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Italian Marble and Granite

Call Us: 716-741-1800

The Pros and Cons of Stones

We are here to make your home renovation easier; that is why we compiled a list of pros and cons for stones. We hope that this helps you choose the perfect stone for your home. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you read: 

  • Stain-resistant does not mean stain-proof. Stain-resistant means that it is harder to stain the stone. If you properly care for it, you will not deal with staining. 
  • Heat resistance does not mean you should constantly place high heat objects on the stones. High heat can remove sealer or polish layers, eventually damaging the stone. Try to use a trivet or hot pad as often as possible. 

GRANITE

Granite is a natural stone. It is formed under the Earth’s surface by magma that slowly cools and crystallizes over time. As a result, each slab is unique and full of different colors and patterns.

Pros of Granite: 

  • One of the hardest substances on Earth, making it very durable
  • Heat resistant
  • Scratch-resistant
  • Can be repaired if broken, unless shattered

Cons of Granite: 

  • Needs to be sealed; otherwise, there can be staining
  • Is porous

 

QUARTZITE

Quartzite is a natural stone formed by crystallizing from molten magma. Many slabs have marble-like colors and veining.

Pros of Quartzite: 

  • Resistant to etching
  • Low maintenance
  • UV resistant
  • Durable
  • Can be repaired if broken, unless shattered
  • Scratch resistant

Cons of Quartzite: 

  • Some varieties need to be sealed
  • Can stain

 

MARBLE

Marble is a natural stone. It’s created by the metamorphosis of a combination of rocks under intense pressure and temperatures.

Pros of Marble: 

  • Are beautiful and timeless stones
  • Can be repaired if broken, unless shattered
  • With proper care, they can last a long time

Cons of Marble: 

  • Porous
  • Can stain or etch. To prevent etching we recommend a honed marble. Honed marble is marble that has not gone through the polish process, which leaves it matte.
  • Delicate and can be damaged easier than other stones

 

PORCELAIN

Porcelain is a ceramic material made by heating clay-type materials to high temperatures.

Pros of porcelain:

  • UV Resistant
  • Heat Resistant
  • Essentially scratch resistant (ceramic knives may scratch)
  • Stain-resistant

Cons of porcelain: 

  • Can crack if hit by a hard object (ex: hammer).

 

DEKTON

Dekton goes through a high-tech process that mimics the metamorphic change that natural stone undergoes over thousands of years.

Pros of Dekton:

  • Scratch Resistant
  • Heat Resistant
  • Stain Resistant
  • UV and ice resistant, making it the perfect stone for outdoor use

Cons of Dekton:

  • Difficult to repair if broken

 

 

QUARTZ:

Quartz is an engineered stone made up of natural components.

Pros of Quartz: 

  • Is not porous
  • Does not need to be sealed
  • Stain-resistant
  • Same durability as granite

Cons of Quartz:

  • Not heat resistant
  • Can be damaged and stained by chemicals, ex: nail polish remover or high pH cleaner

 

Know Your Stone: Porcelain

Know Your Stone: Porcelain

Everyone is loving quartz right now, with colors that resemble natural stone particularly on trend. But when it comes to replicating a marble look, quartz cannot compare to porcelain slabs.  Porcelain slabs have been breaking into the market the last couple of years and the resemblance to marble is remarkable.

Porcelain slabs have a number of distinct characteristics:

  • UV resistant
  • Heat Resistant
  • Scratch Resistant
  • Chemical resistant
  • 12mm thick (approximately 1/2″)
  • Some brands are full bodied – which means the color is not just on the surface, but in the edges as well

Since porcelain is 12mm thick it is ideal for vertical applications.  Porcelain is great for use on a fireplace, shower, or full height backsplash.  Porelain can be used for kitchen counter tops, though it is only 12mm thick.  In order to replicate the look of a thicker counter top, a mitered edge can be applied to the procelain.

One of the great porcelain brands that we carry is Sapienstone.  Check out their website to see some of the amazing colors that they carry!  https://www.sapienstone.com/

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Porcelain Countertops from Ciot

Porcelain Countertops from Ciot

We recently hosted an event in which we brought in some new materials from one of our suppliers in Toronto. One of the main features of the event were the slabs of porcelain from Ciot.

Many people are unfamiliar with this man-made stone as a countertop surface, but porcelain is actually a great choice for vanities, shower walls, and even kitchen countertops.  Porcelain ciot

The slabs come in a reduced thickness (6 mm) and are fully polished. Porcelain is heat resistant since the countertops are made while going through temperatures upwards of 1000 degrees Fahrenheit, according to countertopguides.com. These countertops also resist scratches, chipping, cracks, and every day wear and tear.

In conclusion, if you love the look of marble but are wary of the downsides marble possesses (being a softer stone) then porcelain would be a great alternative for your project.

(Photo from www.ciot.com)