When looking to purchase granite and marble slabs in the Toronto area, what are the options available?  What are the main differences between both stone materials and what is defined as a slab?  These are just some of the questions that the following article will try to address while being informative about the various other benefits of granite and marble slabs.

 

 

Granite is an igneous rock formation that is composed of potassium feldspar, plagioclase feldspar, and quartz; differing amounts of muscovite, biotite, and hornblende-type amphiboles.  This mix of minerals makes granite a very tough and durable substance while also maintaining an attractive surface complexion and composition.  Granite has been a popular material used throughout human history and more recently has been adapted for use in modern buildings for both internal and external uses, and sculptures.

 

 

Marble is a metamorphic rock composed of recrystallized carbonate minerals, most commonly calcite or dolomite. This metamorphism comes when sedimentary carbonate rocks that is most commonly limestone or dolomite.  Much like granite, marble, is a very popular material in modern construction and is used for both interior and exterior purposes due to its attractive composition and complexion.  It is also extremely popular for sculpture.

 

 

When we talk about slabs of either granite or marble, what is the technical definition of slab?  A slab is usually referred to as material that has been cut from mined rock and roughly measures between three quarters of an inch thickness to one and a half inch thick.  The reason for cutting granite or marble into slabs is to make the material both easier to work with and transport.  On average, the length and width of granite or marble slabs are around 112 inches long and 65 inches wide.  These slabs can weigh up to 12.8 lbs per square foot for three quarters of an inch thickness and up to 18 lbs per square foot for the thicker one and a half inch slab.  It is important to remember that because of the size and weight of these slabs of either granite or marble, there is a high risk of injury involved with them and only professional fabricators should handle or cut them.

 

 

When choosing between either a granite or marble slab in Toronto, what are the differences to be aware of?  They are both natural materials so they are popular choices for interior residential uses.  Granite is the more durable of the two and less prone to stains and scratches so it is most often found in kitchen designs, while marble is usually found in bathrooms.  Both materials are porous meaning they can be susceptible to liquids seeping into them and staining them over time, so it is recommended that both materials be resealed.  Resealing should only occur based on use, so it is recommended that heavy use of marble is resealed twice a year in comparison to once every two years for granite.  When examining the eco-friendly nature of both these materials, even though they’re both long lasting and durable, there is a considerable amount of energy expended to mine, cut and transport the slabs even before they are fabricated for installation.