Using natural stone slabs in your Toronto home renovation
makes a great addition to any room.. With so many different types of stone
available in so many colours and patterns, you’re sure to find the right stone
for your renovation project.
Popular Types of Natural Stone for Renovation Projects
With such a vast variety of colour and patterns to choose
from, it can be tough to settle on a natural stone slab for your renovation.
Granite is always a popular choice because it’s low maintenance
and resists scorch marks and staining. Part of the beauty of
granite is the depth of the
stone. The natural graininess of granite makes it shimmer with a depth other
stones just can’t match. Granite only needs to be sealed every two years, but
you can find everyday cleaners that will add sealant with every cleaning so you
don’t have the hassle of trying to remember when to seal your granite.
When it comes to making an impression,
marble is
usually the first choice. This luxurious stone varies in pattern and colour so
it can match any décor. Some people prefer delicately veined patterns while
others like a solid colour or a bold pattern that can’t be missed. Since marble
is a soft stone, it’s easier for fabricators to sculpt into odd shapes for
non-standard spaces. It’s also porous and prone to scratching, making it a high
maintenance choice for kitchens.
Installing Your Natural Stone
In order to ensure that your natural stone slabs are a
perfect fit, you’ll need to call one of Toronto’s custom fabricators. That’s
the person who can cut slabs to your specifications. At this point, you can ask
for special edges or shapes. If you’re working with an experienced renovator,
you may not have to worry about this step. Your home renovation team will
arrange for the fabricator to cut your stone.
Even when you settle on your type, colour, and desired
pattern for natural stone, you should still visit the suppler or quarry to see
the available stones for yourself. You can pick the exact slabs for your
renovation so there are no surprises when the slab arrives.
Putting in a new stone countertop is not a job for a
do-it-yourselfer. Natural stone is heavy and must be installed properly. In
fact, some manufacturers won’t honour the warranty if your countertop isn’t
installed by a certified professional. Given the expense of prestigious
materials like granite and marble, it’s worth the extra expense to ensure that
they are properly installed and will last for years to come.
Keep it Clean
When you’re dealing with natural stones like limestone and
slate, you should be able to wipe it clean without any fuss. If there’s a
spill, you shouldn’t expect a stain if you’ve wiped the spot right away. Just
use warm, soapy water to clean it. Avoid abrasive sponges and cleaning pads
since they could scratch your natural stone slab.
Be wary of using bleach as it can lighten the colour of your
natural stone. Try a test in a small corner to see if it will have a negative
effect.
Natural stone slabs are a great addition to your Toronto
home renovation projects since they’re low maintenance and easy to clean.