Taking Granite Into the Bathroom

Are you starting a bathroom remodel? You've probably made a lot of decisions already and may have had more to think about than you initially realized. It can be tricky making choices about materials and doing so within budget. You want quality, especially in a main or master bathroom. You want functionality but you also want design. You want materials that will last and that may add to the value of your home later on. Have you thought about granite? It meets all of these requirements and a little more.

Will Granite Survive in a Bathroom?
Yes. Granite is a tough material. It is stone after all and withstood all sorts of weather and geological conditions before it came to your house. Granite has many bathroom-proof qualities, including:

Mildew and water resistance
Heat resistance
Scratch resistance

On top of these things, granite is hard - almost as hard as diamond. It's also very easy to keep up. For a granite bathroom vanity, for example, a little wiping down with soap and water and wiping up toothpaste or other products is just about all the maintenance granite needs. You can use it day in and day out free of worry.

Now that we've established that granite is a prime material for bathrooms, in what ways can you use it in the bathroom?

3 Ways to Use Granite in the Bathroom
Here are some obvious and not-so-obvious means of using granite in your master or guest bathroom.

Bathroom Vanity Top. Bathroom vanity tops are a terrific way to add granite to your bathroom. They often come in standard, pre-fabricated sizes, and you can find them in a similar array of colors as kitchen countertops. As mentioned, you won't need to worry about your granite vanity top being destroyed from lots of use. Just wash it down regularly with mild cleaning products or stone cleaner, and wipe up toothpaste or other spills and it will stay beautiful.

Granite Sinks or Basins. The fact that granite can function as a sink is evidence of its bathroom compatibility. You can find granite carved into pedestal sinks, sinks, and basins. Some are very traditional, others ultra modern. A granite sink or basin could be a glimmering contrast to your vanity for a dramatic look or blend in with its surroundings for a spa appearance. Granite is low-maintenance and will work for you whether it's in a rarely used guest bathroom or daily used master bath.

Granite Medallions. This use for granite might not come to mind as quickly as the other two. Granite medallions are many pieces of granite cut and shaped into a design and installed on one large tile. They're often used in office buildings and lobbies as floor focal points but they can also make a nice decoration in your bathroom. Granite medallions can be installed on the wall and floor. So if you're covering your bathroom in tile, you might consider adding a medallion as a focal point. Or, if your shower is tiled, a granite medallion would be an added visual interest either on the wall or shower floor.

Granite, aside from its known durability, is also versatile. It makes a great bathroom addition, whether in the form of a bath vanity top, a sink or basin, or a floor or wall medallion. So make sure to add granite to your list of materials for your bathroom renovation.

Options in Sink Materials

Bathrooms can be a unique design challenge. They must function well and serve their intended purpose, but most of us would also like it to look beautiful. We may not have a lot of space; most bathrooms are relatively small. However, there is one element in the bathroom that is necessary but can also add a little elegance where it may be lacking, and bring out your personal style in surprising ways. What are we talking about? The sink.

Porcelain Sinks
Porcelain sinks are pretty common, often white and oval or round-shaped. They may sit level with the countertop or on top of it, or be part of a pedestal sink. They're flexible, working well with many styles, which may contribute to their popularity. A simple change of faucet can overhaul the look, taking it from ultra modern and sexy to traditional or shabby chic. They won't disappear with the trends, and will last for years. Porcelain sinks are easy to find in all price ranges, and if you want a look that's flexible and timeless, a porcelain sink is an excellent choice.

Granite Sinks and Basins
If you want to step up the elegance in your bathroom, a granite sink or basin is a great place to start. Combine the metallic sheen of granite with a modern basin sink for a new classic look. Or, choose a more traditional pedestal style sink for a traditionally designed bathroom. Whatever style you prefer, granite will transcend the changes of the design world and keep your bathroom looking fresh through the years. You'll feel like you're using a 5-star hotel bathroom everyday.

Marble Basins
Marble is another excellent addition to a bathroom. You can bring a piece of the Gilded Age into your home with a marble basin. The swirling patterns of marble can soften modern, masculine angles, or enhance the spa quality of a Zen-inspired master bath. You can find quality basins cut from one piece of marble without seams. You'll feel like an heir or heiress every time you wash your hands or brush your teeth.

Onyx Basins
Onyx has its own unique veining just like other stones such as granite and marble. It's another excellent way to bring nature into your home. With its softer patterning, similar to marble, it may not have the punch of granite but it certainly has a worn-in feel that's calming and perfect for a bathroom. Onyx basins are also cut from one continuous piece of stone for a beautiful, seamless appearance. Instead of only looking at granite or marble as sink options, look into onyx as well.

No matter what your design taste or bathroom needs, you will find a product to fit both. While porcelain sinks are flexible and classic, the many natural sinks and basins available today might add a unique touch to a room that can be barren of personality. Granite and marble are classic stones that add a natural touch and are a perfect fit for most bathrooms. But you might consider onyx for something a little different but that still carries the timeless look of natural stone. Shop around and discover what fits you best.