Kitchen Countertop Guide Ottawa: Materials, Costs & Selection Tips

# Kitchen Countertop Guide Ottawa: Materials, Costs & Selection Tips

*Last updated: December 2025 | Read time: 8 min*

Choosing the right countertop is one of the most important decisions in your kitchen renovation. This guide covers all the popular options available to Ottawa homeowners, with real costs and honest pros/cons.

**Quick answer:** Laminate is most affordable ($25-50/sq ft installed). Quartz offers the best value for durability ($80-150/sq ft). Granite and marble are premium options ($100-250/sq ft).

## Table of Contents

1. [Quick Comparison](#comparison)

2. [Laminate Countertops](#laminate)

3. [Quartz Countertops](#quartz)

4. [Granite Countertops](#granite)

5. [Butcher Block](#butcher-block)

6. [Marble Countertops](#marble)

7. [Solid Surface](#solid-surface)

8. [How to Choose](#how-to-choose)

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## Quick Comparison {#comparison}

| Material | Cost/Sq Ft | Durability | Maintenance | Heat Resistant | Best For |

|----------|-----------|------------|-------------|----------------|----------|

| Laminate | $25-50 | Fair | Low | Poor | Budget projects |

| Quartz | $80-150 | Excellent | Very Low | Good | Most kitchens |

| Granite | $75-200 | Excellent | Medium | Excellent | Traditional style |

| Butcher Block | $60-100 | Good | High | Poor | Warm aesthetics |

| Marble | $100-250 | Fair | High | Good | Luxury kitchens |

| Solid Surface | $50-100 | Good | Low | Poor | Seamless look |

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## Laminate Countertops {#laminate}

### Overview

Modern laminate has come a long way. Today's options realistically mimic stone, wood, and other materials at a fraction of the cost.

### Cost in Ottawa

- **Materials:** $15-30 per sq ft

- **Installed:** $25-50 per sq ft

- **30 sq ft kitchen:** $750-1,500

### Pros

- Most affordable option

- Huge variety of colours and patterns

- Easy to clean

- DIY-friendly installation

- No sealing required

### Cons

- Can chip or scratch

- Not heat resistant (hot pans cause damage)

- Seams visible on long runs

- Cannot be repaired if damaged

- Lower resale value perception

### Best Brands

- Formica

- Wilsonart

- Arborite

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## Quartz Countertops {#quartz}

### Overview

Engineered quartz (93% natural quartz + 7% resin) offers the look of natural stone with superior durability and zero maintenance.

### Cost in Ottawa

- **Materials:** $50-100 per sq ft

- **Installed:** $80-150 per sq ft

- **30 sq ft kitchen:** $2,400-4,500

### Pros

- Extremely durable and scratch-resistant

- Non-porous (no sealing ever)

- Consistent patterns (no surprises)

- Stain resistant

- Wide colour selection

- Excellent resale value

### Cons

- Can discolour with excessive heat

- Seams may be visible on large islands

- Not completely natural (if that matters to you)

- Premium price point

### Popular Brands in Ottawa

- Caesarstone

- Silestone

- Cambria

- MSI Quartz

### Why We Often Recommend Quartz

For most Ottawa homeowners, quartz offers the best combination of beauty, durability, and value. You get the look of natural stone without the maintenance headaches.

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## Granite Countertops {#granite}

### Overview

Natural granite remains a classic choice. Each slab is unique, offering one-of-a-kind beauty.

### Cost in Ottawa

- **Materials:** $45-150 per sq ft

- **Installed:** $75-200 per sq ft

- **30 sq ft kitchen:** $2,250-6,000

### Pros

- Completely natural and unique

- Excellent heat resistance

- Very durable

- Adds significant home value

- Timeless appeal

### Cons

- Requires annual sealing

- Can chip if struck hard

- Porous (can stain if unsealed)

- Limited colour consistency

- Heavy (may need cabinet reinforcement)

### Popular Granite Colours

- Absolute Black

- Uba Tuba

- Giallo Ornamental

- Santa Cecilia

- White Ice

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## Butcher Block Countertops {#butcher-block}

### Overview

Wood countertops add warmth and character that no other material can match.

### Cost in Ottawa

- **Materials:** $40-80 per sq ft

- **Installed:** $60-100 per sq ft

- **30 sq ft kitchen:** $1,800-3,000

### Pros

- Warm, natural beauty

- Can be sanded and refinished

- Gentle on knives

- Adds character and warmth

- Works as cutting surface

### Cons

- Requires regular oiling

- Can scratch and dent

- Not water-resistant near sinks

- Can harbour bacteria if not maintained

- Not heat resistant

### Best Wood Species

- Maple (hardest, most durable)

- Walnut (rich colour)

- Oak (classic look)

- Cherry (warm tones)

### Maintenance Tips

- Oil monthly with food-safe mineral oil

- Sand out scratches as needed

- Keep dry around sink area

- Use trivets for hot items

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## Marble Countertops {#marble}

### Overview

Marble is the ultimate luxury countertop, prized for its timeless elegance and natural veining.

### Cost in Ottawa

- **Materials:** $70-200 per sq ft

- **Installed:** $100-250 per sq ft

- **30 sq ft kitchen:** $3,000-7,500

### Pros

- Unmatched natural beauty

- Cool surface (great for baking)

- Unique veining patterns

- Premium, luxurious look

- Excellent for pastry work

### Cons

- Soft and scratches easily

- Stains from acidic foods

- Requires frequent sealing

- Expensive

- High maintenance

### Best Use

Many Ottawa homeowners choose marble for a dedicated baking station or butler's pantry while using quartz for main work areas.

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## Solid Surface Countertops {#solid-surface}

### Overview

Solid surface (Corian, etc.) offers seamless installation and easy repairs.

### Cost in Ottawa

- **Materials:** $30-70 per sq ft

- **Installed:** $50-100 per sq ft

- **30 sq ft kitchen:** $1,500-3,000

### Pros

- Seamless appearance

- Integrated sinks possible

- Repairable (scratches can be buffed out)

- Non-porous

- Huge colour selection

### Cons

- Can scratch

- Not heat resistant

- Can look artificial

- Less popular than quartz

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## How to Choose {#how-to-choose}

### Consider Your Lifestyle

**Choose Quartz if you:**

- Want low maintenance

- Have busy family life

- Cook frequently

- Want consistent appearance

**Choose Granite if you:**

- Love natural stone

- Want maximum heat resistance

- Appreciate unique patterns

- Don't mind annual sealing

**Choose Laminate if you:**

- Have a tight budget

- Are renovating a rental property

- Plan to upgrade later

- Want quick installation

**Choose Butcher Block if you:**

- Love warm, natural aesthetics

- Enjoy maintaining wood

- Want a farmhouse or rustic look

- Don't mind some character marks

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## Ottawa Supplier Tips

### Where to Shop

- **Stone yards:** Best prices on natural stone slabs

- **Big box stores:** Good for laminate and basic options

- **Kitchen showrooms:** See installed examples

- **Fabricators:** Often have remnant pieces at discount

### Buying Tips

1. Always see the actual slab (not just a sample)

2. Get quotes from 3+ fabricators

3. Ask about seam placement

4. Confirm edge profile options

5. Check warranty terms

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*Ready to choose your countertops? [Contact us](/contact) for expert guidance on your Ottawa kitchen renovation.*