Quartz Reigns, Natural Stone Surges: Canada’s 2026 Countertop and Stone Industry Outlook
TORONTO, January 23, 2026 – Canadian homeowners and builders are driving a dynamic shift in the stone and countertop market, blending a demand for durable, low-maintenance surfaces with a renewed passion for unique, natural materials. Engineered quartz continues to dominate national preferences, but 2026 is marked by a powerful resurgence of natural stone, bold design statements, and a strong undercurrent of sustainability and local sourcing. The market itself is expanding rapidly, projected to grow to nearly $5.8 billion by 2030, fueled by renovation activity and evolving aesthetic tastes.
Market Growth and Material Rankings
The Canadian countertops market is on a steady growth trajectory. According to industry analysis, the market generated revenue of approximately $3.6 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $5.75 billion by 2030, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9%. While granite held the largest revenue share historically, engineered quartz is now the fastest-growing segment. Nationally, search interest and consumer preference clearly favour quartz, which topped 2025 Google Trends data with a perfect score of 100.
Key Market Statistics & Trends
| Metric | Data & Trend |
|---|---|
| 2023 Market Revenue | $3.61 billion (CAD) |
| 2030 Projected Revenue | $5.75 billion (CAD) |
| Top Material (Search Interest) | Quartz Countertops (Score: 100) |
| Fastest-Growing Segment | Engineered Quartz |
| Biggest Year-Over-Year Search Gain (2024-25) | Butcher Block (+21%) |
| 2026 Design Shift | Warm, earthy neutrals replace stark whites; matte/textured finishes gain over high-gloss. |
Top Design Trends for 2026
The aesthetic landscape is evolving. The all-white kitchen is fading, making way for warm, organic neutrals like clay, sage, taupe, and creamy beiges. Homeowners, particularly in urban centres like Toronto and Vancouver, are embracing bold veining in quartz and natural stone, using dramatic patterns in charcoal, gold, or green to create focal-point islands. Texture is paramount, with honed, leathered, and suede finishes preferred for their sophisticated, low-glare, and fingerprint-resistant qualities.
Material mixing is a key trend for adding depth and functionality, such as pairing a quartz waterfall island with a butcher block prep zone. There is also a strong movement toward ultra-thin profiles (1-2 cm) and full slab applications, including waterfall edges and floor-to-ceiling backsplashes, for a sleek, architectural look.
The Sustainability and Local Sourcing Movement
Environmental consciousness is a major market driver. This manifests in two key ways: a preference for durable, long-lifecycle materials like natural stone and quartzite, and a growing demand for locally sourced products. The Canada Green Building Strategy encourages low-carbon materials, and natural stone is increasingly recognized for its low embodied energy, durability, and recyclability.
Parallel to this, a “Buy Canadian” sentiment is strengthening across the construction sector. Driven by supply chain considerations, government support for domestic manufacturing, and a desire to reduce carbon footprints, builders and homeowners are actively seeking locally produced lumber, windows, insulation, and stone. Ontario-based quarries and Canadian stone fabricators are highlighting their local origins as a key value proposition.
Industry Consolidation and Developments
The stone distribution industry is undergoing consolidation. In late 2025, U.S.-based Capstone Holding Corp. acquired Canadian Stone Industries (CSI), a major distributor with roughly $15 million in annual revenue. CSI has subsequently joined the Instone network, expanding its North American reach. This move is part of a broader trend of building scale in the building products distribution sector.
On the production side, companies like Upper Canada Stone continue to operate multiple quarries across Ontario, supplying everything from terrazzo aggregates and midnight black granite to limestone armourstone. New ventures, such as Renaissance Stone Quarries on Vancouver Island, are advancing projects to explore and develop marble and granite resources, emphasizing tidewater access for logistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular countertop material in Canada?
Engineered quartz is the most popular material based on consumer search interest and sales growth. It is favoured for its non-porous nature, stain resistance, low maintenance (no sealing required), and wide variety of designs that can mimic natural stone.
Is natural stone considered a sustainable choice?
Yes, when sourced and processed responsibly, natural stone is considered a sustainable building material. It has a low embodied energy compared to many manufactured materials, is extremely durable (lasting decades or centuries), is non-toxic, and is fully recyclable at the end of its life. Many Canadian suppliers now provide Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) to verify these credentials.
What are the emerging colour trends for countertops?
The trend is moving away from stark whites toward warm, earthy neutrals. Colours like creamy beige, soft taupe, mushroom grey, sage green, and dusty blue are gaining popularity. Bold, dramatic veining in darker tones is also a major trend for creating statement pieces.
Are Canadian-made building materials becoming more popular?
Yes. There is a significant shift toward sourcing construction materials domestically. This is driven by desires for supply chain reliability, reduced transportation emissions, support for the local economy, and in some cases, superior quality or suitability for the Canadian climate. This trend encompasses everything from mass timber and windows to natural stone and brick.