The differences between quartz, granite, and laminate countertops.

When building a new home, you’ll probably have the choice of granite, quartz, or laminate countertops in your kitchen and bathrooms. When envisioning your home, you might have a specific vision for how the countertops will look, but do you know which material is really best for your family and lifestyle? Let’s take a look at the differences between granite, quartz, and laminate.

Laminate:

Laminate is the most budget friendly option of the three. It’s a fabricated material that’s relatively easy to install and is available in a wide range of colours and patterns. Laminate is durable and won’t stain, but it can be scratched by knives and damaged by heat.

When to choose laminate:

Laminate is a solid choice for buyers looking for a budget-friendly option or for families with young children. Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers can get pretty messy—and stain-resistant laminate is a great choice for young families.

Granite:

Granite is natural stone quarried in slabs. It is generally cheaper or in a similar price range with Quartz, and it does add value to a luxury home. Granite is available in many different colours but colours can vary from the sample chosen as it is cut from a mountain and the vein might have variations in it. Granite is a durable stone—you probably won’t scratch it if you miss the cutting board or ruin it by putting a hot pot directly on the counter—but it is porous and will need to re-sealed yearly to avoid staining.

When to choose granite:

Granite is a good choice for those who wish to remain long term in their new home. It is worth the investment for buyers who are looking for a luxury finish and who are prepared to do a bit of yearly maintenance.

Quartz:

Quartz comes in at the highest price point of the three options. Quartz tends to be softer than granite, but it will not stain and doesn’t need to be sealed at all. Quartz countertops are fabricated stone made up of pieces of quartz and resin and available in a wide range of colours. Because Quartz countertops are man-made, your finished counters will be very close to the colour you selected from the samples.

When to choose quartz:

Quartz is a good choice for anyone considering a higher-end finish than laminate but who is unsure about granite. Quartz countertops also have a great look and are more uniform than granite counters. If you are looking for stone countertops but don’t want to seal them each year, quartz is a nice option.