Granite countertops remain a popular choice for bathroom vanities and surfaces. The natural stone offers unparalleled beauty, durability, and style. With the right sealing and care, granite can last for decades in the high-moisture bathroom environment.
When selecting granite, you’ll have countless options for colors, patterns, finishes, edges, thickness, and more. Understanding the pros, cons, costs, and considerations allows you to choose the ideal granite bathroom countertop for your space and needs. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the many granite countertop options for bathrooms.
Granite Bathroom Countertop Basics
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma cooling slowly beneath the earth’s surface. It consists primarily of quartz and feldspar minerals. Granite’s hardness and durability make it an ideal material for countertops.
Benefits of Granite Bathroom Countertops
- Extremely durable and scratch-resistant
- Heat-resistant
- Stain-resistant with proper sealing
- Available in many colors and patterns
- Adds value to homes
- Easy to clean and sanitize
- Withstands humidity well when sealed
Considerations for Granite Bathroom Countertops
- More expensive than some materials
- Requires yearly sealing
- Some porous options may stain
- Heavy and may require cabinet reinforcement
- Can chip if subjected to heavy impact
- Will etch with highly acidic substances
Granite Edge Styles
The edge of your granite bathroom countertop plays a big role in its overall look and feel. Here are some common granite edge options to consider:
- Straight: A simple, 90-degree angle with no rounding. Provides a clean, modern look.
- Bevel: Angled along the top and bottom edges, flat on the front. A versatile look.
- Bullnose: A rounded, convex edge. Softens the look for a contemporary feel.
- Ogee: An elegant double curve shaped edge. Popular for a classic or vintage decor.
- Dupont: A rounded top edge flowing into a flat bottom edge. Streamlined appeal.
- Full bullnose: Features a 180-degree bullnose curve. No flat edges. Bold statement.
The edge can be customized to your preferences. Many homeowners select beveled or bullnose edges for bathrooms.
Granite Thickness Options
Standard granite countertop thickness is 3/4” or 1 1/4”. Thicker slabs tend to be more durable and sturdy. Here are common thicknesses:
- 3/4”: The most popular and affordable option for bathrooms. Provides ample durability.
- 1 1/4”: A thicker slab with added heft. Often used for sinks or standalone surfaces.
- 2”: A heavy-duty slab for a bold look and extremely durable base. Higher cost.
- 1/2″: A lighter and more budget-friendly option. Usually avoided for bathrooms.
Consider traffic, storage needs, and uses when choosing thickness. Heavier slabs require sturdier cabinetry support.
Types of Granite Finishes
Granite’s naturally glossy finish can be augmented or subdued with different surface treatments. The finish impacts the look, feel, and maintenance needs.
- Polished: Glossy, reflective surface. Enhances granite’s glimmer. Requires more frequent sealing.
- Honed: Matte, smooth finish with little sheen. Provides a soft, natural appearance. Helps hide marks.
- Flamed: Dramatic textured finish from high-heat torching. Rustic, slipped look. Hides flaws well.
- Brushed: Fine linear brushing creates subtle texture. Adds dimensional style. Aids in stain resistance.
- Sandblasted: Blasted with pressurized sand or grit for a coarsely textured finish. Rustic appeal.
Polished and honed finishes are most common in bathrooms, depending on the desired look.
Granite Color and Pattern Options
With natural granite, no two slabs are exactly alike. The unique mineral composition creates striking variations in colors, veining, speckles, and movement patterns. Here are some popular bathroom granite types:
White Granite
White granite evokes clean elegance. The light color enhances the feeling of spaciousness in bathrooms. Popular varieties include:
- White Ice: Sparkling white with gray veining. Crisp and refreshing.
- Blizzard: Brilliant solid white background with faint gray markings. Bright and airy.
- White Attica: White granite with dramatic charcoal-colored veining. Stunning visual appeal.
- White Carrara: Grayish-white with subtle veining and movement. Marvelous marble-like look.
- Super White: Solid, stark white background with sparse dark accents. Modern and sophisticated.
White granite pairs beautifully with both light and dark cabinetry and fixtures. It resists showing marks and water spots.
Black Granite
For bold dramatic flair, black granite delivers. Black adds a sense of intimacy and chic sophistication. Top black granite choices include:
- Absolute Black: Inky, jet black background with sporadic white speckles. Strikingly elegant.
- Nero Assoluto: Deep black with thin white veining and spots. Mysterious and alluring.
- Cosmic Black: Dense black with light brown and white patterning. Minimalist contemporary vibe.
- Premium Black: Solid midnight black with delicate feathery gray accents. Decidedly opulent.
- Jet Black: Rich black with distinctive white quartz crystal flecks. Adds visual intrigue.
Black granite demands attention while conveying luxury. It pairs nicely with metals, glass, and white ceramics.
