Granite Vs Quartz Bathroom Countertops: Everything You Need To Know

Are you renovating your bathroom and want to know the pros and cons of granite vs quartz bathroom countertops? 

The best stones for bathroom countertops are granite for durability and unique patterns, quartz for low maintenance and variety of colors, and marble for elegance and timeless appeal, though it requires more care and maintenance. 

Look no further! In this article, you'll find all the information you need to make an informed decision.

The bathroom is one of the most important rooms in a house. It's where we start our day, so it should be both beautiful and functional.

Before calling your bathroom remodel contractor it's important to decide on the materials as it can be a mind-boggling choice.

Granite and quartz are two popular options – but which material will work best for your needs?

In this blog post, we'll compare granite versus quartz countertops side by side to guide you to pick which countertop options is right for your bathroom renovation project. We'll look at their cost, durability, maintenance requirements, design flexibility, and more - so let's jump in!

Overview of Granite

Overview Of Granite Bathroom Countertops

It has long been thought that granite countertops is the superior choice for guest or master bathroom counters, given its sturdiness and stylishness. However, quartz may also be a viable option, as it too proves to be fashionable and durable material.

To get a better understanding of why one might choose granite countertops for their bathroom, let us investigate the advantages this material provides.

Granite is an impressive natural stone because it is heat resistant and can stand up moisture, and other conditions present in bathroom counters with ease. Its thick surface makes it difficult to damage or scratch; moreover, any spills or messes are easy enough to clean off without much effort.

Furthermore, there is a wide range of colors available when choosing a granite countertop which can give your space the unique look and feel that you desire. Finally, due to its natural properties, no two pieces of granite will ever look exactly alike – providing homeowners with more options when selecting their perfect piece.

These features make granite an attractive choice for those looking to spruce up their bathroom counters while ensuring the longevity of their investment.

gray and white countertop

Advantages Of Granite Bathroom Countertops

Granite bathroom vanity countertops come with many advantages that cannot be found in other materials such as quartz countertop. For example, granite is a natural stone, making it an eco-friendly choice for your home.

It's also an incredibly durable material, making it long-lasting - you won't have to worry about replacing or repairing any chips or scratches for years to come. Plus, its unique patterns and wide range of colors make it an attractive option compared to quartz which often looks uniform and unoriginal.

Granite is also very easy to clean and maintain - all you need are some warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Additionally, because of its heat resistant properties, placing hot items on the countertop will not damage or discolor it either.

This makes granite a great material if you're looking for durability as well as beauty in your guest or master bathroom vanities.

These benefits show why granite has become one of the most popular choices when it comes to selecting bathroom countertops. However, there are certain disadvantages associated with this type of material too that should be considered before making a decision.

Gray granite bathroom countertop

Disadvantages Of Granite Bathroom Countertops

Granite bathroom vanity countertops can be like a beautiful piece of art, adding sophistication and elegance to any home. But with beauty comes certain drawbacks that should not be overlooked when making this important decision.

For one, the cost of granite is significantly higher than quartz or other materials used in bathroom countertop designs. This high price tag doesn’t just affect the initial purchase; it also means more expensive maintenance and repair costs down the line if something goes wrong.

Additionally, because granite is porous, it must regularly be sealed for protection from spills and water damage. Failing to do so could result in staining, scratches, discoloration eventually leading to wear and tear.

Furthermore, installation can take days due to its weight and fragility during transportation which often requires additional support measures.

Though there may be some pitfalls associated with granite bathroom vanity types, many homeowners consider them worth the price for their exquisiteness and longevity. With proper care and maintenance, they can last for decades - longer than most other options available today.

Brown Granite countertop

Overview Of Quartz Bathroom Countertops

Quartz bathroom countertops have become a popular choice for homeowners looking for bathroom remodel.

This is primarily due to the fact that quartz has an attractive, contemporary look compared to other types of materials such as granite or marble. It's also remarkably durable and relatively low maintenance.

Quartz countertops come in a wide range of colors and patterns, so you can easily find one that complements the existing design elements in your bathroom.

In addition, they're made from engineered quartz which is composed of natural quartz crystals mixed with resins and pigments, making them more resistant to scratches than many other types of countertop surfaces.

They're also non-porous, meaning they don't require sealing as granite countertops does; this makes it easier to keep clean and free from bacteria growth.

mixed colors countertop

Advantages Of Quartz Bathroom Countertops

Quartz bathroom vanity countertops are a breathtaking sight to behold - like a shining beacon of opulence in any home. They offer homeowners many advantages and make for an excellent investment that will last through the years.

From ease of maintenance to durability and longevity, quartz countertop can be seen as an all-around winner when it comes to choosing the perfect material for your space.

