# Quartzite vs Granite Toronto | Quartzite Countertops Toronto URL: https://quartzitecountertopstoronto.ca/quartzite-vs-granite/ Comparisons | 22 Years of Quartzite Fabrication Experience # Quartzite vs Granite in Toronto, ON | Hardness, Look, Sealing & Cost Compared Last updated: October 6, 2026 Quartzite Countertops Toronto [/ →](/) handles the quartzite vs granite decision for kitchens, condos and commercial builds in Toronto and the GTA. Both are natural stones, but quartzite is a metamorphic sandstone at 7 Mohs, acid-resistant, with flowing veins, while granite is an igneous stone around 6-6.5 Mohs with a speckled look. Our founder cut granite for 7 years before switching to quartzite, and today we fabricate on our Park Industries CNC and Flow Mach 500 waterjet with slabs from Stone Tile, Ciot and Marsala after 22 years in the trade. Quartzite runs $70-$280/sqft installed; most granite sits lower. Taj Mahal, Cristallo, Mont Blanc, Sea Pearl and Super White are in stock. Every quartzite install carries WSIB coverage, $5M CGL, NSI compliance and a written 2-year warranty across Toronto, Mississauga, Vaughan, Markham and the rest of the GTA. - 22Y GTA - NSI Accredited - Park Industries CNC - Flow Mach 500 - $5M CGL + WSIB - 2-Yr Warranty Book Free In-Home Consultation & Samples [/contact/ →](/contact/) See Quartzite vs Granite Pricing ($70-$280/sqft) [#pricing →](#pricing) ![Veined quartzite sample beside a speckled granite sample](https://placehold.co/1920x800/8a6a24/ffffff?text=Veined+quartzite+slab+sample+next+to+a+speckled+granite+sample+on+a+wooden+table+in+a+GTA+stone+shop) From $70/sqft 22 Years GTA Expertise Park Ind. CNC & Flow Waterjet Published price: $70-$280/sqft CAD Many GTA granites install for less than entry quartzite. We quote both honestly. - 5-Star Customer Satisfaction - 22Y GTA - NSI Accredited - Park Industries CNC - Flow Mach 500 - $5M CGL + WSIB - 2-Yr Warranty - Top-Rated Toronto Quartzite Fabricator ## Quartzite vs Granite: Two Natural Stones, Two Different Looks Both are real stone. Both handle heat, both are hard enough for daily cooking and both need occasional sealing. The difference starts underground. **Granite** is an igneous rock. It formed from cooled magma, which is why it looks like a mix of crystals and speckles: feldspar, quartz and mica locked together. It rates around 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. **Quartzite** is a metamorphic rock. It started as sandstone and was fused by heat and pressure. That process creates flowing veins and soft clouds instead of speckles, and it pushes hardness to about 7 Mohs. Our founder spent seven years cutting granite at a Mississauga commercial fabricator before opening our shop in 2003. We know both stones well, and we will tell you honestly which suits your kitchen. ## How We Compare Them ### Hardness and Durability Quartzite is the harder of the two, but both resist scratches from normal kitchen use. Neither will mind a hot pan. ### Veined vs Speckled Look This is the real decision. If you want the soft, flowing look of marble, quartzite delivers it. If you like crystal texture and speckle, granite is the classic. ### Sealing Frequency Both get resealed on a 12-24 month cycle depending on the slab. We seal quartzite every 18 months with Dry-Treat Stain-Proof. ### Installed Price per sqft Granite usually costs less. Exotic granites can overlap with entry quartzites. ![Fabricator holding a granite offcut beside a quartzite offcut in the shop](https://placehold.co/800x500/8a6a24/ffffff?text=Stone+fabricator+holding+a+speckled+granite+offcut+in+one+hand+and+a+veined+quartzite+offcut+in+the+other+inside+a+Vaughan+workshop) ## Quartzite vs Granite at a Glance | | Quartzite | Granite | | --- | --- | --- | | Rock type | Metamorphic (from sandstone) | Igneous (from magma) | | Mohs hardness | About 7 | About 6-6.5 | | Look | Flowing veins, marble-like | Speckled crystals | | Acid etch | None | Rare, varies by slab | | Heat | 300C+ | 300C+ | | UV-stable | Yes | Yes | | Sealing | Every 18 months | Every 12-24 months | | Installed price | $70-$280/sqft | Usually lower than quartzite | | Current look | Reads modern and premium | Classic, can feel dated in speckled colours | ## How Much Does Quartzite Cost vs Granite in Toronto? We publish our quartzite pricing in CAD so you can compare with any granite quote you have. | Layout | Entry Quartzite | Taj Mahal Quartzite | | --- | --- | --- | | Vanity top | $1,800-$2,400 | $1,800-$3,200 | | Kitchen island | $2,800-$4,600 | $2,800-$6,500 | | L-shape kitchen (45-55 sqft) | $5,500-$7,800 | $5,500-$9,800 | | Open kitchen with island | $9,500-$13,000 | $9,500-$18,000 | Old granite removal and disposal is listed on its own line when we replace an existing top. Full pricing for every stone is on quartzite cost Toronto [/quartzite-cost/ →](/quartzite-cost/) . ## Replacing Granite With Quartzite A lot of our work is swapping 2000s-era speckled granite for quartzite. The cabinets are often fine, so the job is quicker than a full renovation: 1. We template over the existing granite with the laser, then confirm once it is removed. 2. We check cabinet level and add shims or a plywood sub-top where needed. 3. On install day, the crew removes the granite, sets the new quartzite and hooks the sink back up for your plumber. If you like the cool tones of a black or grey granite but want veining, look at grey quartzite countertops [/grey-quartzite-countertops/ →](/grey-quartzite-countertops/) or Mont Blanc quartzite [/mont-blanc-quartzite/ →](/mont-blanc-quartzite/) . ## When Granite Is the Better Choice If your budget is tight and you love a speckled or crystalline look, granite is great value. It is also a good match when you are adding to an existing granite kitchen. We can still help with an island in a complementary quartzite. For the engineered side of the debate, see quartzite vs quartz [/quartzite-vs-quartz/ →](/quartzite-vs-quartz/) , and for etching concerns, quartzite vs marble [/quartzite-vs-marble/ →](/quartzite-vs-marble/) . ## Caring for Either Stone Daily care is the same: warm water, a pH-neutral stone cleaner, cutting boards and trivets as habits. Run a water-drop test every year. If it darkens under the drops, book a quartzite sealing [/quartzite-sealing/ →](/quartzite-sealing/) visit, we reseal granite too. Straight Talk ## What Actually Stops Toronto Homeowners From Booking Quartzite vs Granite In our opinion, these four questions decide most bookings. Here are the straight answers. ### "Granite is cheaper and tough. Why pay more for quartzite?" In our opinion, the deciding factor is looks, not toughness. Both are durable natural stones. Quartzite gives you the soft, flowing veins of marble; granite gives you speckles and crystals. If you love the granite look, buy granite. Most of our clients come to us because they want veining. ### "Wouldn't quartz give me the veined look for less?" Quartz can print veins, but they repeat and the resin can scorch near 150C. Quartzite's veins are real and it handles heat like granite does. ### "Isn't granite less likely to chip?" Quartzite is actually harder, around 7 Mohs versus 6-6.5 for granite. Both can chip on square edges. We ease every quartzite edge and cut on a flooded diamond CNC, and chip repair runs $185-$450. ### "Does quartzite need more sealing than granite?" They are similar. Most quartzite and granite get resealed every 12-24 months depending on porosity. We seal quartzite with Dry-Treat Stain-Proof on an 18-month cycle. Why Choose Us ## Why Choose Quartzite Countertops Toronto for Quartzite vs Granite ### 1\. 