When choosing a material for bathroom countertops, two of the most popular options are granite and quartz. Both offer durability, style, and easy maintenance, but they have some differences. This article examines the pros and cons of granite vs. quartz for bathroom vanity tops to help you decide which is better for your needs.
An Introduction to Granite and Quartz for Bathroom Countertops
Granite and quartz are both natural stones that make attractive and functional countertops. Granite is an igneous rock made of interlocking mineral crystals, while quartz contains ground-up quartz particles combined with resin.
Granite brings a timeless, elegant look with unique natural patterns. Quartz offers contemporary style with a wide array of consistent colors and patterns. Both stand up well to heavy daily use in bathrooms.
When choosing between granite vs. quartz, key factors include appearance, durability, maintenance, cost, and environmental impact. Read on as we explore the pros and cons of each material.
Appearance of Granite and Quartz Bathroom Countertops
Granite Offers Unique Natural Patterns
With natural granite, no two countertops will look exactly alike due to the mineral variations that create distinctive swirls and speckles. Granite comes in many colors, from dark greys and black to warm beiges and browns. This gives traditional, Old World, or rustic bathrooms a custom, high-end look.
Quartz Provides Uniform Appearance Options
Quartz offers a wider array of colors and patterns that retain uniformity across slabs. You can choose a solid color or select from many patterns like marble looks or aggregated styles with various colors and textures blended together. This consistent look makes coordinating adjacent pieces much easier.
Edges Impact the Look
The edge profiles cut on granite and quartz countertops also impact their final appearance. Granite’s hardness allows for sharper edges, while quartz works better with rounded edges. Ogee, bevel, and bullnose edges are commonly used for both materials. Getting the right edge look for your design preferences is an important consideration.
Durability Differences Between Granite and Quartz
Durability is a very important factor for bathroom vanity countertops that see daily use. Here’s how granite and quartz compare:
Granite is Tougher but Can Chip
Granite is very hard and resistant to scratches, but it can chip if subjected to a heavy impact. Quartz is engineered to be more flexible, so chips and cracks are less likely.
Quartz Stands Up to Stains
Quartz resists stains much better than natural granite. The resin binding minimizes absorption. Some granites are quite porous, so spills can result in discoloration if not cleaned promptly.
Heat Tolerance Varies
Quartz is better at handling heat. Granite can crack under extreme hot temperatures, so using trivets and hot pads is advised. Quartz won’t crack, but prolonged heat exposure can damage the resin binding.
Granite is Naturally Antibacterial
Granite contains trace minerals with antibacterial properties that inhibit germ and bacteria growth. Quartz’s blended composition does not have these natural antibacterial qualities.
Ease of Maintenance: Granite vs. Quartz
For busy bathrooms, easy care and maintenance is key. Here’s how granite and quartz compare:
Routine Cleaning Needs
Basic cleaning is quite simple for both materials – usually just soap and water or a mild cleaner to keep them looking like new. Quartz resists stains, so it may need less frequent cleaning.
Quartz Requires Less Sealing
Granite needs to be sealed routinely (every 1-2 years) to prevent stains and discoloration. Quartz rarely needs sealing thanks to its non-porous surface.
Durability Aids Maintenance
The durability and scratch resistance of granite and quartz also help reduce maintenance efforts. No special cleaners or procedures are required. Just avoid abrasive pads/scrubbers.
Heat and Chemical Sensitivity
Quartz’s resin binder can become damaged by excessive heat or exposure to chemicals/cleaners. Granite’s natural composition is more resistant. Just avoid extreme heat on both.
Cost Comparison of Granite vs. Quartz
In terms of cost for bathroom vanity countertops, here’s how these two popular stones compare:
Material Costs
Quartz is generally more expensive at $80-140 per square foot installed. Granite pricing ranges widely from $50-150 per square foot based on stone type and color. More exotic granites cost more.
Labor and Installation
Fabrication and installation costs are similar for granite and quartz, around $40-75 per square foot. Overall install costs ultimately come down to the material quality.
Total Project Investment
Expect to pay $100-200 per square foot for granite and $120-200 for quartz when including materials, labor, edges, sink/faucet holes, etc. Granite can sometimes be a more budget-friendly option.
Long-Term Value
The longevity and minimal maintenance of granite and quartz make both wise investments that add value. Their beauty and functionality will enhance your bathroom for decades to come.
Environmental Impact
For some homeowners, the environmental ramifications of their countertop choice are an important consideration:
Granite: A Natural Material
Completely natural and earth-sourced, granite is an eco-friendly option requiring only cutting and polishing. There’s no production carbon footprint. Granite is inert and recyclable.
Quartz Contains Binding Resins
The polymer resins used in making quartz countertops leave more of a manufacturing carbon footprint. Some brands use recycled materials in production to offset this.
Look for Responsible Sourcing
For both materials, opting for ethically and sustainably sourced products from companies with eco-conscious practices is advised. This helps minimize environmental impacts.
Granite vs. Quartz: Which is Better for Bathroom Countertops?
When choosing between granite and quartz for bathroom vanity countertops, weigh your own priorities:
Granite Offers Unique Style
With unparalleled natural beauty, endless pattern variation, and timeless elegance, granite brings warmth and luxury to bathrooms. Its natural antibacterial properties are also a plus in humid bathrooms.
Quartz Provides Uniformity and Durability
For contemporary style and consistent color/patterns, stain resistance, and flexibility that avoids chips and cracks, quartz is an excellent choice. Maintenance is simpler too.
Budget, Use, and Tastes Guide the Decision
Consider costs, your lifestyle, design tastes, and how heavily your vanities will be used. Both provide quality and beauty that enhance bathrooms immensely. Pick what best suits your needs.
Consulting Stone Experts Helps
Speaking with knowledgeable home improvement specialists helps make the process easy. They can provide product samples, pricing details, and design guidance as you compare granite vs. quartz options for your new bathroom countertops.
Frequently Asked Questions About Granite and Quartz Bathroom Countertops
Still deciding between granite vs quartz for your bathroom remodel? Here are answers to some common questions homeowners have:
Which is better for resale value, granite or quartz?
Both granite and quartz make attractive additions that can increase resale value. Granite may appeal to more buyers desiring natural stone and a classic style. But quartz offers more color options to suit varied tastes.
Does quartz need to be sealed?
Quartz rarely needs sealing thanks to its non-porous composition. Granite requires sealing every 1-2 years to prevent staining.
Is quartz more stain resistant than granite?
Yes, quartz is significantly more stain resistant than natural stone like granite. The resins create a non-porous surface that liquids have difficulty penetrating.
Does quartz get scratched easily?
Quartz has excellent scratch resistance and holds up well in busy bathrooms. Granite can also withstand normal wear and tear but may scratch easier.
Is quartz toxic or harmful?
Quartz surfaces contain resins/polymers in concentrations well below any exposure limits, so they are not considered toxic or dangerous. Granite’s all-natural composition has no toxicity concerns.
Conclusion
When choosing a bathroom countertop material, both quartz and granite offer superior performance that will serve you well for years to come. Granite brings natural elegance and antibacterial benefits, while quartz provides stain resistance and contemporary styling. Costs, maintenance needs, and design tastes all factor into the decision. Consult a countertop professional for help selecting the best material for your bathroom goals, lifestyle, and budget. With some guidance, you can choose the perfect countertops to create your dream bathroom space.