Granite Countertops: Ottawa
Ottawa is sold on the beauty and durability of granite countertops – this natural stone is now the number one choice for interior designers and homeowners in the nation’s capital. The physical advantages of granite countertops are easy to recall – the stone is practically indestructible! Granite is virtually non-porous, so it’s stain resistant. It withstands heat, and is scratch resistant, making it perfect for the kitchen. Even when exposed to direct sunlight for years, granite’s colours never fade. And granite is second only to diamonds with regard to hardness, scoring a whopping 6.5 on the Mohs scale. But it may be the intangible qualities of granite that are propelling it to the top of the decorating “gotta have it” list.
History
For thousands of years, architects have been using natural stone to build some of the most beautiful buildings in the world. Ancient Egyptians built the Red Pyramid from bricks of granite and limestone; ancient Greeks created the Parthenon, jewel of Athens. The Taj Mahal, the floor of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, the Palace of Versailles – all of these renowned structures feature natural stone. The knowledge that these architectural wonders have been constructed with marble and granite resonates when we see natural stone elements in private homes. We associate granite and marble with elegance and luxury, and this association transfers to our own houses. A utilitarian kitchen becomes a sophisticated foodie headquarters when a stone countertop is added. Traditional Carrera marble evokes the excellence of French cuisine, and the kitchens in splendid country homes.
Timelessness
Associated with this notion of the history of stone in architecture is the concept that granite and marble are timeless. Stone has been used as building material for thousands of years, and it will go on being used as long as there is life on earth. Manmade materials go in and out of style – what is au courant in spring may be passé by autumn; colours are in fashion one year and outdated the next. Occasionally we learn that synthetic materials we’ve been living with contain chemicals that compromise our health. But the classic look of stone remains constant, even as trends rise and fall all around it.
Connection to Nature
Today’s architects, interior designers, and discerning homeowners prefer to use natural materials whenever possible. Wood, stone, and other organic materials create a calm and warmth that synthetic decorating materials can’t duplicate. Natural stone has a depth and richness that attracts attention. The crystalline minerals present in both granite and marble pick up light and reflect it back, making the stone a mediating bridge between light and the home’s occupants. Natural materials also link the outside world with the indoor space in a way that synthetics cannot.
For these somewhat intangible reasons, and for many tangible ones, granite countertops are an excellent choice. To find out more about specific types of granite, the finishes that may be available, and the staggeringly large range of colours found throughout the world, visit one of Ontario’s premium stone suppliers. Looking at different stone types in a showroom, and asking questions of knowledgeable staff at a stone importer-distributor will help you choose exactly the right granite for your beautiful, natural countertop.