Modern Mississauga and Marko Furlani of Urbanest Construction have come together to present an ongoing series called “Ask the Contractor.”
Submit your questions to info@modernmississauga.com for Marko to answer

This week’s question is about different counter top materials from Kimberly F.

I’m renovating my home and selecting my counter top material.
What’s the difference between a natural stone versus a man made material?

Great question, Kimberly, thanks for reaching out.

First up, let’s talk about the difference between the two to help you make the best choice for your needs.

Marble and granite are natural products which are mined from the earth and come in many colours and variations. They are porous and require some degree of maintenance, such as regular sealing. Neglecting to do so could result in staining and marking.  Yes, they look great but remember that it’ll need attention to keep it looking its best.

Quartz on the other hand is a manufactured product and tends to be much more uniform in patterns and colours. It is not porous, does not require maintenance, and is not likely to stain or mark.
There are many appearance options for prints, patterns, and colours, making this product much more uniform when installed. 

Though I do not have a preference between the two, I install much more quartz than natural stones.
At the end of the day, it depends on your budget and the look /style/feel you are going for.

I always recommend taking your time when sourcing these materials and wait until your kitchen cabinets are in place. This way you can really visualize how it will look.

About Marko Furlani:

I am the President and Creative Director of Urbanest Construction, a turnkey Design-Build renovation company in Mississauga and the Greater Toronto Area. I’m a proud BILD member and RenoMark contractor.
Along with a desire to create unique and custom living spaces, the team and I pride ourselves on helping our clients to love where they live. I’ve been a contractor in the GTA for over 15 years.
I invite you to connect with me on Instagram @urbanestconstruction or email me marko@urbanestconstruction.com