Natural stone countertops add a luxurious feel to any space, and granite provides the advantages of durability and versatility in design choices. This countertop material is suitable for the bathroom or kitchen; however, you should consider a few differences when used in a bathroom design.

Pros and Cons of Granite in the Bathroom

When deciding whether to have granite countertops put in your bathroom, it’s helpful to consider the pros and cons compared to using granite in the kitchen. You can also work with a professional countertop design and installation company like Motor City Granite & Cabinets to help you determine the benefits of using granite in your bathroom.

Size

Bathroom counters usually cover less space than kitchen counters, with the primary consideration being the number, type, location, and size of the sinks. Because you need a smaller slab for your bathroom, you have more granite patterns to choose from to stay within your overall budget. For a dark, classic look, check out the Blue Pearl pattern, or for something bold, see Olympus White.

Spills

You usually know it immediately when you spill something on your kitchen counter. In the bathroom, though, products can drip without you noticing. Properly sealing your granite will help, but products like mouthwash and lotion can damage the surface of your granite if they sit for a long time.
One way to circumvent this problem is to store your toiletries on a decorative tray or in a cabinet or drawer. A regular cleaning routine for your granite also helps. Use a cleaner designed for natural stone once a week.

Impacts

The kitchen is home to chaos. Dropping pots or dishes, running the knife off the cutting board, and your kids bumping objects into the counter require a durable surface, making a stone material desirable.

The bathroom faces its own challenges regarding countertop material. The heat from hair dryers or curling irons requires you to use a heat-resistant surface, but you don’t have to worry as much about scratches and heavy impacts.

Humidity tends to run higher in bathrooms, so you must pay close attention to keeping them properly sealed to prevent bacterial growth.

Use

A granite countertop is not the only way to use granite in the bathroom. You can line your shower or create a beautiful tub surrounded in granite. Granite used this way adds a sophisticated flair to your design. It needs to be maintained the same way as your granite counters, with proper cleaning and sealing. Eliminating grout lines helps prevent mold and mildew and makes cleaning easier.

Other Types of Countertops

Whether you’re building a new home or updating your current home, compare countertop material before making your final choice.

For example, engineered quartz countertops are stain-resistant but do not handle heat well. Laminate countertops scratch and burn easily, and solid surface countertops scratch, melt, and stain. Marble is softer than granite and more prone to stains.

Although granite and quartz have similar properties, granite provides scratch, heat, and stain resistance. When you care for it properly, granite gives a higher return on investment than quartz when it comes time to sell your home.

Get Your Dream Bathroom

Whether your project involves a traditional bathroom or a modern kitchen, Motor City Granite & Cabinets staff can help you design your dream home. We offer space planning and specialized design and cabinetry, countertops, and installation. Contact us today at (248) 690-9537to get your free quote.