Granite bathroom worktop vs Quartz bathroom worktop - practical ideas and tips for installation and selection

When furnishing our bathroom, we certainly want to create a pleasant, impeccable image that invites relaxation. In this regard, the choice of the bathroom worktop is of particular importance. In the following, we will discuss the particularities of an ideal worktop, how to choose it, and other useful practical tips.

If you have decided that you want a luxurious-looking bathroom that offers moments of indulgence, then you have surely thought about every detail of it and want the notion of comfort to translate into every corner of the room. One of the most visual parts of the bathroom is the furniture, specifically the worktop on which the washbasin(s) are fixed. For some time now, the quartz worktop has also appeared in the existing offer on our market, a worktop that competes with other natural materials such as granite, travertine, or marble.

Quartz composite for worktops is a natural product, usually composed of up to 95% granulated quartz crystals, to which polyester resins are added, as well as polymers and color pigments. In addition, depending on the model in question, decorative elements such as mother-of-pearl, mirror and glass crystals, certain metallic inserts, etc., may appear, which gives the obtained material a note of elegance and uniqueness that implicitly transfers to the decorated interior.

In terms of properties, quartz is a resistant natural mineral, with a hardness similar to that of diamond. Consequently, quartz surfaces resist very well to stains, scratches, impacts, chemical agents, and the incorporated resins create a non-porous, antibacterial surface, which recommends it for areas where maintaining hygiene is absolutely necessary, such as the bathroom. It is easily maintained and cleaned with a damp cloth or soft sponge, and it is recommended to avoid using chemically aggressive detergents or abrasive cleaning products.

In addition, such a worktop is also heat-resistant, maintaining its color, shine, and texture very well over time.

The possibility of choosing from a varied range of shades and constructive types (models) of quartz bathroom worktops represents a personalized action through which we can opt for elegance and sumptuousness

Granite is a good and resistant material that can be used for the bathroom worktop. It does not show sensitivity to UV radiation, having the advantage of being able to be used in cladding or outdoor worktops. Unlike quartz, granite is almost insensitive to extreme temperatures, without visible effects or damage to it.

It comes in various colors and is relatively easy to maintain, but one of its disadvantages is the porous surface which can cause problems over time (deep staining, deterioration under the aggressive action of certain substances – nail polish, acetone, etc.). As a counterbalance, there is also the possibility of waterproofing it, by applying special sealing substances (varnish, wax, etc.).

The installation of the two types of worktops is done similarly:

• the furniture or the place/area where the product will be installed is carefully measured, taking into account the positioning of the water installation, walls, etc.
• the worktop is manufactured according to the desired typology and technical requirements (edge profile/worktop edge type, type and number of bathroom washbasin cut-outs, bathroom faucet type, etc.).
• the transport of the worktop is carried out by a specialized team, so that it does not fracture (especially in the case of granite worktops);
• the actual installation is performed, depending on the structure on which it is installed (furniture or metal/plasterboard structure). Attention, in the case of suspended furniture or structures, the resistance of the walls must be taken into account, considering that some worktops can weigh over 100 kg.
• the flatness of the worktop is checked after installation, especially in the case of a worktop made of multiple pieces.
• If applicable, adjacent worktop slabs are glued with a special mastic/adhesive, which ensures adhesion and waterproofing of the joint between the slabs:
• the sink is installed and sealed with silicone;
• the faucet is installed and then the plinth/riser to the wall;

In principle, both worktops are used in very good conditions, the choice being a matter of taste, whether the worktop is made of granite or quartz. Ultimately, what makes the difference is how we highlight a certain model of bathroom worktop in the bathroom design process.