Is quartz or granite better for a kitchen renovation in Calgary's humid summers and dry winters?

For Calgary's extreme climate swings, quartz is generally the better choice due to its non-porous surface and superior durability against temperature fluctuations, though both materials perform well in our dry climate.

Calgary's climate is actually quite dry year-round compared to other Canadian cities, with low humidity even in summer. However, our extreme temperature swings from chinooks and freeze-thaw cycles create unique challenges for kitchen materials. Quartz countertops excel in these conditions because they're engineered to be completely non-porous, meaning they won't absorb moisture during those occasional humid summer days or expand and contract as dramatically with temperature changes.

Granite can also perform excellently in Calgary, but requires proper sealing every 1-2 years to maintain its stain and moisture resistance. Natural granite is slightly porous, so during Calgary's brief humid periods (typically July-August when we might see 60-70% humidity), unsealed granite could potentially absorb moisture. More importantly, granite's natural stone composition means it can experience minor expansion and contraction with our dramatic temperature swings, though this is rarely problematic when properly installed.

From a practical Calgary perspective, both materials handle our dry winters beautifully - neither will crack from low humidity like some wood products might. Quartz maintains consistent performance year-round without any maintenance, while granite offers unique natural beauty but needs that annual sealing appointment. Cost-wise in the Calgary market, expect to pay $60-$120 per square foot installed for quality quartz, while granite typically runs $50-$100 per square foot installed, depending on the stone's rarity and origin.

Professional installation is crucial for both materials in Calgary due to our expansive clay soils that can cause minor foundation settlement. A skilled installer will account for potential movement and use appropriate support structures. Most Calgary kitchen renovations range from $30,000-$100,000 depending on size and finishes, with countertops representing about 10-15% of the total budget.

Next steps: Visit local stone yards to see samples in person, as lighting in Calgary homes (especially during our long winter months) can significantly affect how colors appear. Get quotes from experienced countertop installers who understand Calgary's climate challenges and can recommend the best substrate and installation methods for your specific home.