Granite, Quartz & Marble Concepts For Your Home

If the goal in your kitchen is to be as green as possible, Latitude offers the best options for countertops.  Our knowledgeable sales people are always on hand to answer any questions that you have about the green qualities of the countertops that we offer at Latitude.

The new environmental craze that is happening, in regards to granite, is the testing for Radon gases in granite slabs.  Many people have asked us about Radon gases in granite, and what effect it can have on your home.  Granite, and other natural stone products, always contains traces of NORMs (Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials) that produce measureable amounts of radiation and sometimes Radon gas.

Although all granite is tested for radon, it is possible that small amounts of the radioactive material can still be found in the slab.  Not to worry though, as Radon gas usually becomes insignificant when diluted with the quantity of air in your home.  Most Radon gas that is produced in your home is from the actual soil that your house is built on.  I have included a pie chart that shows the most abundant locations for radon gas in your home.

 Although granite does not usually have enough radon gas in it to be harmful to your family, you may still be cautious of putting granite in your home.   In that case, Latitude offers 5 Natural Quartz Surfaces that are all leading the charge in safer countertop options.   For your information, I have included links to each of these suppliers “Green Qualities” on their websites.

Silestone

Caesarstone

Hanstone

Zodiaq

Eco by Cosentino

If you have any other questions regarding the green qualities of countertops, please visit our showroom, or showroom locator for a Latitude dealer near you!!

Happy Holidays!!

C

Marble and granite materials have been used as kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities for quite some time around the world. Marble typically only comes from a couple of locations on the planet whereas granite can be found on almost every continent.

There are some very obvious pro’s and con’s to both solutions.

Marble:

Marble is a type of metamorphic rock composed mostly of calcite. Marble comes in a variety of colours and patterns, especially in the coveted light colours which people enjoy in both the bathroom and the kitchen. Unfortunately, marble has several disadvantages, it is very porous and can easily be chipped, cracked, or stained. It is recommended that marble is sealed often to maintain it properly.

Granite:

Granite is a crystalline stone that is known for being much harder. Granite also contains a medium to high concentration of quartz, quartz being one of the hardest minerals on the planet. When properly sealed, it is much more resistant to staining as it is less porous.

Conclusions:

Kitchen – Marble would be suited best in a decorative kitchen that does not have high traffic or children. There’s no question it adds elegance to any room but it is much less practical due to how soft and porous it is. Granite would make a much better choice for the average person with the amount of use their kitchen counter tops receive.

Bathroom – This is an area of the house I personally would prefer to put marble, either as a stylish vanity or as unique marble shower walls.

Cost:

There is no real difference in cost between the two of them. If you’re shopping on a level by level basis they are exactly the same price here at Latitude. However, don’t forget to check out our ongoing remnant sale and you may be able to save up to 75% off which ever surface you choose.

One of a Kind Material

What is it and why is it so cheap?

“One of a kind granite or marble” is when Latitude has one or two extra uncut slabs from a large job. Typically we always order an extra slab or two when we do a medium to large sized kitchen so we can properly match up the lines so the job looks its best. When we get the slabs on our sawyers table sometimes we are able to match the lines up without having to cut into these extra slabs so they become extra’s that we are unable to send back.

Why don’t we use them for our next job in that colour?

Often times these pieces are in unique colours and customers purchasing that colour of granite or marble will tag the piece themselves directly at a stone wholesaler for us to fabricate so these unique granite pieces that we have in our warehouse never get seen by potential customers and designers.

Why not sell it off as remnant?

Remnant is a different pricing model altogether. Unlike remnant pieces these slabs have not been cut and are full sheets suitable for small to medium kitchens or custom side projects such as: granite shower walls, granite fireplaces or even granite table tops. The material is simply too expensive to sell as granite off cuts.

Who should be interested in “one of a kind material”?

The people who are most interested in this type of material are consumers or designers who are looking to complete a job that is too large for our remnant program. This type of customer is also looking to acquire an exotic level stone but would prefer not to pay exotic level granite pricing. Another type of consumer who may be interested in this is someone who is looking for a very unique piece. Some of the granites we are selling under this sale are no longer available, which means you are likely to be the only person on your block, or possibly even your city to have this colour!

Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to email me at brettm@latitudeonline.ca