Natural quartz surface is nonporous, which means there's no need for resealing or waxing; cleaning them only requires a damp cloth!

They are also highly scratch resistant and long-lasting due to their strength and hardness, so you won't have to worry about replacing them anytime soon.

Additionally, they come in a vast array of colors with flecks or veins that give off a beautiful aesthetic appeal – so you can customize your design with whatever style fits best in your house.

The sky is truly the limit when it comes to creating stunning designs with quartz bathroom countertops that add value and elegance to your home. From sleek modern looks to classic timeless beauty, these counters check all the boxes – making them one of the most popular choices among homeowners today.

Moving forward, let’s take a look at some of their drawbacks...

White bath counter

Disadvantages Of Quartz Bathroom Countertops

The choice between granite and quartz countertops is like a game of chess: the pieces are all there, but it takes strategy to make sure you pick the right one. Quartz bathroom countertops have their own unique set of advantages and disadvantages that should be considered before making a decision.

Quartz offers impressive durability as well as stain resistance; however, it can come with its drawbacks. Here are just some of them:

  • Cost – Quartz tends to cost more  per square foot than granite countertops due to its manufactured nature.
  • Heat Resistance – Although quartz surfaces has more protection against heat than other materials such as Formica, it may still require additional precautions when exposed to high temperatures for long periods of time.
  • Maintenance – Unlike granite countertops, which only needs periodic sealing or polishing, quartz requires regular maintenance in order to maintain its original look and feel over time.

No matter what material you choose, understanding your options and considering factors such as budget and lifestyle will help ensure you make the best decision possible.

Choosing Between Granite And Quartz

Factors To Consider When Choosing Between Granite And Quartz

When considering bathroom countertop options, granite and quartz countertops are two of the most popular options. In fact, recent data shows that as much as 30 percent of all new installations in 2020 were either granite or quartz.

But what factors should you consider when comparing these two materials?

Here's a list of four things to keep in mind:

First off, aesthetics play an important role in your decision-making process. Granite is available in a wide variety of colors and patterns while quartz tends to be more consistent with its look due to being engineered from natural stone particles combined with resin and pigments.

Consider which material will fit best into the design scheme of your bathroom before making any decisions.

Second, both materials have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. Granite offers great longevity since it’s one of the hardest stones available, but can require regular sealing every few years depending on usage patterns.

Quartz counters don't need much maintenance but may not last as long - especially if they're not installed correctly by experienced professionals.

Thirdly, think about how easy each option would be for day-to-day use. Many quartz surfaces come pre-sealed so there isn’t much worry about staining or etching during meal prep; however some types of quartz aren't heat resistant which could limit the range of items you place onto them.

On the other hand, granite does better when it comes to heat resistant than many people realize – though marks from hot pans are still possible if caution isn't taken!

Last but certainly not least, budgeting is always a factor when choosing between products like this. Both granite and quartz can vary widely in terms of cost per square foot so make sure you get quotes from several suppliers before committing to anything.

With a bit of research, it should be relatively straightforward to find something that fits within your price range without cutting corners on quality or craftsmanship. And speaking of price ranges... the next section delves into costs...

brown countertop (1)

Cost Comparison Of Granite Vs Quartz Countertops

When making the decision between granite and quartz countertops for your bathroom, the cost is an important factor. Granite tends to be more expensive than quartz upfront; however, it may also increase the value of your home in the long run.

On the other hand, quartz can offer great savings while still providing a luxurious look.

Weighing these two options carefully will help you make an informed decision on which material works best for you.

How much do they each cost? For starters, granite typically runs from $50-100 per square foot installed - plus additional costs if seams are needed or edges need to be cut or polished.

Quartz usually comes in at slightly less – around $55-75 per square foot installed – with no added fees for special treatments like polishing edges or creating seams.

Both materials require professional installation and should come with some type of warranty from either the installer or the manufacturer.

Considering both price points and their potential benefits will help you find the perfect option for your budget and style needs as you move forward with selecting a material for your bathroom countertop project.

Granite Vs Quartz countertops
Quartz Vs Granite countertops

Durability Comparison Of Granite Vs Quartz Countertops

When considering the purchase of a new bathroom countertop materials, durability is an essential factor to consider. It's interesting to note that quartz countertops have more than twice the strength of granite countertops with only half the weight.

Granite is considered very durable and can withstand extreme heat as well as scratches and chips. Quartz offers even greater levels of durability due primarily to its non-porous surface which prevents staining from liquids or dirt buildup.

Quartz also requires less maintenance over time to keep it looking like new as it does not need sealing or polishing as granite does.

