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Countertops in Victoria, BC — quick guide for kitchens and baths

You want a surface that looks good and holds up. Here’s the short, local take.

Quartz countertops — why people pick it here

• Tough surface. Made from crushed stone and resin. Resists most cuts and bumps in daily use.
• Non-porous. Spills don’t soak in. Coffee, wine, juice wipe off clean. No routine sealing.
• Low care. Soap and water is fine. Skip harsh cleaners and scouring pads.
• Stable over time. No warping. Finish stays consistent for years under normal use.
• Safe for food. No added VOC smell. Comfortable to prep on.
• Lots of looks. Many colours, matte or polished. Edges can be simple or fancy.
  Victoria notes: Island deliveries can add a few days. Plan slab selection early. Local shops template first, then cut sinks and tap holes in the shop for a clean fit.

Marble — pros and cons for Victoria homes

The good

• Classic look. Soft veining, bright light bounce. Great for vanities and low-traffic kitchens.
• Can be repaired. Light scratches can be buffed. Chips can be filled with colour-matched epoxy.
• Natural stone. No resin binder.

The trade-offs

• Softer than quartz or granite. Easier to scratch or chip with pots.
• Needs sealing on a schedule. Unsealed marble stains fast from wine, oil, or coffee.
• Gentle cleaning only. Mild soap and water. Acids and bleach leave marks.
  Victoria notes: Our damp air shows etching and water rings faster if the surface isn’t sealed and wiped dry. Keep a good sealer on hand and wipe spills right away.

Granite — what to know before you pick it

• Durable stone. Heat and scratch resistance is strong. Still use a board and trivet.
• Needs sealing. Many granites do absorb liquids without it. Seal per the product and recheck yearly.
• Repairs are harder. Deep chips or stains often need a pro. Matching old slabs can be tricky if the quarry batch is gone.
• Heavy. Cabinets and big overhangs may need extra support, which adds time and cost.
• Natural radioactivity is minimal. Typically well within normal background levels for homes here.
  Victoria notes: Ferry timing can affect special-order slabs. If you love a specific pattern, ask the fabricator to tag it before it sells.

Install basics that matter here

• Good templating. Digital or rigid templates prevent gap issues later.
• Seams. Place away from sinks and cooktops when possible. Ask where they’ll land before cutting.
• Sinks. Undermounts need solid support and proper sealant. Farm sinks need a cradle.
• Edges. Eased or small radius edges chip less than sharp profiles.
• Care kit. Keep a stone-safe cleaner, non-acidic. For marble and granite, keep sealer and a soft cloth handy.

Picking between them

• Want low care and consistent colour? Quartz.
• Love natural movement and don’t mind upkeep? Marble for light use, granite for heavier use.
• On a tight schedule? Choose what’s in stock locally to avoid delays.

Have a colour in mind or a sketch of your layout? Send a couple photos and rough sizes. I can suggest slab counts, seam spots, and a realistic lead time for Victoria.

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