Quartz or granite: which countertop should you choose for your kitchen?
The difference in brief: the choice between quartz and granite comes down to two factors — care and heat resistance. Granite is a natural stone that is 100% heat-resistant, but it needs a yearly sealant. Quartz is a non-porous engineered stone, ultra-hygienic and maintenance-free, but more sensitive to high temperatures (+150 °C). Both cost between $75 and $150 per square foot installed and dominate kitchen renovation projects in Quebec.
What is the difference between a quartz countertop and a granite countertop?
The difference starts with how they are made. Granite is quarried: an igneous stone cut into large slabs from the rock, then processed and polished in a plant. Quartz is factory-made, from natural quartz crystals, resins and pigments.
That origin explains their opposite characters. Granite offers unique patterns and colours — every slab is different. Quartz allows wider customization through pigments, and can imitate marble or granite.
In use, granite resists heat better than quartz, which can be damaged by high temperatures. Non-porous quartz is often seen as easier to care for than granite, which needs periodic sealing.
The comparison in one table.
| Characteristic | Quartz countertop | Granite countertop |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Engineered material made of natural quartz crystals (92 to 95% mineral), glass or polymer resins and pigments. Slabs created in a factory. | 100% natural (igneous) stone, polished and cut to the measurements of the desired worktop. |
| Porosity | None (non-porous) | Low — naturally porous, needs a sealant; liquids can seep in and leave permanent stains. |
| Heat resistance | Moderate — can be damaged by intense heat; use a trivet. | Excellent — stands up to hot pans. |
| Care | Very low — water + mild soap, no yearly sealing. | Yearly — apply a sealant, clean with soapy water, avoid abrasive chemicals. |
| Design variety | Wide range of colours, patterns and textures; can imitate marble and granite or come in solids. | Limited colour and pattern choice because it is natural; unique, random veining. |
| Scratch resistance | Generally more scratch-resistant than granite. | Less scratch-resistant than quartz. |
| Durability | Very durable. | Extremely durable — can last for decades if well maintained. |
| Indicative price | $75 to $150 per square foot, installation included (Montreal) — standard granite is often more affordable; high-end quartz and exotic granites reach similar prices. | |
Note: use trivets to protect surfaces, especially quartz. Care tip: avoid abrasive chemicals and wipe spills quickly on both materials to prevent stains.
Does quartz or granite resist heat better?
Granite. Born of cooling magma, it fears neither thermal shock nor hot pans set down directly. That is why it remains the first choice of chefs and cooking enthusiasts.
Quartz tolerates moderate heat, but the resin that binds its crystals can react to extreme heat (thermal shock) above about 150 °C. A trivet is enough to remove the everyday risk.
What care does a granite countertop need? And is quartz really maintenance-free?
Naturally porous granite needs a yearly sealant to block liquid seepage — without it, wine or oil can leave permanent stains. Day to day: soapy water, no abrasive chemicals.
Non-porous quartz needs no sealing. A clean cloth, water and mild soap are enough. Its dense surface also stops bacteria and mould from growing, meeting the strictest hygiene standards.
Why choose granite for your kitchen?
Granite stands out for its exceptional thermal durability and authenticity. Every slab is unique: the richness of patterns and colours creates an exclusive design that transforms the kitchen.
Valued on the high-end materials market, granite can also raise a home's resale value thanks to its luxurious look and longevity.
- Key advantage: visual authenticity and extreme resistance — fears neither thermal shock nor direct knife scratches.
- Watch-out: its naturally porous structure needs periodic protection (sealant) against wine or oil stains.
Why choose quartz for your kitchen?
Quartz is the go-to for modern kitchens and busy families. Tightly controlled factory production yields a homogeneous slab in a wide variety of textures and patterns — and the brands we carry (Caesarstone, Silestone, Vicostone, Technistone, Zenith, Quantra, Viatera) compete on collections.
Generally more scratch-resistant than granite, with no sealing required, it is often seen as the most popular kitchen-countertop choice because it is so easy to care for.
- Key advantage: no sealant required and total resistance to acidic stains (lemon, vinegar).
- Watch-out: the resin can react to extreme heat (thermal shock) — quartz is sensitive to very high temperatures.
Which material for which profile?
| Your profile | Suggested material | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Busy family | Quartz | Non-porous, hygienic, no sealant: care is just soapy water. |
| Cooking enthusiast / chef | Granite | Excellent heat resistance: hot pans will not damage it. |
| Bathroom | Either | Durable and attractive; pick a product suited to humidity and keep the surface well maintained. |
| Natural, one-of-a-kind look | Granite | Every slab is unique — random veining, exclusive appearance. |
| Modern, uniform look | Quartz | Solid colours, marble effects and consistent patterns from slab to slab. |
Quartz or granite: which looks better in a kitchen?
Both — for different styles. Quartz offers a wide range of colours and textures, from solids to complex patterns, and can imitate marble or granite at a more affordable cost with less upkeep.
