Real GraniteAlberta
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The Material Library

Choose your stone with confidence.

How each material looks, performs and ages, so you can pick the surface that suits the way you live.

Close-up of a white and grey speckled granite slab

Granite slab in our yard

i. Natural stone

Granite

Formed deep in the earth from cooling magma, granite is dense, crystalline and endlessly varied. No two slabs are the same: flecks of quartz, feldspar and mica give each piece its own movement and depth.

Key properties

DurabilityExcellent
Low maintenanceGood · seal yearly
Heat resistanceExcellent
Stain resistanceVery good (sealed)

Ideal for

  • Busy family kitchens
  • Serious home cooks & bakers
  • Fireplace surrounds & hearths
  • Outdoor kitchens
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Calacatta-look quartz countertop with a matching full-height slab backsplash

ii. Engineered stone

Quartz

Engineered from around 90% crushed natural quartz bound with resin and pigment, quartz offers consistent colour, crisp veining patterns and a non-porous surface that never needs sealing.

Key properties

DurabilityExcellent
Low maintenanceExcellent · no sealing
Heat resistanceModerate · use trivets
Stain resistanceExcellent

Ideal for

  • Low-maintenance kitchens
  • Bathroom vanities
  • Rentals & multi-unit projects
  • Consistent colour across large runs
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Cream quartzite island with mitred waterfall edge

iii. Natural stone

Quartzite

A metamorphic rock formed when sandstone is transformed by heat and pressure. Quartzite delivers the soft, flowing veins people love in marble, with hardness that rivals granite.

Key properties

DurabilityExcellent
Low maintenanceModerate · seal yearly
Heat resistanceExcellent
Stain resistanceVery good (sealed)

Ideal for

  • Statement islands
  • Marble lovers who cook a lot
  • Waterfalls & mitred edges
  • Sun-filled spaces (UV stable)
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Calacatta gold veined stone fireplace wall

iv. Natural stone

Marble

The classic of classics. Marble's luminous, softly veined surface has defined luxury interiors for centuries. It is softer than granite and develops a gentle patina over time that many owners cherish.

Key properties

DurabilityModerate
Low maintenanceHigher care · seal often
Heat resistanceGood
Stain resistanceFair · etches with acids

Ideal for

  • Fireplace surrounds & feature walls
  • Primary ensuite vanities
  • Baking stations (stays cool)
  • Low-traffic statement pieces
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Bathroom walls clad in large-format veined slabs with a freestanding tub

v. Ultra-compact surface

Porcelain & Sintered Stone

Made by fusing natural minerals under extreme heat and pressure, porcelain and sintered stone slabs are thin, light and remarkably tough, with photo-real stone looks that won't fade in sunlight.

Key properties

DurabilityVery good · protect edges
Low maintenanceExcellent · no sealing
Heat resistanceExcellent
Stain resistanceExcellent

Ideal for

  • Full-height walls & backsplashes
  • Outdoor kitchens (UV & frost resistant)
  • Fireplace cladding
  • Minimalist, slim-profile designs
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At a Glance

Material comparison

A quick side-by-side of how each material performs day to day. Ask us for current pricing on any slab.

MaterialDurabilityMaintenanceHeatStains
GraniteExcellentSeal yearlyExcellentVery good
QuartzExcellentVery lowModerateExcellent
QuartziteExcellentSeal yearlyExcellentVery good
MarbleModerateHigher careGoodFair
Porcelain / SinteredVery goodVery lowExcellentExcellent

Details That Matter

Edge profiles

The edge sets the tone. Clean and contemporary, softly rounded, or traditionally sculpted.

  • Eased

    Square with softened corners. Modern and practical.

  • Bevelled

    An angled top edge that catches the light.

  • Full Bullnose

    Fully rounded. Gentle on hips and little hands.

  • Half Bullnose

    Rounded top, flat bottom. Soft yet tailored.

  • Ogee

    A classic S-curve for traditional interiors.

  • Mitred

    A 45° joint that creates a thick, monolithic look.

Surface Finishes

Polished, honed or leathered.

The same slab can feel completely different depending on its finish. Here's how each one looks and lives.

  • Polished

    High-gloss and reflective. Deepens colour and makes veining pop. The most stain-resistant finish and the easiest to wipe clean.

  • Honed

    Smooth and matte with a soft, velvety look. Hides etching and minor scratches well; benefits from regular sealing.

  • Leathered

    A subtle, touchable texture with a low sheen. Disguises fingerprints and water spots, and is ideal for granite and quartzite.

Still Deciding?

Let's find your stone.

Tell us how you use your space and we'll recommend two or three materials that fit your style and budget.

Get Material Advice Call (587) 574-7511