If you're renovating a kitchen in Ontario in 2026, the question you're almost certainly asking is: quartz or granite? They're the two most popular countertop materials in the province — and they're very different products that suit different homeowners and lifestyles.
After 15 years of installing both materials in thousands of Ontario kitchens — from Toronto condos to London Ontario family homes — here's our honest breakdown.
What is Quartz?
Quartz countertops (also called engineered stone) are manufactured surfaces made from approximately 90–95% crushed natural quartz crystals, bound together with polymer resins and pigments. Unlike natural stone, every slab is engineered to a precise standard — delivering consistent colour, pattern and performance.
The leading quartz brands available in Ontario include Caesarstone, Silestone, Cambria and MSI — all of which we carry at our Ontario showrooms.
What is Granite?
Granite is a natural igneous rock formed from slowly cooling magma deep within the earth. Each slab has its own unique pattern of crystals, minerals and veining — making every granite countertop a genuinely one-of-a-kind piece. We source our granite from certified quarries in Brazil, India, Norway and Spain.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Category | Quartz | Granite |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price (Ontario) | $65/sq ft | $55/sq ft |
| Maintenance Required | Zero — never seal | Annual sealing |
| Porosity | Non-porous | Porous (requires sealing) |
| Scratch Resistance | Excellent (7 Mohs) | Excellent (6–7 Mohs) |
| Heat Resistance | Good (use trivets) | Excellent |
| Colour Consistency | Consistent (engineered) | Variable (natural) |
| Unique Appearance | Consistent patterns | Every slab unique |
| UV Stability | Good (indoor only) | Excellent |
| Warranty | Manufacturer lifetime | Our workmanship warranty |
Maintenance: Quartz Wins Easily
This is quartz's biggest advantage for Ontario homeowners. Quartz is completely non-porous — bacteria, mold and liquids cannot penetrate the surface. Clean with soap and water. Never seal. Never treat.
Granite requires annual sealing to prevent staining. Acidic liquids (red wine, lemon juice, vinegar) left on an unsealed granite surface will stain. This isn't a dealbreaker — thousands of Ontario homeowners love their granite countertops — but it requires a small amount of ongoing care.
Price: Granite Is Generally Less Expensive
In Ontario in 2026, granite typically starts around $55–$65/sq ft fully installed, while entry-level quartz starts at $65–$75/sq ft. Premium collections (Cambria, exotic granites) can exceed $130/sq ft for both materials.
For a standard Ontario kitchen of 30–40 sq ft of countertop surface, the price difference between comparable quartz and granite might be $300–$600 — modest in the context of a kitchen renovation budget.
Appearance: It Depends on What You Love
Quartz delivers consistent, predictable patterns — ideal for designers who need precise colour matching across multiple pieces. Granite's natural variation means no two slabs are identical — each has its own geological fingerprint.
For modern, minimalist kitchens: quartz (especially whites and concretes) tends to dominate. For kitchens with warmth, character, and natural beauty: granite's unique patterns are unmatched.
Choose quartz if: you have a busy family kitchen, prefer zero maintenance, want consistent colour matching, or love white/grey/concrete aesthetics. Choose granite if: you love natural stone character, value heat resistance, want maximum value per dollar, or crave a countertop that's uniquely yours.
The best way to decide? Visit any of our Toronto, Mississauga, or London Ontario showrooms and see both materials in person. Touch them. Compare them. Our design consultants will help you find the right match for your kitchen and lifestyle.
Visit our Ontario showrooms to see quartz and granite in person — or get a free quote today.