22 Years of Quartzite Fabrication Two decades hand-fabricating natural stone in our own Vaughan shop. 1,400+ GTA kitchens and counting, so we have already seen the slab, the cabinet and the wall you are worried about. ### 2\. Park Industries CNC + Flow Mach 500 In-House Our CNC bridge saw, waterjet and Marmo Meccanica polisher sit under one roof. No subcontracted cutting, no middleman markup, and no slab leaving our sight between templating and install. ### 3\. NSI Dimension Stone + CSA A126 Compliance Residential work follows the NSI Dimension Stone Design Manual. Commercial work is built to CSA A126, which is why 97% of our commercial jobs sign off on the first visit. ### 4\. 11-Supplier Slab-Yard Network Accounts with Stone Tile, Ciot, Marsala, World Stone, Elite Stone and six more yards. That is how we find Taj Mahal, Cristallo and Super White lots retail showrooms cannot source. ### 5\. Free In-Home Consultation With Slab Samples We bring real Taj Mahal, Mont Blanc and Fantasy Brown samples plus edge mockups to your kitchen, so you judge colour under your own lights before anything gets cut. ### 6\. Transparent CAD Pricing, Published Every per-sqft rate, project range and service price is on this site. Quotes itemise slab, fabrication, edge, sealing, delivery and install, and the invoice matches the quote. Precision Workflow ## How Our Quartzite vs Granite Process Works, 5 Steps 1. 1 ### Step 1: Side-by-Side Slab Visit We walk Stone Tile, Ciot or Marsala with you, comparing quartzite and granite slabs in the same light so you can judge veining against speckle on full slabs. 2. 2 ### Step 2: Laser Templating & Dual Quote Our LT-2D3D laser templater maps your layout to 1/16 inch. If you are still deciding, we quote the layout in both stones so the decision is based on real numbers. 3. 3 ### Step 3: Park Industries CNC & Waterjet Cutting Shops that cut quartzite the way they cut granite, fast and dry, cause micro-fissures. Quartzite is harder and needs a flooded diamond blade, which is what our CNC runs. 4. 4 ### Step 4: Hand-Polishing & Sealing by Marco Marco Delvecchio, who spent 7 years cutting granite before quartzite, checks every seam and edge before the Marmo Meccanica polish and Dry-Treat Stain-Proof seal. 5. 5 ### Step 5: Clean 1-Day GTA Installation A WSIB-cleared crew removes old tops if needed, installs your new stone, seams with tinted Akemi epoxy and caulks in one visit for most kitchens. Our Work ## Recent Quartzite vs Granite Projects Real GTA installs cut in our Vaughan shop. Click any photo to enlarge. Your Recent Projects [/gallery/ →](/gallery/) Client Confidence ## What Clients Say About Our Quartzite vs Granite Work Top-Rated Toronto Quartzite Fabricator > "Our 2004 granite was solid but the speckle felt dated. Honed Taj Mahal changed the whole room and they hauled the old granite away." Diane F. from Etobicoke CentreTaj Mahal replacing granite, $7,600 5-Star Customer Satisfaction > "They showed us both at the yard in the same light. The grey quartzite had movement the granite just did not." Ahmed Z. from Mississauga ValleysGrey quartzite over black granite, 2 weeks Verified GTA Project > "We kept our granite perimeter and added a quartzite island. They matched the tones so it looks planned, not patched." Bruce N. from BramptonGranite kept, quartzite island, $3,900 Got Questions? ## Quartzite vs Granite FAQ ### Is quartzite harder than granite? Yes. Quartzite rates about 7 on the Mohs scale; most granites rate 6-6.5. Both are hard enough for kitchens, and both resist heat well. The bigger difference is appearance: quartzite has flowing veins, granite has a speckled crystal pattern made of feldspar, quartz and mica. ### Is quartzite more expensive than granite in Toronto? Usually. Quartzite runs $70-$280/sqft installed. Many common granites install for less, though exotic granites can match or pass entry quartzite. On a 50 sqft kitchen, entry quartzite is often $1,000-$2,500 more than a standard granite. ### Which is more porous, quartzite or granite? It varies by slab. Some granites are very dense and some are thirsty; the