’re interested in a countertop that needs little maintenance and absolutely no annual sealing, consider quartz slab countertops for your kitchen. It’s a popular alternative to granite and is often less expensive per square foot. It offers the durability and hardness of granite and is available in a wide array of colours.

 

Quartz is easy to clean. With just a wipe of mild soap and water, your countertop will retain its smooth good looks and eye-catchingly glossy sheen. And without the need for yearly resealing like other natural stone countertops, your quartz countertop will retain its beauty for years to come.

 

There are a couple of drawbacks to quartz that need to be considered before you make the leap. It’s extremely heavy, so it’s important that your cabinets or island are in good repair and can support the weight. It’s also not as heat-resistant as some other natural stones, so you shouldn’t put hot bowls or plates directly on its surface.

 

 

Natural stone offers flexibility, so you can choose a finish that appeals to your personal taste.

 

A popular choice is polished stone with a glossy, mirror-like finish. A honed finish gives you a hard, smooth surface with a soft, matted feel. It isn’t reflective. A flamed finish has a textured surface that’s interesting to touch. It gains its surface by being exposed to high temperatures. Tumbled finishes offer a worn, older appearance, removing any natural shine the stone may have.

 

When you’re using natural stone slab in your GTA home renovation, it’s important to carefully consider the strengths and weaknesses of your choice before installing.