Whether you have a new house you are constructing or are remodeling areas of your current home, choosing the right countertops is very important. It can impact flow, home value, and salability.

Although it can be tempting to look at price alone; maintenance, durability, and design are all important factors when selecting counters. There are a number of things to consider, but with the right professionals in your corner, the process can be seamless.

We spoke with Judy Persaud of Stone Lab to give us some guidance on the topic.

Q. What are the primary benefits of investing in a quality stone company vs going to a local home store?

A. A dedicated countertop company such as Stone Lab specializes in the products they sell, whereas a local home store will provide limited general information and subcontract the work to a local shop.

Dealing with companies like ours is essentially going straight to the source where we are involved in every aspect of the project from start to finish, including our after-sales service.

Q. Are there any advantages/disadvantages to quartz vs. granite/other stone?

A. Quartz is a very durable product. It is composed of one of the strongest minerals on Earth (Quartz), along with some pigment and resins. The amount of Quartz in the mix determines its performance qualities. High-quality Quartz countertops are stain and bacteria-resistant and handle all of the demands of today’s kitchen and workspaces. They do not require any sealants and can simply be cleaned with soap and water. With Quartz you have the benefit of knowing what the slabs will look like and that you can always get enough to complete your project. They will NOT have natural fissures or cracks that will affect the fabrication and performance of the finished product.

Granites are often as beautiful and are available in some beautiful designed created by mother nature. However, selections can be limited for each application. The number of available slabs, as well as the sizes of those slabs, can greatly hinder your choices. Granite is a porous stone and will often have some natural fissures that can affect its performance as a countertop. They require regular sealing and the use of specially formulated cleaners that do not damage the surface or finish. As beautiful as they are, they do not offer all the benefits of Quartz and are often a better choice for esthetic applications rather than those requiring top performance.

Q. What are the best ways to keep stone counters maintained and in prime condition?

A. Granites, Marbles and other natural surfaces require specifically formulated cleaners. Regular household cleaners can etch the surfaces of these products and alter the esthetics. They have to be sealed regularly to resist damage from regular household products such as lemon juice or wine as well as protection from bacterial growth.

Quartz and Porcelain products are not permeable to water and as such will not harbour bacteria or stain in any way. They are easy to maintain and clean. Simply wipe with soap and water.

Q. What are the current trends in counters (colours, styles, etc)?

A. The trends really depend on the look a client wished to achieve. These vary from client to client, region to region and from house to house. With over 1000 selections of beautiful designs and colours available in Quartz and Porcelain, there is always a look that will enhance any room design.

Q. We’re seeing more people mirror the countertops and backsplash with the same stone. Do you recommend this as a design concept?

A. We always find that to be a great solution in a kitchen setting. It creates continuity and reduces the number of materials, which can be very useful in smaller settings. It also provides the same benefits of your Quartz countertop to your backsplash; durability, stain resistance and no grout lines.

Q. Do you think a particular type of stone has more impact on the resale value of a home?

A. We have been seeing a growing trend where Real Estate agents specifically promote Quartz countertops as feature in listings. Builders generally include Generic Granite countertops as standard products and offer Quartz as an upgrade. Therefore, it has helped in creating the added value Quartz countertops bring to a home.

Q. What is the average cost per square foot?

A. It is difficult to generalize as to what it costs. It depends on the design of material used, the layout, the edge profiling details and more. In general, the costs can be as low as $55 per square foot (similar to Granite countertops) and as high as $130 per square foot (similar to high-end Granites and Marbles).

Q. Does your company offer design services for clients? If so, what’s the general process?

A. We definitely offer assistance to clients in our showrooms, as little or as much as they require. Our Toronto showroom is inside one of the largest tile showrooms in Toronto and clients can benefit from having access to all of these additional products in making their selections. Our Oakville showroom is adjacent to our Parent company, Khachi Design Group, and clients there can benefit from access to a library of materials. All clients will have the assistance of our sales staff who are very knowledgeable in the products we offer. The also have the option of enlisting the services of Khachi Design Group if they require comprehensives design services in crafting their dream spaces.

Stone Lab is part of the KHACHI Group of Companies. Ramsin Khachi is a Nationally recognized Design /Build contractor, popular industry expert and television personality. Celebrating over 25 years of success, he has become renowned for generating creative solutions to problems facing the modern-day client. One of the leading Design Experts on CTV’s popular daytime talk show “The Marilyn Denis Show” – Ramsin shares his tips on Construction, Interior Design and Décor with viewers nationwide.

Stone Lab is a comprehensive Quartz, Porcelain, Concrete, Solid Surface and Metal countertop showroom.

Utilizing decades of design and construction experience, they service consumers and industry professionals alike. From conscientious material selections to detailed fabrication and meticulous installation, Stone Lab provides an all-inclusive and thorough countertop service.

We invite you to browse through our websites and contact us with any questions info@stonelab.ca.