Quartz vs granite countertops: which suits your kitchen?

Quartz and granite are the two stone countertops people ask us about most. Both look great, both last, and both add value to a kitchen. But they are different materials, and they suit different people. Here is a plain comparison to help you choose.

What they are

Granite is natural stone. It is cut from the earth in large blocks, sliced into slabs and polished. No two slabs are the same, and many people love it for that.

Quartz is engineered stone. It is made mostly of ground natural quartz, mixed with resins and pigments and pressed into slabs. Because it is made, its colour and pattern are consistent from one end of the slab to the other.

Looks

If you want a one-of-a-kind countertop with natural movement and depth, granite gives you that. Every island is unique. Some slabs have bold patterns that become the centre of the room.

If you want a clean, even look, quartz is easier. It comes in plain whites and greys, soft veining and bold marble looks. Matching a long run, an island and a vanity top is simpler because the slabs are consistent.

Care and cleaning

This is the biggest practical difference.

• Quartz is non-porous. It doesn't need sealing, and most spills wipe straight off.
• Granite is porous to some degree, so it is usually sealed to help it resist stains. The sealer is renewed from time to time.
• Both clean up with warm water, mild soap and a soft cloth.
• Neither likes harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers.

If you want the lowest-maintenance stone countertop, quartz usually wins.

Heat

Granite handles heat better. It is natural stone formed under heat and pressure, and a hot pan is less likely to mark it. Even so, a trivet is a good habit, because sudden temperature changes are hard on any stone.

Quartz is more sensitive to direct heat because of the resins in it. A hot pot straight off the stove can scorch it. Use a trivet every time.

Scratches and chips

Both are very hard and resist scratches in normal use. Both can chip on a sharp edge if something heavy hits it. A rounded or eased edge is less likely to chip than a sharp square one, especially around a busy island.

Weight and your cabinets

Both quartz and granite are heavy. Your cabinets need to be solid and level to carry them, and large overhangs on an island need proper support underneath. If you're keeping older cabinets, we'll check them before recommending a stone top. Sometimes laminate is the smarter choice for older cabinets, and we'll say so.

Islands and large runs

For a big island, the slab size matters. Many people want one piece with no seam across the top. Quartz and granite slabs both come in large sizes, but the exact size depends on the colour you choose. With granite, you also choose the actual slab, so you can see the pattern that will sit on your island before it is cut.

On long L-shaped or U-shaped kitchens, a seam is often needed. With quartz, the even pattern makes seams easier to hide. With granite, the pattern has to be matched across the seam, which takes more planning.

Sunlight and outdoor use

Some quartz colours can change over time in strong, direct sunlight, which is why most quartz is meant for indoor use. Granite is better suited to outdoor kitchens and very sunny spots.

So which one?

• Choose quartz if you want easy care, a consistent look, or a marble look without the upkeep.
• Choose granite if you want a natural, one-of-a-kind slab, or if heat resistance matters most.
• Consider laminate if budget is the main concern. Today's laminates do a convincing stone look for much less.

Price depends on the slab, the size of your kitchen, the edge and the number of cut-outs, so the only honest answer is a quote for your kitchen. Both materials have budget-friendly options and premium ones.

See them side by side

Samples are the best way to decide. Look at them in your own kitchen light, next to your cabinets and floor. We'll bring options for both and help you choose.

Cheam Sardis has been fitting countertops in Fraser Valley homes since 1995, from Langley and Abbotsford to Chilliwack and Hope. Tell us about your kitchen for a free quote, with no strings attached.