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Battle of the Bathroom Countertops – Marble vs Granite vs Quartz

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Before deciding on the right countertop for your bathroom, you must understand the different materials available for countertops. You can choose from marble, granite, quartz, or other. These four materials have their own pros and cons, so you should know the pros and cons of each. Moreover, you should consider the color and texture of each material.

Marble

There are many benefits of having marble as your counter. It is durable, stain-resistant, and easy to clean, and there are many styles to choose from. It is also relatively inexpensive. But before you install a marble counter, it is important to understand the pros and cons. This way, you can make the best choice for your bathroom.

If you’re looking for an elegant and unique look for your bathroom, then you’re probably interested in marble countertops. They come in a variety of different hues and colors, and can add a whole new aesthetic dimension to your bathroom. But because of their durability and weight, they can be more expensive than other countertop options.

It is a natural stone that can add a strong visual element to your bathroom design. Because it has so many different colors, marble is a great option for any bathroom design. While marble can be more expensive than other countertop materials, the unique look of marble will give your bathroom a unique look.

As marble is a porous stone, it can absorb liquids more easily. Liquids that get onto marble can stain it. However, marble is also incredibly beautiful, and you’ll be able to personalize it by selecting the shade and veining pattern. With a marble counter, you’ll be adding value to your home, and it’ll be an excellent investment.

Marble is also one of the most durable and enduring materials available. Its timeless style will appeal to home buyers and real estate agents alike. If installed properly, marble can even last 100 years. Unlike marble, however, granite does not stain or scratch easily. Fabricators often recommend sealing granite countertops. Another advantage of granite is its beauty.

While granite can be expensive, it’s nearly impossible to scratch. While marble is the best counter material, it’s not indestructible. Like any other natural stone, marble can stain or become etched with chemicals and liquids. Therefore, it’s important to take good care of marble surfaces. Otherwise, you’ll be paying more for maintenance than you’ll get out of marble.

Granite

Granite has a natural, timeless appearance and is available in a wide variety of colors and patterns. The stone’s natural beauty makes it ideal for a bathroom, but you can get creative and create a unique look with different colors. For instance, you can choose the speckled look of Santa Cecilia granite (www.pinterest.com/santa-cecilia-granite/) or the white and gold combination of Ubatuba granite.

The natural stone’s white color is a classic choice for traditional and period bathrooms, but you can also try a darker look. Granite is also highly durable, and it is easy to clean. It doesn’t easily scratch or dent, making it the perfect material for bathrooms. To keep your granite countertop looking fresh, you can wipe it down with a soft sponge and warm water.

Nonetheless, you should seal it once in a while to prevent it from getting stained or scratched. Another popular option for counters is quartz. Quartz is a man-made material that offers the same look as granite, but its design is more modern and minimalist. Another advantage of quartz is that it’s non-porous, making it easier to maintain.

It also requires less sealing, which makes it a better choice for counters. Choosing the right material for a counter is essential for the look and functionality of the bathroom. Granite is a hard, dense rock that’s produced by ancient volcanoes. It can be cut to any dimension, and can be stained in almost any color.

Granite is also a durable choice, as it can handle water and scratches and is easy to clean up toothpaste. Natural granite offers a luxurious finish to bathrooms, but it’s more expensive than engineered stone alternatives. It is also quite heavy, which can make it more expensive to ship and install.

Additionally, granite countertops will need to be sealed at least once a year. Granite countertops can come in slabs, tiles, or as individual pieces. Tiles are less expensive, but are more durable than marble slabs. While granite is one of the most durable countertop materials, you need to seal it to keep it from getting damaged.

This is an important step for your counter, as it prevents moisture from reaching it. Without sealing, the stone will retain moisture and become less pleasant to touch. This can damage your countertop installation and add to its weight. Make sure you seal the granite properly so it won’t become infested with bacteria.

Quartz

If you are remodeling your bathroom, you may want to consider adding a quartz counter. These countertops are great for a number of reasons. They are extremely durable and can be customized in any color. In addition, they are low maintenance, which is important for bathrooms. Moreover, quartz countertops are resistant to heat and moisture.

Quartz counters are also easy to clean. All you have to do is wipe them clean, and they will remain spotless. It is usually installed by skilled professionals like Pioneer Granite and Quartz, so you don’t have to worry about grout-work being done incorrectly. You also don’t have to worry about spilled liquids or crumbs getting on them.

Regularly wiping them down with warm soap and water will keep them clean. Quartz countertops are available in a number of brands, including Cambria, Caesarstone, and Silestone. Fabricators can also customize the edges of each slab. They are also available in neutral and contemporary colors, which will help you make the bathroom look more spacious.