Gray Granite
For an adaptable neutral hue, gray granite brings subtle beauty to bathrooms. Popular choices include:
- Steel Gray: Dark charcoal gray with wispy lighter gray veining. Refined colorway.
- London Gray: Gray background with white and black marble-look veining. Tranquil and casual.
- Gray Elegance: Solid gray with sparse dark accents and white quartz flecks. Unfussy and serene.
- Cascade Grey: Dark gray with white, burgundy, and black striations. Dimensional depth.
- Luna Pearl: Soft gray backdrop with pearlized shimmer. Silvery splendor.
Gray granite sets the stage for bathrooms in any style from modern to traditional. It complements both cool and warm color schemes.
Brown Granite
Earthy brown granite exudes natural warmth ideal for rustic, farmhouse, or traditional bathrooms. Top picks include:
- Cocoa Brown: Rich dark brown with black spotting and veining. Cozy and inviting.
- Coffee Brown: Milk chocolate brown, occasionally with cloudy patterning. Sophisticated and welcoming.
- Brown Antique: Solid milk chocolate brown background with metallic shimmering effect. Classy vintage character.
- Sandstorm: Warm beige-brown with burgundy, black and gold accents. Casual Southwestern flair.
- Tuscan Sun: Deep brown base with golden mineral deposits and veining. European old-world charm.
Brown granite pairs well with natural wood, ceramic tile, and textured metals for an authentic look and feel. The mellow earth tones create a soothing sanctuary.
Red Granite
Make a bold statement by incorporating red granite into your bathroom design. Popular red varieties include:
- Red Royale: Vibrant ruby red with hints of burgundy, pink, and orange. Fun and dramatic.
- Rosso Asiago: Burgundy red background with elegant white veining. Refined richness.
- Orano Red: Intense orange-red with dark brown and white accents. Rustic and exotic.
- Santa Cecilia: Vivid crimson with swirls of orange, smoke, and black. Conveys passion and flair.
- Red Dragon: Shocking bright red with muted charcoal veins. Contemporary edgy allure.
Red instantly energizes. It pairs beautifully with blacks and whites for a mod vibe or warm metallics for an artisanal flair.
Blue Granite
Rare blue granite makes a unique focal point in bathrooms with its regal, water-inspired hues. Prime selections include:
- Azul Platino: Clean light blue with metallic shimmer and gray marbling. Crisp, beachy vibe.
- Blue Eyes: Soothing mix of blue, gray, white, and black resembling stormy seas. Airy watercolor effect.
- Labrador Blue: Dark inky midnight blue with faint black veining. Mysterious and elegant.
- Azure Night: Midnight blue color reminiscent of a starry night sky. Deep, dreamy allure.
- Blue Bahia: Varying tones of blue and gray swirled together in an abstract painterly design. Artistic flair.
Blue granite pairs splendidly with white, gray, silver, and light wood tones. It evokes tranquility and relaxation in bathroom spaces.
Green Granite
Verdant green granite injects natural harmony into bathrooms. Prime green granite options include:
- Verde Butterfly: Light green backdrop with darker emerald accents. Organic, earthy elegance.
- Verde Labrador: Serene gray-green with white marble-look veining. Subtle sophistication.
- Verde Maritaka: Vivid gray-blue-green with wispy white patterning. Stimulating jewel tones.
- Verde Ubatuba: Rich green with swirls of black, white, and gray. Lush, tropical allure.
- Emerald Pearl: Vibrant mint green with black and white speckles. Crisp, refreshing color.
Green granite pairs perfectly with natural wood cabinetry, textured metallics, and cream stone surfaces. It brings the outdoors in with natural beauty.
Multi-Color Granite
For dynamic visual interest, multi-color granite incorporates a blend of captivating hues. Top choices include:
- Midnight Rose: Mesmerizing blend of black, pink, white, and silver resembling cosmic galaxies.
- Picasso Stone: Abstract patchwork of gray, brown, cream, pink, and green reminiscent of a Picasso painting.
- Mystery White: Bright white with ribbons of black, gray, burgundy, and silver flowing throughout. Regal and chic.
- Blue Lagoon: Brilliant blue and gray swirls with golden sparkles and intriguing dark reddish accents. Vibrant and energetic.
- Rainforest Brown: Entrancing mix of brown, beige, black, and gray with a three-dimensional look. Rustic beauty.
Multi-colored granite adds visual excitement. The colors play off each other for depth and movement.
Costs of Granite Bathroom Countertops
Granite pricing depends on the stone’s rarity, color, thickness, edges, finish, provider, and other factors. Here are typical price ranges:
- Basic granite: $40 – $70 per square foot
- Premium granite: $70 – $120 per square foot
- Exotic granite: $120+ per square foot
Edge upgrades, thicker slabs, and more intricate installations also increase costs. Expect to invest anywhere from $1000 up to $5000 for materials and professional installation of the average bathroom countertop.
