The Stone Experience
Better Marble has built a solid reputation as a purveyor of fine stone surfaces by crafting beauty and building relationships.
By Susan Kelly
There’s something about an expanse of natural stone that is irresistible to the eye. The intricate patterns and natural defects are best seen in person, says Jason Marticho, sales manager at Better Marble in North York, which offers clients hand-selected stone surfaces from around the world. “Natural stones feature crystal deposits that refract light, creating stunning visual effects not always visible in photographs,” he says.
No wonder interior designers, architects, contractors and fabricators, along with the occasional homeowner from across the GTA, flock to the 22,000-square-foot showroom. There are thousands of superior stone products showcased, including a curated selection of marble, quartzite, granite and cutting-edge engineered stone. “Clients often are awe-struck when I show them how, say, a gorgeous slab of creamy white-and-gold Taj Mahal quartzite changes in appearance under different lighting,” Marticho says. “It’s like standing in front of a fine work of art created by nature.”
Niloo Atri, Jason Marticho, Francesca Melino
As the company name suggests, natural marble remains a highly sought-after material there. What’s trending into 2026 and beyond: shades of red with a touch of white or cream veining. These vibrant and elegant stones, such as deep burgundy Rosso Levanto, represent a fresh wave of colour trends. A new colour, Terre Lontane—meaning “distant lands”—will soon be introduced, offering a rich, earthy brown with hints of clay and red.
Travertine, a type of limestone characterized by soft veining and subtle, earthy colour variations, has also experienced a resurgence. Marticho sees it being used extensively in accent pieces such as fireplaces, nightstands and headboards throughout Toronto. “But quartzite, especially Taj Mahal, of which I’m confident that we’re the largest supplier here in the GTA, remains a huge trend globally,” he says. “We have some of the rarer colours.”
Every slab has been personally chosen by Marticho or his father, Eli, who founded the company in 2020 and brings more than 25 years of international industry experience. Together, they leverage their deep expertise and global connections to stay ahead of market trends. “Stone slabs can only be chosen by eye, not by catalogue,” Marticho says. “We’ve built relationships with quarries around the world, especially Italy and Brazil. So when we select a stone, we’re choosing those that reflect both natural beauty and ethical craftsmanship.”
Once sourced, Better Marble imports the slabs to Canada. Upon arrival, they are prepared and displayed in the showroom, allowing clients to touch and experience the material firsthand. The company works closely with local fabricators who cut and install the stone, maintaining involvement throughout the entire process to ensure quality and customer satisfaction.
To visit the showroom is to enter a welcoming environment where hospitality and personalized customer service are paramount. “New customers become part of the family right away,” Marticho says. “We treat every project as if it were in our own home, guiding clients throughout the journey from consultation to installation.” The relationship continues even after installation, with ongoing support and advice on stone care. Feedback from clients often highlights the comfort and reassurance they feel from Better Marble’s comprehensive approach.
Although not an interior design firm, the company regularly assists clients in choosing stones that suit their practical needs and aesthetic preferences. The team is well-versed in current trends and has expertise in manipulating stone patterns to enhance focal points in various spaces, ensuring the most dramatic and beautiful sections of the stone are showcased. Which helps clients make better, more informed decisions.
“We’re not just providing stone surfaces, we’re building relationships,” Marticho says. “We bridge continents to bring beauty home, making sure every step of the journey feels personal and easy for our clients. When they walk into our showroom, we want them to feel not only welcomed and understood, but totally inspired.”