Using
stone finishing products in the home is the way of the future
for home building and renovations. Not to say that stone for home use hasn't
already been around for hundreds of years, but it is becoming a more mainstream
way of completing a kitchen, bath or flooring project, and for good reason.
History of Stone Usage
Stone has been
used as a building material since the beginning of mankind. Certain historical
sites such as the ancient pyramids and the Coliseum exemplify this fact
perfectly. Seeing them still standing today is evidence of their
longevity.
Since then,
our methods of extracting, refining and finishing stone materials are all that
has changed. Choose from granite, marble, tumbled marble, and
travertine, to name a few, all of which can instantly
give your home a sophisticated, beautiful look that will never go out of style
and countertops that will never need to be replaced.
Types of Stone
Granite – Granite
is a stone material that is plentiful and widely used. It is largely available
in Canada due to the fact that our country is largely comprised of the rock.
With a range of colours to choose from, granite is commonly used as countertops
in kitchens, bathrooms, and bar areas. It can also be found in tile form to be
used as flooring, or wall materials. The main benefit of granite is its indestructible
nature (high density and heat resistant) and its ability to insulate.
Marble/Tumbled Marble – Marble is another very common stone used in the forms
of countertops, flooring and wall tiles. Marble is known for having many
different types of colours and styles to choose from and is able to polish up
to a brilliant shine that shows off its many patterns and elegant look. Tumbled
marble is a special finish produced by tumbling finished tiles together in a
large mixing machine (like a dryer) dulling and chipping the stone for an older
look and feel.
Travertine – Travertine is a limestone based rock that is best used as flooring or wall
tiles. It comes from rock formations near a natural hot spring or limestone
deposit. It mainly comes in lighter colours.
Choosing to
install stone in a house, compared to the alternatives is not only a highly
fashionable way to decorate, but a way to increase equity in the value of the
home. Stone products are naturally a little more costly due to the extraction,
manufacturing, delivery and installation process. But because of this, combined
with the decades of service it can provide without any noticeable wear and tear,
it maintains its worth. Alternative material options in comparison either fall
out of style quickly, or break down and get stained or burnt, after only a
couple of years of general use.
Get in contact
with a
local
dealer who can facilitate
the buying process by helping to make a seamless transition from showroom to
the kitchen. Providing full cost information and being able to help guide
buyers through the different options available is just beginning to scratch the
surface with what they can help customers achieve. They offer additional services
such as custom design, home delivery, and installation. They will be happy to
hear from you and help get the ball rolling.