What is the cost difference between laminate and quartz countertops?

Laminate countertops typically cost $15-40 per square foot installed in Ottawa, while quartz runs $80-150 per square foot installed - making quartz roughly 3-4 times more expensive than laminate for most projects.

For a typical Ottawa kitchen with 30 square feet of countertop space, you're looking at $450-1,200 for laminate versus $2,400-4,500 for quartz. This price difference reflects not just materials, but also the complexity of installation and long-term durability expectations.

Laminate costs break down to $8-15 per square foot for materials, with installation adding another $7-25 per square foot. Modern laminate options like Formica 180fx or Wilsonart HD can mimic stone patterns quite convincingly, though they still show seams and edges that reveal the substrate. In Ottawa's market, you'll find the best selection at stores like Home Depot, Lowe's, or local suppliers like Richelieu.

Quartz pricing ranges from $60-100 per square foot for the material itself, with fabrication and installation adding $20-50 per square foot. Popular brands available in Ottawa include Caesarstone, Silestone, and Cambria. The higher cost reflects quartz's engineered composition (93% natural quartz, 7% polymer resins), which creates a non-porous surface that resists stains, scratches, and bacteria without sealing.

Ottawa-specific considerations include HST (13%) on both options, and the fact that quartz fabrication requires specialized equipment - there are fewer qualified installers locally, which can affect pricing and scheduling. Winter installation is fine for both materials since it's interior work, though quartz slabs need climate-controlled transport.

Long-term value perspective: While laminate needs replacement every 10-15 years and can chip or burn, quality quartz installations last 20+ years with minimal maintenance. For rental properties or budget-conscious renovations, laminate makes sense. For forever homes or higher-end rentals, quartz often pays for itself in durability and resale value.

Professional installation is recommended for both materials - laminate for proper templating and seamless edges, quartz because it requires diamond-blade cutting and precise measurement. DIY laminate is possible but risky given the cost of mistakes.

For a detailed estimate based on your specific kitchen layout and material preferences, contact Justyn Rook Contracting for a free consultation.