Quartz vs Granite Countertops: Complete Comparison Guide

Quartz and granite are the two most popular countertop materials in Vancouver kitchen renovations, and the question of which one to choose comes up in nearly every project consultation we do. Both are excellent options. Neither is objectively "better." The right choice depends on your priorities — and understanding the real trade-offs, not the marketing claims, is what this guide is for.

Quartz vs Granite: Quick Comparison

Here's the side-by-side overview before we get into the details:

What Is Quartz?

Quartz countertops are engineered stone, not mined slabs. They're made from roughly 93% ground natural quartz crystals bound together with polymer resins and pigments. This manufacturing process is what gives quartz its key advantage: the surface is completely non-porous, meaning it doesn't need sealing and won't absorb liquids or harbour bacteria.

Because quartz is manufactured, you get highly consistent patterns. If you want a countertop that looks exactly like the showroom sample, quartz delivers. Brands like Caesarstone, Silestone, and Cambria offer hundreds of colour and pattern options, including convincing marble and concrete looks without the maintenance those natural materials require.

Quartz Pros

• Zero maintenance. No sealing, no special cleaners — soap and water is all you need.
• Non-porous surface. Won't absorb wine, coffee, oil, or other common kitchen stains.
• Consistent appearance. What you see in the showroom is what you get in your kitchen.
• Wide range of colours and patterns. Including realistic marble and concrete looks.
• Hygienic. Non-porous surface doesn't harbour bacteria — ideal for food prep.

Quartz Cons

• Heat sensitivity. The resin binder can discolour or crack from direct heat. Always use trivets for hot pots and pans.
• Can look artificial. Despite improvements, side-by-side with natural stone, quartz patterns can appear repetitive — especially in lighter colours.
• UV sensitivity. Extended direct sunlight can cause fading over time. Not ideal for outdoor kitchens.
• Difficult to repair. Chips and cracks in quartz are harder to fix than in granite.

What Is Granite?

Granite is natural igneous rock formed over millions of years deep in the earth's crust. Each slab is genuinely one-of-a-kind — the mineral composition, veining, and colour variation are unique to the specific block it was quarried from. This natural variation is granite's greatest strength and its biggest wild card: you need to choose your exact slab at the stone yard, not from a small sample chip.

Granite has been a premium countertop material for decades and remains popular in Vancouver's higher-end renovation market, particularly in West Vancouver and North Vancouver where homeowners value natural materials.

Granite Pros

• Completely natural. Every slab is unique — no two kitchens will have the same countertop.
• Excellent heat resistance. You can place a hot pan directly on granite without damage.
• Incredible durability. Properly maintained granite can last the lifetime of your home.
• UV resistant. Won't fade in sunlight, suitable for outdoor applications.
• Repairable. Chips and small cracks can be filled and polished by a professional.

Granite Cons

• Requires annual sealing. Granite is porous and needs resealing every 12-18 months to prevent staining.
• Can stain if unsealed. Spilled wine or oil left on an unsealed surface can penetrate the stone.
• Inconsistent appearance. The slab you install may differ from the small sample you saw. Always view the full slab.
• Limited edge profiles. Some intricate edge profiles are harder to achieve cleanly in granite.

Cost Comparison in Vancouver

For a standard Vancouver kitchen (roughly 30-50 square feet of countertop), here's what you'll pay installed:

These prices include templating, fabrication, and installation. The overlap in price range is significant — mid-range quartz and mid-range granite cost roughly the same. Where costs diverge is at the extremes: budget quartz is slightly pricier than budget granite, while exotic granite slabs can far exceed any quartz option. For a complete picture of how countertops fit into your overall renovation budget, see our kitchen renovation cost guide.

Durability and Daily Maintenance

This is where the practical differences matter most for everyday life:

Quartz wins on low-maintenance living. Wipe it down with soap and water. Don't put hot pans directly on it. That's the entire care regimen. No annual sealing, no special cleaners, no worrying about a red wine spill left overnight. For busy families and anyone who doesn't want to think about countertop maintenance, quartz is the practical choice.

