Granite vs. Quartz Countertops: Which Is Right for Your Bathroom?
When renovating your bathroom, choosing the right countertop material for your vanity and sink area is crucial for both aesthetics and functionality. Granite and quartz are two of the best bathroom countertop types, each with unique characteristics.
This guide from Tile Superstore & more will help you compare these materials and make an informed decision for your bathroom renovation!
Appearance & Style
Your bathroom countertops need to match the design to create a cohesive look. Granite and quartz have different looks, giving them a unique combination of colors and designs.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone, so each slab has a unique pattern with variations in color, veining, and texture, giving it a unique look. It works well in traditional or rustic bathrooms and adds an organic, luxurious feel.
Quartz
Quartz is an engineered stone made by combining natural quartz with resins. It comes in various colors and styles, including designs that mimic natural stone or have a consistent, modern look. This makes it more versatile in color choices, especially for contemporary bathrooms.
Durability & Strength
The durability and strength of your countertops is important, particularly for large households with busy bathrooms.
Granite
Known for its hardness, granite is highly durable but porous. While it can withstand heat and scratches, it may need sealing yearly to protect against moisture, stains, and bacteria buildup, especially in a humid bathroom.
Quartz
Quartz is non-porous, so it’s naturally resistant to moisture, stains, and bacteria without a sealant. This quality makes it low-maintenance and suitable for highly humid bathrooms.
Maintenance & Care
It's important to consider the time involved in cleaning and caring for your countertops. After all, you don’t want to spend a lot of time cleaning and maintaining your bathroom. Let’s look at some differences between quartz and granite care.
Granite
Granite requires more upkeep, as it should be sealed regularly to prevent staining and moisture penetration. Regular cleaning with mild soap and water is sufficient, but acidic or abrasive cleaners can damage the sealant. Granite is also difficult to repair if it gets cracked. Since it is unique, finding a piece to match can be tricky.
Quartz
Quartz is easier to care for, as it only requires wiping down with mild soap and water. It’s scratch-resistant but not heat-resistant, so avoiding placing hot hair tools directly on the surface is important.
Cost Considerations
The granite vs. quartz cost may impact your decision depending on your budget.
Granite
Generally, granite is priced similarly to quartz but varies based on the slab’s rarity and pattern. High-end granite can be pricier than quartz, especially when choosing rare colors or complex patterns.
Quartz
Quartz is also a premium option, but its cost can be more predictable as it’s engineered and available in standardized colors and designs. However, this can raise the price if you want a custom color or pattern.
Choose Your Bathroom Countertop with Tile Superstore & more!
If you can’t decide between granite or quartz countertops, come check out the available options in Tile Superstore & more’s huge showroom, located in Rochester, Minnesota. You can work with one of our designers to choose the right tile, countertops, and more for your renovated bathrooms.
If you have questions, please call us at 507-285-1109 or request a free estimate online.