Using natural stone for your bathroom countertops is always a sound design choice. Granite, in particular, is an aesthetically pleasing and durable choice, guaranteed to add and hold value to your home. But it is vital that you feel comfortable making the right choice for your home’s bathrooms and consider a range of materials.
Granite Countertops Are Perfect For Bathrooms
Not only is granite a beautiful stone that will last for many years in your bathroom, but it is also non-porous. These features mean that granite is the perfect choice for a bathroom that is often damp or humid because prolonged exposure to moisture will not cause damage to the countertop. One of the most robust natural stones available, it is hardy enough to withstand the daily trials of family use, and we can cut the granite slabs to fit almost any size or shape you need. Add to this the vast range of colors it can come in; you can be sure to find granite slabs to match any taste and complement any palette.
Marble Countertops Are a Premium Natural Stone
Marble is often seen by many as an elegant and classically beautiful choice for bathroom countertops. Marble costs roughly the same as granite, but there are slightly fewer color variations, so it would suit a cooler-toned bathroom with its veined white. Marble also requires more maintenance than granite and would need regular sealing treatments to prevent stains or water damage. The more traffic your bathroom sees, the more often this would need to be carried out, so it might be better suited to a guest bathroom rather than your primary suite.
Quartzite is Another Natural Stone to Consider
Quartzite is a naturally occurring metamorphic rock. It is one of the sturdiest materials available for your countertops. It does not require much maintenance to keep looking lovely and is resistant to fading, so the color will be the same years later as it was on the day we installed it. However, quartzite is limited to its naturally occurring color range, so it does not give you the same diverse design choices. Also, quartzite has varying levels of permeability, so it will need resealing as time goes on. From a pricing perspective, quartzite slabs will cost you more than granite, marble, or quartz. You should factor sealing costs into your budget.
Manufactured Options Are Available Too
Natural stone is the most long-lasting and stylish design choice for your home. But even though they can significantly increase the value of your property, it might be out of reach for you at this time. Some manufactured or artificial options available for bathroom countertops can give you the look of natural stone without the price tag. But be warned, these products are not always as durable as a stone and may only look good for a short time because they are easily damaged through everyday use. You will need to replace them significantly sooner than a natural stone countertop would, even if you look after them carefully.
- Quartz is as strong as granite and is similarly hard-wearing and long-lasting material, so your bathroom countertops would be sure to stay looking good. There is probably the most extensive range of colors and finishes available for quartz countertops, so it is an option that can tailor to suit any taste. Quartz has similar natural properties to granite, so it is naturally resistant to stains and moisture without needing to be regularly sealed. However, quartz is a more expensive option.
- Solid surface countertops can mimic the look of natural stone and hold some resistance to water and bacteria but will show scratches and general wear. It also is far from as sturdy, so it is damaged much more quickly.
- Laminate is one of the lowest-cost options available for a bathroom countertop that looks like natural stone. It is easy to keep clean but will stain, fade, and lift away over time. The higher traffic it sees will shorten this life span, and unlike all the other choices, you cannot repair laminate countertops. Once you’ve damaged the laminate countertop, you must replace the whole piece.
Natural stone bathroom countertops will last you for years and increase the value of your home if you choose to move. They are pretty and practical, so you will love them every day you use them. New homeowners will not have to spend thousands of dollars ripping out poor-quality existing countertops before they can love the home too. Granite is an excellent choice for you and one you will not regret.