Shop around and compare estimates. Consider if a granite remnant piece from a supplier could work to reduce costs. Ultimately granite offers long-lasting quality and ROI despite higher initial pricing.
Choosing the Right Granite Countertop
Selecting the perfect granite bathroom countertop requires assessing your needs and style preferences. Follow these tips:
- Bring home granite samples to view in your space before finalizing your slab. The color and pattern can look different under your lighting.
- Match granite to your cabinetry, flooring, tile, and other bathroom elements. Consider both color scheme and style.
- For busy patterns, minimize competing visuals like ornate faucets or colorful shower tiles. Allow the granite to take center stage.
- For added visual interest, mix complementary granite slab styles on vanities, tub decks, shower walls, or backsplashes.
- White or pale granite opens up smaller spaces while darker hues add cozy intimacy.
- Honed finishes help disguise water drops and fingerprints. Go for a reflective polish only if committed to diligent cleaning.
- For vessel sinks, select thicker 2-3cm granite to properly support the weight.
- In high traffic bathrooms, thicker 3cm provides added durability and longevity.
By thoughtfully selecting an ideal granite for your bathroom, you’ll enjoy its unmatched beauty and longevity for decades to come. Allow the natural stone to enhance the room’s overall design vision.
Caring for Granite Bathroom Countertops
To help your granite countertop stand the test of time, proper care and maintenance are essential, particularly in humid bathrooms.
Sealing Granite Countertops
Get new granite countertops sealed upon installation. Sealing fills microscopic pores to prevent liquid from penetrating and causing stains. Reseal every 1-2 years with a stone-safe penetrating sealer.
Cleaning Granite Surfaces
For daily cleaning, wipe down granite with a soft damp cloth or sponge and mild non-abrasive soap if needed. Rinse thoroughly and dry. Blot spills quickly to avoid staining.
Regularly disinfect granite with a natural stone cleaner approved for sealing protection. Avoid harsh bathroom cleaning products like bleach, ammonia, vinegar, etc. as these can etch and corrode granite over time.
Preventing Damage
Always use a cutting board rather than cutting directly on granite. Don’t place extremely hot items that could scorch the surface. Use trivets and hot pads under appliances.
Avoid exposing granite to oils, acids, or scrapes from heavy objects. Repair any sealant, caulk gaps, or nicks promptly to prevent water intrusion and cracks.
With proper care, high-quality granite countertops will remain remarkably beautiful and functional for a lifetime!
Granite Bathroom Countertop FAQs
Still have questions about incorporating granite in your dream bathroom design? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Is granite too heavy for bathroom countertops?
With proper cabinet and framing support, standard 3/4” – 1 1/4” granite slabs are not problematic for bathroom vanity use. Only extremely thick 2”+ slabs may require reinforcement. Just ensure underlying structures are capable of bearing heavy weight without sagging or pulling away from walls before installation.
Can you cut on granite bathroom countertops?
It’s best to avoid cutting directly on granite’s surface. Use a separate cutting board to protect from scratches and nicks. The rigid stone can dull blades with repeated use. Minor food prep should be fine but extensive cutting will damage over time.
Do granite bathroom countertops stain easily?
When granite is properly sealed, the surface repels liquids and stains remarkably well. Penetrating sealants fill microscopic pores and prevent absorption. Some more porous varieties may absorb stains if left unsealed. Reseal every 1-2 years for optimal stain protection.
How is granite attached in bathrooms?
Professional installers use systems like wooden braces or brackets to provide added structural support. An adhesive mortar provides a secured bond. Clips underneath may also be used to anchor the slab in place. The granite edges are finished off with matching caulk.
Can you have different granite colors in one bathroom?
Absolutely! Mixing coordinating granite slab styles, textures, and colors in a bathroom can add appealing visual contrast. Try pairing a dramatic black granite vanity top with softer white granite on the tub deck. Or combine different edges and thicknesses for interest.
Does granite need to be re-polished over time?
In most cases, polished granite resists fading and maintains its luxurious glossy sheen with basic cleaning. No routine re-polishing is needed. For hazy or dull spots that do appear, restore the finish using a granite polishing kit with a power polisher. Avoid using waxes, sprays, or coatings on top.
Elevate Your Bathroom with Gorgeous Granite
Granite countertops confer unrivaled elegance and durability to bathrooms. With essentially endless possibilities for colors, patterns, edges, and surfaces, you can find the perfect custom granite solution. Take time to explore the many granite types and finishes. Consider the bathroom’s size, style, cabinetry, and purpose when selecting your ideal slab. With proper sealing and care, your investment in quality granite will enhance your daily routines and relaxations for many long and enjoyable years ahead.