Looking at both materials for your bathroom countertop, it should become obvious that quartz provides superior durability against most wear and tear compared to granite.

With this in mind, let's take a look at the maintenance requirements for each material when making your decision on which one is best suited for you.

Maintenance of Granite vs Quartz

Maintenance Requirements For Granite Vs Quartz Countertops

Maintenance requirements for granite and quartz countertops can vary significantly. While both materials are highly durable, they require different care in order to keep them looking beautiful for years to come.

Here's a breakdown of the maintenance needed:

Granite Countertops

  • Cleaning: Should be cleaned with warm water and mild soap at least once a week.
  • Sealing: Requires sealing regularly (every 1-2 years) in order to protect it from staining or cracking.

Quartz Countertops

  • Cleaning: Can be wiped down with an all-purpose cleaner or glass cleaner every day.
  • Sealing: This does not require any sealing as its nonporous surface is resistant to stains and scratches.

In addition to their differences in cleaning and sealing needs, each material has unique design trends that make them truly stand out when used in bathroom remodel.

Design Trends for countertops

Design Trends With Granite And Quartz Countertops

From the days of ancient Rome to modern-day suburban homes, granite and quartz countertops have been all the rage. Not only are they stunningly gorgeous additions to any bathroom, but they also offer a level of durability that is unparalleled in the design world.

Let's take a look at some popular trends with these two natural materials:

  1. Natural Veins: Granite features beautiful variations such as flecks, swirls, and veins that give it an exquisite finish perfect for creating unique designs;
  2. Marble Lookalikes: Quartz has become increasingly popular due to its ability to mimic marble while maintaining superior strength;
  3. Matte Finish: For those looking for an understated yet elegant touch, granite offers matte finishes that can be customized according to individual preferences;
  4. Soothing Colors: A wide range of subtle colors make quartz ideal for homeowners seeking soft hues.

Granite and quartz provide endless possibilities when it comes to designing bathrooms - offering creative freedom while ensuring long-term resilience. Now let's explore expert tips on installing these luxurious surfaces into your home!

mixed colors countertop 1

Expert Tips For Installing Granite And Quartz Countertops

Installing granite and quartz countertops in your bathroom is a great way to make a big impact on the overall design of the space. To ensure you get the best results, there are some expert tips that can help.

Here are three important things to consider when installing either material:

  1. Measurements: Make sure you take precise measurements before purchasing any materials as this will save time, money, and frustration down the line.
  2. Support: It’s essential to have adequate support for your new countertop – especially if it's an overhang or kitchen island application.
  3. Sealing: Both granite and quartz require sealing after installation which should be done by professionals who know what they’re doing.

By taking these steps into consideration during installation, you can guarantee that both granite and quartz countertops look stunning in your bathroom. Now that you understand how to install them correctly, let’s discuss which material might be better suited to your needs going forward.

white countertop (1)

What Is The Best Countertop Material For Your Bathroom?

A sparkling bathroom countertop can be the crowning glory of your home. With a range of materials to choose from, it’s important to understand what works best for you.

Granite and quartz are two popular countertop choices when considering which material is right for your bathroom vanity.

When deciding between granite and quartz bathroom countertops, there are several factors worth taking into account. One key factor is aesthetics; both materials come in various colors and textures that will complement any style or design scheme.

Furthermore, they are durable and easy to clean—essential qualities for bathrooms with frequent use. Regarding cost, granite may require more upkeep while quartz tends to be slightly pricier at initial installation but requires less maintenance in the long run.

TIP: Consider how often the countertop needs to be cleaned and if practicality matters more than appearance before selecting either granite or quartz for your bathroom countertop - this will help ensure you make an informed decision!

Best Countertop Material For Your Bathroom

Final thoughts

Making the decision between granite and quartz bathroom countertops can feel overwhelming. After considering all of the pros and cons, you should ultimately choose a material that best suits your lifestyle and design preferences.

For example, if you like to cook or bake on occasion, granite may be the ideal choice for its heat resistance properties. On the other hand, if maintenance-free is more your style, quartz might be better suited for you as it doesn't require regular sealing or resealing.

No matter which type of countertop you select, it’s important to keep in mind that both materials will last for many years with proper care and attention. To illustrate this point further:

I recently visited my grandmother’s home where she has had her original granite surface since 1982! As long as they are properly sealed and maintained every few years, either option could serve you well into the future.

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About the author

Hi my name is Jeremy Maher. My wife, 2 kids and I went through Contractor Nightmares for 3 years straight.

Ben, Mark, and I teamed up to start Phoenix Home Remodeling to help homeowners remodel without the common contractor nightmares.

Learn more about Jeremy's expertise and topics he likes to write about on his author page.

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