Is granite good for bathroom countertops?
Well, you’ve come to the right place because that’s exactly what I’ll be going over in this post.
So, let’s get straight into this!
How well does granite stand against the bathroom environment
We all know the environment in the bathroom can be chaotic.
First, you have the steam produced by the shower, which allows for rogue water to travel around the bathroom. Secondly, you have all the products you might use to groom yourself, adding to the chaos.
So how does a granite bathroom countertop handle all of this?
For starters, it’s essential to point out that granite is an incredibly durable material. Admittedly, it may come across as the fool’s choice for a fancy bathroom countertop. Still, the truth is that granite is a rigid material made from hard minerals.
It can resist scratching, chipping and is easy to clean thanks to its smooth surface. We recommend proper sealing to create a non-porous finish that will keep it protected from staining. If appropriately maintained, a granite bathroom countertop could even outlive you.
Pros & Cons of Granite Countertops
Pros
Let’s just get one thing out of the way. Granite countertops are an attractive option aesthetically. They add a level of class to any home and look beautiful regardless of which design you choose.
Secondly, the durability of granite as a material makes it a worthwhile investment. It’s a robust and heavy material that doesn’t lose its shine when exposed to water.
Lastly, and this one is important, is the scratch and stain resistance. Knowing that what you do will not damage this formidable countertop material can make using your bathroom far more relaxing.
Cons
You possibly saw this coming, but the main con when it comes to granite countertops is that they’re extremely heavy. Due to their cumbersome weight, granite countertops are difficult to transport and install. These factors, in turn, add to the fees associated with the job.
Granite itself is an expensive material, so you’re looking at a sizable bill with the costs of granite, transportation, and installation.
On top of it all, you have to pay attention to granite sealing to ensure your granite bathroom countertops can withstand the test of time.
How to Remove Permanent Marker from Granite Countertop
Why is My Granite Countertop Rough?
Is granite or quartz better for bathroom countertops?
Both granite and quartz countertops are on the more premium side of countertop construction. They’re both aesthetically pleasing and prone to longevity in their lifespans. Which one is better is a determination only you can make based on the facts.
You can’t go wrong with either option, but here are some of the things you may want to consider.
Durability
Granite is 100% natural, whereas quartz is 90-95% natural and 5-10% polymer resins. Both granite and quartz are durable materials, with quartz slightly edging out granite in terms of durability.
Granite is porous, and therefore the dangers of staining the countertop are possible. Quartz isn’t porous and is far easier to keep stain and bacteria-free.
Granite can handle extreme heat as opposed to quartz which cannot. Avoid placing hot items down on quartz countertops without a heating pad underneath.
Look & Feel
In terms of granite, it can come in numerous colors and patterns. This is due to the granites formation process in which molten materials are cooled and solidified. As a result, the selection of granite aesthetic options is almost limitless, with no two granite countertops look the same.
Quartz has grown in popularity entirely based on its aesthetic appeal. With the same look as stone, quartz allows you to customize your design to fit your bathroom/kitchen design.
The downside to quartz over granite is that you may spend more time searching for the perfect slab of quartz which isn’t as limitless in terms of options as granite is. However, for some, fewer options might make the decision easier.
Cost
This is where one of the more tangible differences comes into play. Granite can cost an estimated $2000-4500 to acquire, deliver, and install. Quartz can cost between $3000-7500 in comparison.
There are ways to drive this price down. However, it’s essential to understand that a professional installation for such a heavy material will save you money in the long run.