What is the price difference between granite and quartz countertops in NB?

Granite and quartz countertops are priced very similarly in New Brunswick — granite runs $55 to $110 per square foot installed while quartz costs $60 to $120 per square foot — but the total cost of ownership over time favours quartz due to its zero-maintenance nature. For a typical NB kitchen with 30 to 40 square feet of counter space, you're looking at $1,650 to $4,400 for granite versus $1,800 to $4,800 for quartz in material and installation costs.

At the entry level, granite can actually be less expensive than quartz. Basic granite colours — ubatuba, caledonia, new venetian gold — are quarried in huge volumes and start around $55 per square foot installed. Entry-level quartz starts slightly higher at $60 per square foot. At the mid-range and premium levels, the pricing overlaps significantly. A dramatic granite slab with striking veining can cost just as much as a premium Cambria or Caesarstone quartz at $100 to $120 per square foot.

Performance in NB's Climate

This is where the two materials diverge meaningfully for New Brunswick homeowners. Granite is porous and requires sealing once or twice a year to prevent staining and bacterial growth. In NB's humid summers, unsealed granite can absorb moisture and promote bacterial growth on food preparation surfaces. Miss a year of sealing and you may find dark stains around the sink area that are difficult or impossible to remove. Quartz is non-porous — it never needs sealing, won't absorb moisture, and is inherently resistant to bacteria and mold. In a province where maritime humidity is a constant kitchen concern, this is a significant practical advantage.

On the other hand, granite has one clear advantage: heat resistance. You can place a hot pot directly on granite without damage. Quartz contains resin binders that can be damaged by extreme heat — always use trivets with quartz. For homeowners who do a lot of cooking and want the freedom to set hot cookware down without thinking, granite has an edge.

Durability is comparable for both materials. Granite can chip if something heavy is dropped on an edge, and repairs involve filling with colour-matched epoxy — noticeable up close. Quartz is slightly more resistant to chipping but equally vulnerable at edges. Both materials will outlast your kitchen cabinets if properly cared for.

Appearance comes down to personal preference. Granite offers unique natural patterns — no two slabs are identical, which appeals to homeowners who want something truly one-of-a-kind. Quartz offers consistent colour and pattern, which is easier to match across large kitchens or multiple pieces. Modern quartz lines now replicate marble veining so convincingly that many homeowners choose quartz marble-look over actual marble (which stains and etches easily).

Most countertop fabricators in NB are based in Moncton, Fredericton, and Saint John, and most shops work with both materials. Lead times are similar — 3 to 6 weeks from templating to installation. Rural locations may incur delivery surcharges of $200 to $500. When comparing quotes, make sure both include the same edge profile, sink cutout, and installation scope so you're comparing apples to apples. Need help finding a kitchen renovator? New Brunswick Kitchens can match you with local professionals for free estimates.

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Looking for experienced contractors? The New Brunswick Construction Network connects homeowners with qualified professionals:

• Gionetterenovations
• Thirty Four Renovations