Kitchen Tiles Toronto - Why Use Natural Stone?

Today there are many choices to consider when it comes to countertop options. With so many varieties of countertops available, it is important for homeowners and designers to understand the advantages and disadvantages of the different materials in order to select the best option to satisfy their needs, wants and expectations.

 

The ten most popular countertop materials include the following:

Of these ten choices, homeowners and designers tend to favour granite, marble and ceramic tiles for kitchen countertops.

 

 

Granite is considered to have the ultimate luxurious appearance and is a sure way to increase the value of a home. While granite is a more expensive material, using granite tiles as opposed to a solid granite slab for kitchen countertops is a nice alternative that still provides all the benefits of solid granite at a fraction of the price. Another benefit of choosing granite is the flexibility in style. Granite comes in many colour and style options, with almost 3000 colours and patterns to choose from. Other advantages of granite include:

However, to make the right decision, there are some disadvantages to using granite that buyers should know about. As previously mentioned, granite is one of the more expensive materials to use; however its increase in popularity means the cost of granite is beginning to come down. Also, while granite is durable and resistant to staining, burning and scratching, it is not completely invulnerable. Yet with the right sealant, as determined by a professional granite manufacturer, granite can withstand several years of use before scratching or staining occurs.

 

 

Marble is another one of the more costly natural stones used within the home. However, in comparison to granite, marble is less suited to kitchen countertops. This is because marble is a type of porous stone, making it susceptible to staining and scratching. Instead, marble insets are often recommended instead of an entire marble counter, since its smooth surface is perfect when baking. Ensuring marble surfaces are sealed also helps to prevent any flaws from occurring. Aside from appearance, another benefit of marble is the monetary value it adds to a space.

 

 

Ceramic tile is one of the most cost-effective options for homeowners when building kitchen countertops. In addition to being an inexpensive option, ceramic tiles are also durable and require minimal maintenance. Also, because this option involves working with tiles, the installation process is far less time-consuming. Furthermore, if a tile needs to be replaced, it is a quick and easy job, since only specific tiles need to be removed, versus replacing the entire kitchen countertop. Ceramic tile countertops also come in a long list of colour choices, textures and designs. One disadvantage to consider is the fact that tiled kitchen countertops have grout lines, which are susceptible to staining. However, a professional supplier and installer will be able to use the most appropriate grout material to minimize the risk of staining as much as possible.