Granite requires more attention but handles heat better. If you're a serious cook who regularly moves pans from stove to counter, granite's heat tolerance is a genuine advantage. The annual sealing takes about 30 minutes and a $20 can of sealer — it's not difficult, but it is one more thing to remember. If you skip sealing and leave a stain, a stone professional can often polish it out.

Which Countertop Is Best for Your Kitchen?

Rather than declaring a winner, here's a framework based on what we see Vancouver homeowners prioritize:

Choose quartz if you:

• Want a completely maintenance-free surface
• Prefer a consistent, predictable appearance
• Want a marble or concrete look without the upkeep
• Have kids or a busy household where spills happen
• Are renovating a rental property or investment unit

Choose granite if you:

• Value natural, one-of-a-kind materials
• Are a serious cook who uses the counter as a landing zone for hot cookware
• Want a countertop that could literally outlast your house
• Prefer visiting a stone yard and choosing your exact slab
• Are doing a high-end renovation where natural materials matter

Other Countertop Options Worth Knowing

Quartz and granite dominate, but they're not the only choices. Here are the other materials we install in Vancouver kitchens:

• Marble ($100-$250/sq ft installed): Stunning but high-maintenance. Etches from acidic foods, stains easily, requires frequent sealing. Best reserved for low-use areas like a pastry station or bar top.
• Butcher Block ($50-$100/sq ft installed): Warm, natural look. Requires oiling, can scratch and stain. Works well as a secondary surface or island top paired with stone elsewhere.
• Laminate ($30-$50/sq ft installed): Budget-friendly and available in surprisingly convincing stone-look patterns. Not as durable, but for a cosmetic refresh or rental property, it does the job.
• Porcelain Slab ($80-$170/sq ft installed): The newcomer. Ultra-thin, heat-resistant, stain-proof, and available in large formats. Growing in popularity for modern Vancouver kitchens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is quartz cheaper than granite in Vancouver?

At the budget end, granite is slightly cheaper. At mid-range, they're comparable. At the high end, exotic granite costs more than premium quartz. For most Vancouver kitchens, the price difference between the two is negligible — your choice should be based on lifestyle preferences, not cost alone.

Do granite countertops crack easily?

Not under normal use. Granite is extremely hard. Cracking typically only occurs from heavy impact (dropping a cast iron pan directly on an edge) or from improper installation with inadequate support. Properly installed granite is remarkably durable.

Which is better for resale value?

Both quartz and granite are considered premium countertop materials by Vancouver home buyers. Neither will hurt your resale value. Quartz has a slight edge in newer homes and condos; granite tends to be preferred in traditional and luxury homes. Either choice signals quality renovation to potential buyers.

Can you put hot pans on quartz?

You shouldn't. While quartz can handle brief contact with warm items, direct exposure to very hot pans (above 300°F) can damage the resin binder, causing discolouration or cracks. Always use a trivet. This is the single most common concern we hear from homeowners choosing between the two.

How often does granite need to be sealed?

Every 12-18 months for most granite types. The water test tells you when it's time: place a few drops of water on the surface. If they bead up, the seal is fine. If they soak in within a few minutes, it's time to reseal. The process takes 30 minutes and a $15-$25 can of granite sealer.

Where can I see quartz and granite slabs in Vancouver?

We recommend visiting slab yards rather than relying on small samples.DERA Stone in Burnaby, Pacific Stone in Richmond, and Cosentino showrooms carry large selections. We can also bring you to our preferred suppliers as part of the design process.

Need Help Choosing?

The best way to decide between quartz and granite is to see and touch them in person — and to talk through how you actually use your kitchen. Whether you're renovating in Burnaby, Coquitlam, Richmond, or Squamish, contact us for a free consultation. We'll help you choose the right countertop material for your kitchen, your lifestyle, and your budget.