Granite or Quartz countertops for your bathroom?

Now that you’ve finally gotten a chance to build your dream home, you shouldn’t have to compromise on getting exactly what you want. You deserve it all, but in the same breath, you should remember that you have to be practical. Planning your bathroom design is exciting, and these days, there are a ton of options you can consider when bringing your dream to life. As for countertops, granite or quartz are popular options and have great potential for bringing it all together.

But how do you choose between granite and quartz? Is there any real difference besides cost? This guide should help you explore your options, and help you finally decide on the best material for your bathroom vanity countertops

Granite vs Quartz: What’s better?

Both granite and quartz are excellent options for bathroom countertops and bring a luxurious feel to a room that is often an afterthought. Let’s see how they compare in terms of durability, cost, upkeep and appearance:

Durability

Granite is a natural stone formed deep within the Earth’s crust from molten materials. Over 80% of the stone is quartz and feldspar, giving it its characteristic hardness, as well as other trace minerals like mica, biotite, and hornblende. Granite is especially unique, as other factors like location and weathering influence how it forms as well as how it looks.

Granite is a top choice for countertops because it is heat-resistant, acid-resistant, and generally non-reactive with most chemicals. This material can withstand everyday wear and tear, especially in a high-traffic area like the bathroom.

The quartz that is used in countertops is engineered. It is made of 90% ground quartz, a natural mineral, as well as 10% resin, pigments, and other man-made materials. Quartz is also more durable than granite, but it isn’t nearly as heat-resistant. But, this shouldn’t be a big deal in a bathroom. Quartz is also scratch-resistant and doesn’t usually hold rust stains.

Cost

Quartz is usually more affordable than granite, but it isn’t always this way. Some quartz slabs can cost more than granite slabs, and vice versa. Here’s why:

Since granite occurs naturally, it has to be mined and cut into slabs. Not all granite is made equal, and the location, thickness, appearance, and quality play a huge role in cost. Larger, more uniform slabs are generally more expensive, as well as those with unique colors and patterns that are rare in nature. Plus, the bigger the bathroom, the more you’ll need. You must also consider installation costs, and other customizations required to put the finishing touches on your bathroom.

Quartz countertops are relatively affordable, with customization and size being the major deciding factors. Ultimately, the supplier decides the cost of quartz slabs, but since they can be produced locally, it usually isn’t as expensive as a comparable granite slab.

Both granite and quartz countertops can be repurposed and sold, and you can even take them with you to your next home. However, granite tends to edge out quartz in terms of appealing to potential homeowners, especially in a kitchen.

Upkeep and Maintenance

Though granite is durable, it isn’t without its vulnerabilities. Granite requires regular maintenance to keep it looking good for years to come. Just wipe up spills immediately, and avoid harsh cleaners, and it should be fine. Your main priority should be keeping the sealant intact.

Like marble, granite is porous and must be sealed to prevent damage from moisture. This is why you’re encouraged to wipe up any spills right away before they seep in and set. Once a stain sets in granite, it can be difficult to remove. Granite countertops also have to be resealed regularly, usually once a year, to repel moisture and an overgrowth of bacteria.

Quartz requires less maintenance and upkeep than granite. Since it isn’t porous, it doesn’t require sealing and is more stain-resistant than other countertop materials. Cleaning spills and stains is pretty simple, and no special cleaners outside of warm water and mild soap are usually needed. It also holds up pretty well to most countertop cleaners, but scouring pads aren’t recommended as they can ruin its luster (shine).

Quartz is marketed as a low-maintenance option, and while that is true, that doesn’t mean there’s no maintenance involved. It is stain-resistant, not stain-proof. Wine, a Sharpie marker, or even water left to sit can set. Though it doesn’t require sealing, failing to upkeep your quartz bathroom countertops can lead to a build-up of bacteria and diminish its appearance.

Appearance

Since granite is a naturally occurring stone, no two slabs of granite are the same. This is a major part of the appeal, and you can be sure there are no other bathroom counters like yours. However, tying it all together for a newbie designer might be a bit of a pickle, especially with existing decor and fixtures. The seams are usually more visible with granite countertops, but in a bathroom, and once installed properly by experts, they can appear virtually seamless.

Many homeowners love the charm of granite, and the durability means it’ll stay that way for longer. Granite countertops can get scratched, but usually, a surface polish gets rid of these blemishes and can restore its original glory. It can come in a variety of colors mainly black, white, and gray with additional variations in texture and pattern. Rarer forms of granite also occur with hints of pink, red, blue, and green.

Since quartz is a manufactured blend of natural quartz and other materials, it can be customized to meet your exact vision. This gives you greater control over design, and it can even mimic more prized stones like marble. It even has less visible seams than granite.

With that said, errors in the manufacturing process can mean inconsistencies in quality. Quartz isn’t always flawless, and sometimes, these blemishes aren’t obvious until viewed in natural light (or bright light). Choosing the right supplier makes a world of difference.  

Time to decide, Granite or Quartz?

Ultimately, the choice is yours, as both options are great. Granite is a timeless option for those who want a natural stone bathroom countertop and can have a major impact on resale value. Quartz, on the other hand, can mimic the appearance of granite, and other natural stones, but is a man-made option.

If you’re still on the fence about the best material for your bathroom vanity, here’s what you should avoid altogether:

• Marble (highly porous, susceptible to stains and cracks)
• Wood (highly porous, susceptible to mold and mildew)
• Tile (prone to cracking, chipping, mold, and mildew)
• Concrete (susceptible to water damage, cracking, and staining)

And always, if you want our professional opinion, we are here to help!