Whether you’re remodeling an old bathroom or a new one, quartz countertops will fit the bill for your bathroom’s look. Despite the low maintenance, quartz counters can be prone to discoloration when exposed to direct sunlight. This may mean that you have to be extra careful to protect them from sunlight.

High heat can also damage quartz, so you need to be careful not to use a hair straightener or other heat-generating appliances. Another disadvantage of quartz counters is the fact that seams will show through them. Installing quartz countertops can be costly, and the price of the material depends on the size of the project.

While quartz countertops can be expensive, they are versatile and can be installed anywhere in the home. However, they are not recommended for outdoor or high-UV exposure and may not come with a manufacturer warranty. A typical countertop cost is around $50 to $120 per square foot.

Other

While granite and marble are the most popular choices for counters, you can find other materials that are also very stylish. For example, you could choose soapstone, a combination of slate and marble. This material is easy to maintain and has veining similar to marble.

It also has a non-porous surface, making it a good choice for bathrooms and kitchens. Granite is a natural stone and can come in many colors and textures. It is heat and stain-resistant and can withstand a lot of abuse. However, granite is not completely water-resistant and will absorb liquid, making it susceptible to bacteria and mildew buildup.

You will also need to regularly seal the stone to prevent stains from damaging it. Granite is also a fairly expensive option, so you should carefully consider your budget when choosing a material for your bathroom. Cultured marble is another popular material for counters.

It is an affordable option and is made from marble dust and resins. It is highly durable, stain-resistant, and does not require grout lines. Before selecting a material for your counters, make sure you identify the features that are most important to you. Laminate countertops are also a popular option.

Made of layers of plastic bonded to a particle board base, laminate countertops are easy to clean and maintain. In addition to having a durable surface, laminate countertops also cost less than other materials. Laminate countertops are the cheapest option and can be custom-made. However, you should be aware that these materials are not as resistant to impact as concrete countertops.

Wood

A wood counter is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a durable and long-lasting countertop. Hardwood is a more durable option than softwood. It is also more expensive, but it has numerous advantages over softwood. Its high density and water resistance make it one of the top choices for constructions that are meant to last.

Wooden countertops can be varnished to increase their longevity and prevent water from penetrating its pores. Though they are definitely not the first choice of homebuilder’s, due to their porous nature, they remain a popular choice to this day. Here are some common types:

●     Merbau

Merbau wood is a great option for a counter. It is a medium-priced hardwood that is native to the Pacific Ocean Islands and Southeast Asia. It grows in wet areas such as flood plains, swamps, riverbanks, and rain forests.

Its natural reddish-brown color is an aesthetically pleasing characteristic. Because of its durability and high tannin content, Merbau is an excellent choice for counters. Merbau is a dense wood that is naturally resistant to water and warping.

This wood is also very flexible. It is available in a variety of colors. Like all hardwoods, it needs to be sealed to maintain its beauty. Fortunately, a varnish finish can extend the life of a countertop by preventing water from penetrating the pores of the wood.

●     Ash

Ash wood is a beautiful hardwood that will stand up to years of use and is great for counters. As the sapwood of the maple tree, this beautiful wood is remarkably resistant to absorption and warping, but it must be sealed well like any other hardwood. Different types of this wood have varying colors and grain patterns. Like many other hardwoods, oak is found in many parts of the world, including North America.

Ash wood is a moderately priced option and can be stained a variety of different colors to match the decor of your bathroom. However, be aware that ash wood requires some sealing, and it can be susceptible to rotting and water damage. The color of ash wood is light brown to beige and darkens with age.

●     Mahogany

If you want a counter with an elegant, timeless look, then a Mahogany wood countertop is a great choice. This beautiful wood is very durable and flexible. It resists warping and moisture absorption. Moreover, the color of this material is rich and varied, resulting in different looks and finishes.

The natural color of Mahogany is reddish brown and the wood grain is fine. This wood is highly valued. It grows in many parts of South and Central America, including the upper Amazon in Brazil and Peru. The wood’s unique grain pattern is very aesthetically appealing and makes it a great material for counters.

●     Butcher Block

Butcher block counters are not too difficult to install. You will need a circular saw to cut the wood. You will also need to drill holes for your fixtures and mount the wood segments with screws. It can cost between $20 and $60 per square foot to install a butcher block countertop.

If you want a more custom look, you can have your butcher block countertop custom-made. Butcher block countertops should be maintained regularly. To prevent scratches, you should apply food-grade oil to the surface every month. It is recommended to use a soft cloth when applying this product.

Over time, your butcher block countertop will need to be resurfaced. Depending on the amount of wear, you may have to do this as often as every 10 years. If you are not sure how often you will need to resurface, you can use a fine-grit sandpaper to finish the process.

Jeff Campbell