Pros and Cons of Granite Bathroom Countertops

Pros and Cons of Granite

Pros and Cons of Granite

Bathroom countertops are available in more shapes and materials than ever before. Modern cutting and fabrication techniques mean that anything is possible, in any size. From good

old formica to space-age recycled glass, there is a perfect surface for any bathroom. Granite, the dense rock produced by ancient volcanos, has become one of the preferred substances for countertops. They quarry the rock from a mountain, cut it in the shape you specify, and ship it to you. Granite can be cut in any dimension and stained in nearly any color. Thousands of satisfied customers find them to be the perfect accessory for their modern homes.

There are a million advantages to granite countertops. They are strong, solid, reliable, and they don't mind getting wet. Since they are completely natural their environmental impact is limited, especially if you choose a quarry near the construction site. They can be tinted in nearly any color, and when they're sealed they are essentially impervious to damage. Granite is available in tile, or slabs. Tile is small and modular and can be adapted to nearly any surface. For larger bathrooms and upscale homes, granite can be purchased in single slabs. The only limits to the slab are the size of the room and the ability to install it. Certain quarries even produce granite slabs with actual fossils embedded in the surface. Of course any surface as attractive and durable as this is going to add permanent resale value to the home.

Unfortunately, there are some drawbacks. The main one is simple size and mass. Granite countertops are extremely heavy, especially if a single slab is used. This means that transportation costs can be expensive, especially if there are no granite quarries nearby. Once the granite has arrived on site, it can be a challenge to get into position. Even a simple staircase can present large difficulties for a slab countertop. Granite tile is every bit as heavy, but nowhere near as unwieldy. Tile can be installed in small bathrooms or second-story rooms without difficulty. However, tile requires extra time and effort to install. The floor must be strong enough to hold the countertop, and the cabinet that it sits on as well. Granite must be sealed, or it will retain moisture. Not only is this less pleasant to the touch, it is dangerous to the installation and actually increases the weight of the stone. Therefore, regular maintenance to the sealant is essential.

When considering granite countertops for your home, it is vital to plan ahead and make sure you have the right tools and skillset to mitigate any potential risk for a DIY install. If you are unsure of your ability to correctly install and/or seal your new granite countertops, consider hiring a qualified professional home remodeling contractor.

 

1 Response

  1. I am not usually a big fan of granite because it seems to have been done to death, but still, there are some slabs out there that are real show stoppers and can make a room. Here's a link to an article about a project I recently completed where the granite is the star of the show: http://www.whartoninteriors.com/blog-0/bid/251182/Home-Renovation-I-can-t-believe-it-s-the-same-space