Few areas of your home get greater exposure to moisture than the bathroom. So this area is highly vulnerable to problems from staining to mould growth, cracking and long-term damage from water.
Your choice of bathroom countertop material will have a big impact on how severe any issues are. And if you’re deciding between composite and natural stone for one of the most intimate spaces of your property, here’s a guide to the different strengths of each type.
What is composite stone?
For the avoidance of doubt, composite stone, which we also sometimes refer to as engineered stone, is a manufactured material which you make by combining crushed natural stone such as marble, granite or quartz, with polymer pigments and resins. You’ll often find it in kitchen countertops and flooring.
What does moisture damage depend on?
Moisture damage depends on a number of different factors, including porosity, sealing requirements, durability as temperatures change plus how easy the stone is to maintain. If you understand these key elements, you’ll find it easier to choose a stone which not only looks superb, but which can tolerate years of exposure to dampness.
How does water affect natural stone?
Because every kind of natural stone reacts differently to moisture, it’s worth understanding the unique properties of each one:
Granite
This is probably the hardest, densest type of natural stone from which to fashion a worktop. It resists heat and scratches well, while its porosity allows it to shrug off the effects of water effectively. So it performs well in bathrooms, both as flooring and other surfaces.
You’ll typically need to reseal this stuff annually to stave off mineral deposits and stains. But, among natural stones, it is probably the most dependable bathroom solution.
Marble
We all appreciate this stone’s elegantly luxurious appearance. But’s porosity is greater than that of granite. This means liquid can seep in, leading to superficial etching and staining. However, with the right marble care this material still offers a dependable solution for your bathroom if you want a premium finish and sophistication.
It does need more regular sealing than granite – usually every three to six months, although much will also depend on exposure to dampness.
Limestone
This material has a more open grain, making it naturally absorbent. Its versatile with a timelessly elegant appearance, and so is a popular choice for bathrooms, including traditional and more modern-looking spaces.
And if you seal it regularly, this safeguards against both absorption and discolouration.
Composite stone
Composite stone tends to be non-porous, providing superior water resistance. Also, it’s effective at shrugging off stains and mould, plus bacteria, without the same need for frequent sealing.
So it could be more cost-effective in damp settings. However, it is with natural stone that you get the luxury look that can set a room apart.
Among the composites, quartz is probably your best bet for bathroom countertops. It has a resistance to bacteria, making it hygienic and low-maintenance. Plus it can be more cost-effective than some natural stones.
In conclusion, how your bathroom’s chosen material performs depends on how the stone you pick responds to moisture, heat and cleaning products. Equally, there can be misconceptions around maintenance and lifespan.
Choose a product which suits your personal style, the space it will go in, plus your own preferences in terms of durability and maintenance.
Call Royal Stone Care
Whatever stone you choose for your bathroom, we at Royal Stone Care can help. We’re across all the latest techniques for marble chip repair, granite maintenance and limestone restoration in London. Get in touch wherever you are in the situation of an assistance, regarding your natural stone care.
