Using granite slabs in your Toronto home is  a prestigious addition to any renovation, big or small!

 

 

Granite is made of a mix of quartz and feldspar, with a small mix of other materials like mica, and usually has a grainy appearance. It is usually red, pink, grey, or white in colour.

 

Granite is a popular choice for countertops, tile floors, backsplashes, and other uses around the home. It’s a prestigious material that can help increase the value of your home and add the "wow factor” for prospective buyers.

 

Using whole granite slabs, custom-cut by a fabricator for your kitchen or bathroom countertop, creates a majestic and beautifully smooth surface. Because of its grainy appearance, granite has the ability to add depth and character to a room.

 

 

Granite is very hard and easier to maintain than stones like marble. In fact, granite is so hard that you can actually dull your knife if you cut items directly on top of your counter.

 

It’s important to seal your granite so it’s stain-resistant. Check the bottle to see when the sealant needs to be reapplied. Sealant is usually applied every two years. It’s worth the hassle to keep stains from setting and wrecking your granite’s beautiful patterns and colour. If you’re not sure you’ll remember to reseal your granite every two years, there are specially formulated granite cleaners for every day use that contain a mild sealant to keep your counter well protected.

 

Granite’s colour doesn’t fade over time, so the countertop you fell in love with will still be just as mesmerizing in a decade or two.

 

 

Granite is porous and may stain if you let spills set. Wipe your granite countertop with warm, soapy water and then rinse thoroughly so no residue is left behind. If you’re worried about staining, you can use a mild bleach, but never use anything that may scratch the surface, like steel wool or other abrasive pads.

 

If you’re dealing with the horror of finding what looks like a permanent stain, relax, all is not lost yet. You may still have time to try and remove the stain before it sets. Mix baking soda and water with diluted bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Use a soft brush—it has to be absolutely soft so you don’t add to your woes by scratching your granite—and gently scrub the stained spot. Rinse it thoroughly so you don’t have to worry about the bleach lightening the spot and staining it further.

 

If your homemade solution doesn’t remove the stain, you can find stain removers made just for granite countertops at many stores.

 

The easiest way to keep your granite clean and stain-free is to use a granite sealer. It will help prevent stains and make it easier to wipe your granite slabs clean. Be sure to check the label of the sealer you use so you know how often to reapply for maximum protection of your beautiful investment.

 

Using granite slabs in your Toronto home as beautiful countertops or tiles is a great way to enrich the beauty of your favourite spaces, while also raising  the resale value of your property.