Granite Vs. Quartz for Small Bathroom Counters
Granite Vs. Quartz for Small Bathroom Counters
Natural materials never go out of style, and natural stone is no exception. A bathroom countertop made of granite or quartz is a timeless, luxurious feature that appeals to many homeowners. Both quartz and granite are high-end countertop materials, but a small project such as a countertop in a small bathroom is well within reach for many. The choice between granite and quartz is largely a matter of taste.
Granite
· Waterproof, flameproof granite countertops are durable and easy to care for. Granite costs more, but it lasts longer than less expensive surfaces such as tile and laminate. Granite countertops are low-maintenance. You clean them with soap and water, and you seal them once a year by applying a surface sealer. Granite comes in a spectrum of colors, from all white to deep black. Some types of stone produce swirling grain patterns, but many decorators recommend using a slab with a consistent overall pattern for a small bathroom countertop.
Quartz
· Quartz countertops mimic stone, but they are not fabricated from slabs of stone the way granite countertops are. Rather, quartz countertops are manufactured from a composite that contains 90-percent quartz material and 10-percent synthetic material. Quartz is more stain- and scratch-resistant than granite and is as long-lasting. The fact that quartz countertops never need sealing appeals to many homeowners. Quartz countertops cost about the same as granite countertops.
Care
· Other than the fact that some granite countertops must be sealed and quartz countertops do not require sealing, care requirements for granite and quartz are similar. You should avoid using harsh, acidic cleaners and abrasive cleaners on natural stone countertops. Most manufacturers recommend you use cleaners specifically designed for natural stone surfaces. On both types of stone countertops, spills should be wiped promptly, since some chemicals may react with the stone and leave a mark.
Considerations
· If you want to incorporate decorative edge treatments into your bathroom countertop, fabricators recommend you choose quartz over granite, as quartz's manmade properties make it better suited to manipulation. Both quartz and granite countertops provide sufficient support for an undermount sink, which helps keep the countertop clean. Other stone options are available for your bathroom countertop, but quartz and granite are harder and eaiser to maintain then stone such as limestone and marble. If you can't afford a slab stone countertop, consider installing a stone tile countertop. Both granite and quartz are available in tile cut to a variety of dimensions.