same goes for quartzite. A water-drop test on an offcut tells you more than the name does. ### Does granite etch? True granite rarely etches, though some stones sold as granite contain calcite. Quartzite does not etch. We test any stone we are unsure about. ### Why does granite look dated to some people? The busy speckled look was everywhere in the 2000s. Quartzite's softer veining reads more current. That said, black and leathered granites still look great in modern kitchens. ### Can you replace granite with quartzite without new cabinets? Usually yes. We check cabinet level and condition at templating and shim where needed. Removal of the old granite is quoted on its own line. ### Is granite or quartzite better outdoors? Both work outdoors with sealing. Quartzite stays UV-stable and handles freeze-thaw when it is supported on a frame that drains. ### Do you fabricate granite? Our shop focuses on quartzite. We can repair and polish existing granite, and we will tell you honestly if granite is the better choice for your budget. ### Which adds more resale value? Agents tell us quartzite reads as more premium to today's buyers, especially Taj Mahal and white quartzites, but any well-installed natural stone helps. Keep Exploring ## Related Quartzite Services ![Natural quartzite and engineered quartz samples side by side on a Toronto kitchen counter](https://placehold.co/1920x800/8a6a24/ffffff?text=Natural+quartzite+slab+sample+beside+an+engineered+quartz+sample+on+a+Toronto+kitchen+counter+during+a+consultation) ### Quartzite vs Quartz Natural metamorphic stone versus 93% ground quartz bound with 7% resin, compared on heat, UV, sealing and price. $70-$280/sqft View [Quartzite vs Quartz →](/quartzite-vs-quartz/) ![Red wine and lemon on a white quartzite counter in a Toronto kitchen](https://placehold.co/1920x800/8a6a24/ffffff?text=Glass+of+red+wine+and+a+cut+lemon+on+a+white+quartzite+kitchen+counter+in+a+Toronto+home+evening+light) ### Quartzite vs Marble Marble look without the red-wine etch: Mohs 7 vs 3-5, sealing every 18 months vs every 6. $70-$280/sqft View [Quartzite vs Marble →](/quartzite-vs-marble/) ![Open-concept Toronto kitchen with Taj Mahal quartzite perimeter and island](https://placehold.co/1920x800/8a6a24/ffffff?text=Open+concept+Toronto+kitchen+with+Taj+Mahal+quartzite+perimeter+counters+and+island+with+a+coffee+mug+and+cutting+board+left+out) ### Quartzite Kitchen Countertops Full kitchen fabrication from laser template to one-day install for L-shape, galley and open-concept layouts. $5,500-$18,000 View [Quartzite Kitchen Countertops →](/quartzite-kitchen-countertops/) ![Itemised quartzite quote on a clipboard beside stone samples on a kitchen island](https://placehold.co/1920x800/8a6a24/ffffff?text=Itemised+quartzite+countertop+quote+on+a+clipboard+next+to+stone+samples+and+a+tape+measure+on+a+Toronto+kitchen+island) ### Quartzite Cost Toronto Every published CAD price in one place: per-sqft by stone, project, service and commercial tables plus the estimator. $70-$280/sqft View [Quartzite Cost Toronto →](/quartzite-cost/) ![](https://placehold.co/1920x600/1a1613/ffffff?text=Stone+fabrication+crew+in+plain+grey+workwear+carrying+a+polished+cream+quartzite+countertop+section+into+a+bright+Toronto+kitchen+on+install+day) Direct Fabricator Consultation ## Replacing Old Granite or Deciding Between the Two? We will look at your current counters, bring quartzite samples and give you a straight answer on whether the switch is worth it. Call (416) 555-0100 [tel:+14165550100 →](tel:+14165550100) Explore Published CAD Pricing [/quartzite-cost/ →](/quartzite-cost/) - Written 2-Year Workmanship Warranty - WSIB crews, $5M CGL - Itemised CAD quote, no hidden lines - Real slab samples at your kitchen Book Your Free In-Home Consultation & Slab Samples Thanks, we got your message. The fabrication crew will call you back within one business day.