Granite has a unique natural beauty: veins and patterns that vary from slab to slab, giving every piece authenticity and character. It is ideal for a touch of luxury and elegance; quartz suits a more modern, uniform look.
The safest path is to compare both at home: browse the catalogue then request samples — every natural product has variations that no photo captures faithfully.
Frequently asked questions about quartz and granite.
What is the price per square foot for quartz or granite in Montreal?
On average, the price runs between $75 and $150 per square foot, installation included. “Standard” granite is often more affordable, while high-end quartz or exotic granites can reach similar price peaks. The choice depends on the material, quality, origin (for example, Quebec granite) and the supplier. Full detail on our quartz countertop pricing page.
Does the price vary by region (Montreal, Quebec City, Laval, Sherbrooke)?
No. We apply the same installed price per square foot everywhere in our service area: Montreal, Quebec City, Laval, Lévis, Longueuil, Sherbrooke, Terrebonne and Trois-Rivières.
What is the typical warranty on a quartz vs granite countertop?
Quartz is covered by the manufacturer's residential warranty (Silestone, Caesarstone, Vicostone and the other brands we carry), whose length varies by brand. Granite, a natural stone, has no equivalent manufacturer warranty: protection comes from maintaining the sealant. In both cases, installation is covered by the installer.
What daily care is recommended for quartz and granite?
Soapy water and a clean cloth are enough. Quartz needs no sealing, which makes care easier. Avoid abrasive chemicals and wipe spills quickly on both materials.
Does quartz change colour over time?
Premium quartz is stable, but direct, prolonged UV exposure (unprotected windows) can alter the resin pigments over several years.
Is granite more durable and heat-resistant than quartz?
Yes, granite is extremely durable and resists heat better than quartz. Quartz can be damaged by a scorching pan, whereas granite handles high temperatures better.
Can you cut directly on a granite countertop?
Yes, granite is extremely hard (high Mohs scale). We still recommend a cutting board, to avoid dulling your knives and to protect the stone's sealant.
Is quartz or granite better for a heavily used kitchen island?
Quartz is generally recommended for a heavily used island: non-porous, more scratch-resistant and no sealant to maintain. Granite also works, provided you keep the sealant up and wipe staining liquids such as wine or oil quickly.
What are the pros and cons of each material?
Quartz is more scratch-resistant, easy to care for and offers a wide range of colours and patterns, but it can be damaged by intense heat. Granite is very durable, heat-resistant and has a natural look, but it is limited in colour choice and needs periodic sealing.
Can quartz countertops be customized?
Yes, quartz allows extensive customization through a wide range of colours, patterns and textures. It can imitate marble or granite, or come in solids for unique designs.
What is the difference between quartz and brands such as Silestone or Caesarstone?
Silestone, Caesarstone, Vicostone, Technistone, Zenith, Quantra and Viatera are quartz brands: the material is the same type of engineered stone, each manufacturer offering its own collections of colours, patterns and finishes. Comparing brands means comparing designs and ranges, not different materials.
Why is it important to see samples before choosing?
Every natural product such as granite has unique variations in colour and pattern. Seeing samples at the supplier or manufacturer lets you pick the slab that best matches your space and design, for optimal satisfaction.
Can quartz or granite be used in a bathroom?
Yes, these materials are suited to bathroom use thanks to their durability and looks. It is still important to maintain the surface and choose a product suited to the room's humidity.
Can you install an undermount sink with quartz or granite?
Yes, both materials take an undermount sink very well: their rigidity allows a polished cutout and mounting under the worktop. It is a custom cutout planned at fabrication — specify it when you request a quote.
How long does installing a quartz or granite countertop take?
The install itself is generally done in one day. The full timeline depends on measuring and custom fabrication; the quote itself is sent within 24 business hours.
How do you choose the right material for your lifestyle and the room?
The choice depends on lifestyle, use (kitchen or bathroom) and habits. Quartz is easy to care for and ideal for frequent use, while granite offers exceptional durability for those who want a natural look.
Where should you buy quartz or granite countertops?
We recommend going in person to a supplier or manufacturer, ideally in Quebec, to see samples and get advice from local specialists. That guarantees a quality product and personalized support for every client.
How can the material choice add value to the property?
Choosing a quality product suited to the room's use and look adds value to the property. A well-chosen quartz or granite countertop adds durability and a high-end feel to the kitchen or bathroom.
In short.
- Granite: 100% natural stone, excellent heat resistance, unique slabs — but porous and a yearly sealant is required.
- Quartz: non-porous engineered stone, hygienic, no sealant, wide design choice — but sensitive to extreme heat (+150 °C).
- Price: $75 to $150/sq ft installed for both materials.
- Busy family? Quartz. Cooking enthusiast? Granite. Bathroom? Either works.
- In doubt: compare real samples at home before you decide.
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