Granite vs. marble in bathroom?

Log Out | Topics | Search Moderators | Register | Edit Profile

Thread Last Poster Posts Pages Last Post   Closed: New threads not accepted on this page

Author Message   clkelley Citizen Username: Clkelley Post Number: 165 Registered: 6-2002 Posted on Monday, March 8, 2004 - 1:05 pm:        We're re-doing our whole bathroom, and one of the decision points is what kind of countertop to put in. My husband and I like the look of marble, but we are worried about its durability. I understand that marble is easily scratched and damaged if the wrong cleaning supplies are used. I've also heard that it stains easily. Granite is very durable and less likely to stain. However while we like some types of granite (St. Cecilia is a strong contender right now), we are worried that it might be a bit too "loud." Also, we understand that granite stays colder than the room, and as the room is already quite chilly, this doesn't make us too happy. Does anybody have any experience with marble or granite in a bathroom? Things to think about / avoid? We've looked through the attic and found threads comparing granite to Corian, Silestone, etc. but none comparing marble to granite. We're also looking for local yards with a good reputation.   Cutter Citizen Username: Cutter Post Number: 315 Registered: 11-2001 Posted on Monday, March 8, 2004 - 6:56 pm:        Granite and marble are a bit much for the typical 200K to 600K colonials around here - kinda Sopranos really. Think calm, texture, and "yoga-ish" if you don't want to look all '90's.   Zeno Citizen Username: Eratosthenes Post Number: 54 Registered: 9-2003 Posted on Monday, March 8, 2004 - 7:53 pm:        I read that granite is out in kitchens, but is marble out in bathrooms? Slate and soapstone are completely inappropriate for a bathroom (too dark), Corian is so boring, and I can't look at Zodiaq without thinking "Bologna".   clkelley Citizen Username: Clkelley Post Number: 166 Registered: 6-2002 Posted on Monday, March 8, 2004 - 8:42 pm:        Hah, I wondered what that guy in the store meant when he said he'd make us an offer we couldn't refuse ... I have Corian now and although it is nice & reliable, it is so plain & boring. (the color of it won't go in the new bathroom, so we can't keep our existing countertop anyway). Just not my thing. I also looked at Zodiaq and although I like it more than Corian it just leaves me cold. Plus, the one place we went to that actually had prices laid out for you to see (Great Indoors) had Zodiaq priced MUCH higher than granite. We've only started looking, so that's our only price comparison so far - we're not ready to sit down with the consultants and get serious about pricing etc. We're really just exploring. The other solid surface options are just fake looking to me - I don't like them. Laminates aren't in the equation at all. So where does that leave us? Natural stone. OK, so we do have a little bathroom in a modest house - and the rest of the decor in isn't going to be hit-you-over-the-head, the countertop would be the "splash" in the room if we go in that direction. But that's one of the questions isn't it - is it too much splash? I really don't want the bathroom to be a place where Carmella would feel at home ... I'm not sure what the "calm yoga" look is but I don't think it would match the rest of our house. We're looking for a warm traditional / cozy look. Beige/brown/deep red colors. One of my concerns about granite / marble is that it would give the bathroom a cold feel, even if the colors are warm. I also haven't ruled out a tile countertop but I'm worrying about the grout getting too dirty.   Brett Citizen Username: Bmalibashksa Post Number: 814 Registered: 7-2003 Posted on Monday, March 8, 2004 - 8:50 pm:        Unless your bathroom is huge, I think you would be able to find a wide variety of very inexpensive Granite. There is always a good amount left over from a kitchen install.   Cutter Citizen Username: Cutter Post Number: 316 Registered: 11-2001 Posted on Monday, March 8, 2004 - 9:51 pm:        Look at what your house would have had originally and update that - perhaps temper the hard edges with wood, create the look of a dry sink with a marble top. I think soapstone can work with the right tweak, if you have natural light it might not be too dark.   clkelley Citizen Username: Clkelley Post Number: 169 Registered: 6-2002 Posted on Tuesday, March 9, 2004 - 6:20 am:        Cutter, this house has had so many additions & changes that it isn't possible to know what the house would have had originally. The bathroom itself was part of an addition that was put on probably in the early 80s. We have virtually NO natural light, anywhere in the house. Anyway we don't want dark - we don't want soapstone or slate or any of those options even though they are very stylish right now. Remember we want beige, brown, red. We are going back & forth on Zodiaq - last night my husband and I talked it over and think maybe one of the toned-down Zodiaqs with a mosaic backsplash would be OK. We're afraid granite would be too busy - but we're equally afraid Zodiaq would be too boring. In any case we have our style pretty clearly in mind and want to work within those parameters. The original post was really about temperature & durability - not style. (my dad had advised me early on in the process to get an interior decorator - I just laughed at him - my husband and I have very quirky taste and we'd drive a decorator out of his/her mind!)   Richard O'Connor Citizen Username: Roconn Post Number: 187 Registered: 6-2001 Posted on Tuesday, March 9, 2004 - 7:31 am:        What about good old vitreous china .... pedestal sink? (Which if you went back far enough is what you'd likely find you had (only likely it'd have been porcelain on cast iron). If you don't need the storage of the vanity pedestal sinks are making a huge comeback and some of the Kohler and American Standard models offer surprisingly large top space. Just a thought ... In a bathroom, I think marble woudl do well ... yes it is comparatively delicate but in a bathroom it shoudl not be subjected to the kinds of things that do great damage. Richard (ROC) --Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark; professionals built the Titanic.-- --AIM: ROConn   Cutter Citizen Username: Cutter Post Number: 317 Registered: 11-2001 Posted on Tuesday, March 9, 2004 - 8:04 am:        Do whatever you like best - the simplest choices are likely the most appropriate to the style of your house. I like the old white china sinks best myself, they'll never go out of style, they're durable, and you just can't go wrong. If you like marble - go for it.   Wendyn Citizen Username: Wendyn Post Number: 144 Registered: 9-2002 Posted on Tuesday, March 9, 2004 - 8:37 am:        I have a pedestal sink. Looks great, function not so great. Not enough room to put cups, soap, etc. It isn't terrible, but if I were to do it again I would check out those "piece of furniture" type vanities at Expo. I think most are shown with marble or granite tops. Keep in mind you don't need to do the ultra shiny finish, you could do a honed finish (or maybe something in between? I'm not sure). And honestly I think the shiny finish can be ok based on the other fixtures, tile, paint, etc. I think marble is ok in a bathroom...the main problem is the staining and there isn't as much stuff that would stain in a bathroom (as opposed to a kitchen). Good luck.   sullymw Real Name Username: Sullymw Post Number: 226 Registered: 5-2001 Posted on Tuesday, March 9, 2004 - 2:23 pm:        try silestone (quartz)...Home Expo has it. Similar to granite in looks, but no maintenance