Eco-friendly natural stone slabs for GTA homes are a timeless choice for countertops. Marble and granite are just some of the natural stones taking over kitchen countertops in the GTA.

 

Despite amazing advances in artificial and hybrid stone countertops, here’s why natural stone slabs for GTA homeowners continue to be the most sought-after:

 

 

Natural stone for countertops is as eco-friendly as they come. A recent survey found that 70 percent of homeowners identified minimizing exposure to chemicals and germs as very important to supporting their overall health in the home.

 

Today’s homeowners want green building materials that have minimal impact on the environment and won’t harm the air quality in their home. Natural stone slabs meet both of these standards. Volatile organic compounds are pollutants found in a wide range of building materials, but there are no such pollutants in natural stone countertops that will affect a home’s indoor air quality.

 

Mined from solid rock, the natural stone is sawed into slabs during the manufacturing process. Relatively few carbon emissions are produced through this procedure and the amount of energy used to craft natural stone countertops is far less than that used in the production of engineered stone.

 

 

Granite brings an unparalleled beauty to any kitchen. Each granite slab is truly exceptional and will bring a distinctive personality to the heart of the home. Granite can resist heat, stains and scratches.

 

Marble is a softer natural stone, which may require extra care to keep its exquisite beauty. It is easy to scratch and soil, but as long as damage or staining is not too extensive, marble can easily be restored to its original finish.

 

 

To protect your natural stone and maintain its beauty and longevity, follow these upkeep tips:

• Wipe up spills immediately before they stain
• Keep metal objects away from marble, as metal can rust and stain the surface if exposed to moisture
• Don’t use anything on the stone that you wouldn’t use on your hands
• Avoid cutting directly on the stone countertop, as this can cause deep and permanent scratches
• Use coasters, placemats or potholders under glasses, bottles and especially hot pans

Most importantly, clean natural stone countertops with mild detergent and water only. Common cleaning products like bleach, glass cleaners and ammonia contain chemicals that can etch or damage the sealant on the countertop’s surface. Opt for a product with a relatively neutral pH balance; especially those that are formulated specifically for stone.

 

Softer stone surfaces like marble can be damaged by citric acids. Wine, fruit juice, vinegar and other acidic substances should especially be kept away from a marble countertop. Seal marble each year.

 

 

When updating an existing kitchen or designing a new one, kitchen countertops are at the heart of the décor. Natural stone slabs are hands-down the preferred material.

 

Each type of natural stone slab comes with its own unique qualities, giving homeowners nearly endless choices when it comes to durability, pattern and texture.

 

Choosing natural stone slabs for countertops in GTA homes is a decision you won’t regret.