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Granite vs. Quartz: The Ultimate Showdown

  • Writer: Galaxy Granite
    Galaxy Granite
  • 6 days ago
  • 3 min read

Natural Beauty or Engineered Perfection? A Complete Guide for Calgary Homeowners.



The Great Debate

One of the most common questions we hear at our Calgary showroom is simple: "Which is better, Granite or Quartz?"

The honest answer? It depends on your lifestyle.

At Galaxy Granite, we love both materials. We fabricate and install hundreds of slabs of each every year across Calgary, Airdrie, and Chestermere. However, they are very different animals. To help you decide, we’ve broken down the key differences in durability, maintenance, aesthetics, and cost.

1. The Origin Story

Granite (Natural Stone) Granite is 100% natural. It is igneous rock mined from the earth in large blocks, then sliced into slabs. No two pieces are ever arguably the same. When you buy granite, you are buying a piece of the earth’s history.

Quartz (Engineered Stone) Quartz is man-made. It consists of roughly 90-95% crushed natural quartz crystals mixed with resins, polymers, and pigments. This manufacturing process allows for consistent patterns and colors that nature can't produce (like pure white).

2. Durability & Heat Resistance

Granite: The Heat King Granite is formed by intense heat and pressure.

  • Heat: You can place hot pots directly on it (though we still recommend trivets to protect the sealer).

  • Scratch: It is incredibly hard and scratch-resistant.

  • Outdoor Use: It is UV stable and perfect for outdoor BBQ islands.

Quartz: The Indestructible (Mostly)

  • Heat: This is Quartz's "Kryptonite." The resin can scorch or discolor if exposed to temperatures over 300°F (150°C). Never place a hot cast iron skillet directly on quartz.

  • Scratch: It is actually harder than granite and very difficult to scratch.

  • Outdoor Use: Not recommended. Direct UV sunlight can fade the colors and warp the resin over time.

    Granite Countertop


3. Granite & Quartz Maintenance & Hygiene

Granite

  • Porous: It has microscopic pores.

  • Sealing: Requires sealing once a year (a simple 10-minute wipe-on process).

  • Staining: If unsealed, oil or red wine can seep in.

Quartz

  • Non-Porous: It is completely solid.

  • Sealing: Never required.

  • Staining: Highly resistant to staining. It is also antibacterial because germs have nowhere to hide, making it a favorite for young families.

Quick Comparison Chart

Feature

Granite

Quartz

Origin

100% Natural Stone

Engineered (93% Stone / 7% Resin)

Heat Resistance

Excellent (High Heat)

Moderate (Use Trivets)

Scratch Resistance

High

Very High

Sealing Required

Yes (Annually)

No (Never)

Porous

Yes

No

Outdoor Use

Yes (UV Stable)

No (Colors Fade)

Aesthetics

Unique, Natural Veining

Consistent Patterns & Colors

4. Aesthetics: The Look

Granite offers movement. If you want a kitchen island that looks like a piece of art with flowing veins, gold flecks, and deep crystalline structures, granite is the winner. It feels organic and warm.

Quartz offers consistency. If you love the "Modern Farmhouse" look with clean white marble-style veins, or a sleek industrial grey concrete look, quartz is the way to go. It allows for hidden seams and a cleaner, more uniform design.

5. Cost

Historically, granite was the expensive luxury option. Today, the prices have leveled out.

  • Entry Level: "Level 1" Granite and standard Quartz are often very similar in price.

  • High End: Exotic Granite (like Blue Bahia) and Premium Quartz (like Calacatta Gold replicas) can both get expensive.

  • The Verdict: Price shouldn't be the main deciding factor; choose the material that fits your habits.

The Final Verdict

Choose Granite If:

  • You are an avid cook who sets hot pans down often.

  • You want a unique, one-of-a-kind slab.

  • You are building an outdoor kitchen or patio table.

Choose Quartz If:

  • You want a "set it and forget it" low-maintenance surface.

  • You prefer a modern, clean, or pure white aesthetic.

  • You have young kids and want the most hygienic surface possible.


Still Can't Decide? Come Feel the Difference.

The best way to choose is to see them side-by-side. Visit our Calgary showroom to touch the cool surface of granite and see the modern finish of quartz.

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