Home renovations come with a huge amount of critical questions: which part of your home do you want to renovate? What will your budget be? What does your dream design look like? Not only do you have to make those broad decisions, but with any home improvement project—such as remodeling your bathroom—there are several little decisions to take into account, too. One of those decisions is picking out your bathroom countertops.
Some aspects of your bathroom remodel are trivial, such as the exact shade of your grout. But counters play a huge role, and if you don’t make the right choice you could end up hating your bathroom, or going over your budget trying to redo things. When it comes to the best material for bathroom countertops, two popular options are granite and marble. How do you choose between the two? Which one will be better for your personal style and budget? What will last longer and create a timeless look? These are some of the things you’ll want to consider before making your final decision.
Granite vs Marble Countertops
Let’s weigh your options by examining the pros and cons of each material. While both granite and marble can have similar looks, there are some key differences between the two.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone comprised of silica, feldspar, mica, and quartz. Usually appearing with a tightly packed, granulated appearance, granite can also have veins, flecks of color, or even be completely solid in color. With an abundance of light and dark colors available, you’ll have no problem finding a countertop to fit with your bathroom’s design. In terms of cost, granite is typically around $40 to $75 per square foot, with more unique stones costing around $500 per square foot.
Granite has several qualities that make it an excellent material for your bathroom counter.
For instance, granite countertops won’t be ruined when exposed to heat. With this material, you can set your hot curling iron right on the surface without fear of damage such as blistering or melting. A countertop made from granite is hard and durable, making it resistant to minor damage like chips and scratches, and it won’t require much maintenance! While both marble and granite do require resealing in order to prevent stains and other damage, granite only requires this every few years.
On the other hand, there are a few downsides to this material. Unique slabs can cost more. If you are a homeowner looking for more unique colors and variance in your granite, you may end up paying quite a bit more per square foot. In addition, lighter colors can stain. While you can reseal your countertops, if you aren’t careful, some shades of the material may stain because of the porous qualities of granite.
Marble
Marble, primarily made of calcite, is a unique stone characterized by softer vein patterns than that of granite. Marble can also vary in appearance, ranging from light to dark. But this material can can cost a bit more than granite. Average costs range from $60 all the way up to $100 per square foot, making it the more expensive option.
If you’re looking for a classic, timeless look for your bathroom, then a beautiful marble countertop is the way to go. Like granite, marble is also heat-resistant, making it a suitable resting spot for those heated hair tools.
But few characteristics of marble may lead you to go with granite. Marble tends to be on the pricier side of countertop options, for one thing. If you’re looking to stay within a limited budget, it may not be the best choice for you. And unfortunately, marble is a high-maintenance stone. In order to help prevent stains, you’ll need to have it resealed every six months. It’s also prone to scratches, since the material is much softer than granite.
The Verdict
Choosing the perfect material for your bathroom countertops takes some time and thinking. While granite is more durable, affordable, and requires less maintenance, marble can be a great option for bathrooms, as are less opportunities for scratching and staining. So how do you make this decision? When it comes down to it, your budget and style preference will likely dictate your choice between granite and marble in your bathroom. Be sure to communicate with your contractor to bring your vision to life!
Update Your Bathroom with Honey-Doers
No matter what option you choose for your bathroom countertops, make sure to hire the right contractor is an essential part of updating your bathroom. With over 20 years of remodeling experience in the Minneapolis area, Honey-Doers can help you bring your ideas and dreams to life. With the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to help you achieve your ultimate bathroom goals, we’ll get it done right the first time. Contact us today for a free estimate to get started.
