Introduction
After two decades in the industry, we’ve come to the conclusion that there is no such thing as the “best” countertop material for a kitchen. Each material and stone has its own list of pros and cons that are relative to your aesthetic, usability, and spatial goals.
Whether you’re focused on design, durability, or cost, the stone options available for countertops can seem endless. Understanding their differences will help you decide between choosing marble, granite, and quartz stone for your kitchen countertop.
We’ve done the research for you, and here’s a streamlined guide to choosing the perfect stone for your home needs.
Makeup and manufacturing process (Winner: Granite/Marble)
Both marble and granite are naturally occurring stones made through different processes that give each its unique characteristics.
Marble is formed when limestone or dolomite is subject to high temperatures and pressure over hundreds hf thousands of years to millions of years. This grows the crystals and fuses them together; the different veins and patterns found in marbles are made of the different layers of sedimentary rocks.
Granite is an igneous rock made by the slow cooling of molten lava. It’s composed of mainly quartz, feldspar, and other minerals that give it a range of different colours, its quarried much in the same way as marble.
Quartz countertops are engineered in a process similar to how marble is formed in the earth’s crust through heat exposure and pressure over the course of a few hours. Most quartz manufacturers use a similar process, and the differentiation is in the colours and quality of their aggregate materials and resins. Quartz countertops are man-made of 92-97% quartz mineral, the 4th hardest material on earth giv ing it its strength, hardness, and its antimicrobial properties.
Appearance/Color Selection (winner: Granite/Marble)
In regards to appearance, granite and marble stones have a larger selection of colours compared to quartz countertops. Granite and marble countertops are quarried from various regions around the world as each region has a unique geological process that results in distinctive regional characteristics, also as each slab is a different cross-section of the stone each slab is different than the one before it.
Different regions of the world have different types of granites and marbles so some colors may have to travel a long way to get here. In Canada, we tend to have darker granites with smaller speckled patterns organic to our climate.
Cost (it depends)
Budgeting for new countertops or a full-blown kitchen renovation is of top priority, but when it comes to these three stones, it’s not as easy as calculating by linear or square foot. However, here is an average based on 40 kitchens of each size around Toronto and the surrpounding areas (GTA).
| Stone | Cost per square foot installed | Total Cost (cad) |
| Granite: Standard Colours | $70 –$150 (installed) | Small kitchen: $2,200- $2,500 Medium kitchen: $3,000 – $3,500 Large kitchen: $4,000 – $4,500 |
| Granite: Exotic Colours | $150 – $250 (installed) | Small: $4,000-$4,500+ Medium $5,000-$6,000+ Large: $6,000 – $10,000+ |
| Quartz | $90-$110 | Small: $2,700-$3,200 Medium $3,400-$4,500 Large: $4,000 – $5,000 |
Slab costs are a function of rarity, availability, and logistics and are subject to supply and demand market forces. The cost of the slab and the complexity of the project are the two main influences on price, which make it more volatile than other materials available on the market.
As a quarry dries up, the cost of remaining slabs increases and only goes down when new quarries are found. To add to the complexity of slab prices, there are two general categories standard colors and exotic stones.
Standard colors are more common and can be found in abundance, whereas exotic colours tend to be more scarce with possibly only 1 or 2 quarries that produce such colours. For example, if you’re searching for a blue-toned granite, Blue Bahia Azul is north of $10,000/slab, whereas Ubatuba is one of the most affordable granites, and they are both mined less than 1000miles away from each other in Brazil.
Quartz slab costs tend to be more homogeneous in price when compared to granite. However, sizing varies significantly from each manufacturer, creating significant price differences between different quartz companies.
Additionally, the number of slabs used for your project is an additional cost drive. For example, if your kitchen requires 2.3 slabs, the countertop company will need to purchase and charge you for 3 slabs even though you’ll be using 30% of the 3rd slab.
Project complexity
Project complexity is the second influencer of cost for the finished countertop. For example, the type of edge, the number of seams, and if matching is required will add to the finished cost of the project. As a general rule of thumb, the more detail-oriented a project is, the higher your budget will be.
You can message us for a various quotes and projects options, but we’re here to give you honest advice to meet your project goals best. Get a free quote here
The edge type also can affect the prices as a standard cut edge vs a miter cut edge can mean a 10-20% increase in cost as a miter cut is more complex to achieve.
Durability (winner: Quartz)
Durability is dependent on the colour that you select. Darker granites are far denser and less porous than lighter-coloured granites and marbles and, therefore, harder, less susceptible to staining and absorbing bacteria.
If you plan on having a white or grey countertop, I recommend using quartz for its durability and resistance to staining.
Ongoing Maintenance (Winner: Quartz)
The sealant you use and the interval by which you seal your countertop is dependent on the colour and how much you abuse your counter by spilling and cooking on it.**
Lighter-coloured natural stones require sealant at shorter intervals, typically every 1-3 years while darker colours require you to seal it less often, approximately every 4-5 years.
This is where quartz countertops are preferred, as they are harder to stain. Normally, they don’t require any sealant but we caution you to know that it is still possible depending on the strength and exposure to the staining substance.
Conclusion – Pros Vs Cons
The variables of choosing the right type of countertop boil down to what you value most. Our clients have different lifestyles, tastes, and nuances that make their kitchens unique to their home. We’re here to streamline your interior design goals through the filters of your choice so you get exactly what you’re looking for.
Suppose design is the main focus of your kitchen. In that case, we recommend choosing a natural marble or granite countertop that is the perfect shade to either act as the focal point or harmonizing factor of your kitchen.
If usability is most important, especially for big families, we recommend the low maintenance and easy clean up of quartz as the best investment.
But, if you seek unique and unparalleled materials, granite and marble are your best option. we can help you source and special order the most luxurious stone option from around the world.