Quartzite Islands Built Around the Slab
An island is the centrepiece of most GTA kitchens and the surface that shows a stone at its best. It is also where planning matters most. The size of the island, the slab size available, where the seating overhang goes and how it is supported all have to line up before we cut.
Every island we build is natural quartzite, a metamorphic sandstone around 7 Mohs that resists acids and handles heat past 300C. It takes homework, baking, hot slow cookers and the odd spilled glass of wine.
Types of Quartzite Islands We Fabricate
Single-Slab Islands
No seam at all. Standard slabs cover islands up to about 9 by 4 feet. Jumbo slabs, around 10.5 by 5.5 feet, cover bigger islands. We check jumbo stock across our yards before you commit to a size.
Bookmatched Island Tops
When an island is bigger than one slab, bookmatching turns the seam into a feature. Two consecutive slabs mirror across the centre so the veins meet like an open book.
Seating Overhangs
A 10-12 inch overhang works with 3cm stone on most quartzites. For deeper seating, we add steel flat bar hidden in the cabinet top or decorative corbels.
Waterfall-Ready Islands
If you want the stone to run to the floor, we plan the waterfall panels from the same slab so the vein continues. Full details on our quartzite waterfall edge page.
Island Size vs Slab Size
| Island Size | Slab Needed | Seam? | Typical Price (Taj Mahal) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 8 ft x 3.5 ft | Standard slab | No | $2,800-$4,500 |
| Up to 9 ft x 4 ft | Standard slab | No | $3,500-$5,500 |
| Up to 10.5 ft x 5.5 ft | Jumbo slab | No | $5,500-$7,500 |
| Over 10.5 ft | Two slabs | Yes, or bookmatched | $6,500-$9,500 |
Overhang and Support Guide
| Overhang Depth | Support Needed (3cm quartzite) | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 10 inches | None on most stones | Counter-height stools |
| 10-12 inches | Usually none, check the stone | Standard seating |
| 12-18 inches | Steel flat bar or corbels | Deep seating, dining |
| Over 18 inches | Steel substructure or legs | Table-style islands |
Nine times out of ten, a cracked island overhang was never supported. We spec steel on every overhang that needs it and list it on the quote.
How Much Does a Quartzite Kitchen Island Cost in Toronto?
Quartzite islands run $2,800-$9,500 installed.
| Island Option | Installed Price (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Standard island, entry stone (Mont Blanc, Fantasy Brown, grey) | $2,800-$4,800 |
| Standard island, Taj Mahal or Super White | $3,200-$6,500 |
| Jumbo single-slab island | $5,500-$7,500 |
| Bookmatched island | $6,500-$9,500 |
| Add one waterfall end | $1,800-$3,500 |
| Add two waterfall ends | $3,200-$6,500 |
Prep sinks, cooktop cut-outs, steel supports and mitred edges are listed separately. All rates are on quartzite cost Toronto.
Best Stones for Islands
- Taj Mahal: the most requested island stone in the GTA.
- Cristallo: translucent and backlit for a true showpiece.
- Super White: marble look with bold grey movement.
- Sea Pearl: soft colour that suits family kitchens.
Getting a Big Slab Into Your Home
We measure doors, halls, stairs and elevator cabs at templating. Our crew carries jumbo slabs on A-frames and vacuum lifters, and for condos we book the freight elevator and loading dock. In Humber Bay Shores towers, elevator cab size sometimes means a planned seam; we tell you at templating, not on install day.
Caring for a Quartzite Island
Use trivets for cast iron as a habit, keep cutting boards out and wipe oil the same day. Reseal every 18 months, which takes about 30 minutes on an island. For daily routines, see our quartzite maintenance and care page.