How Granite Holds Up to Bathroom Humidity?

The idea of using a granite in a powder, family, or master bathroom is not a new idea. You might have a bathroom vanity that is topped with a slab of granite as it was when you bought your home, or you might have upgraded to granite vanity tops in the time since signing on the dotted line. No matter what the reason, granite is a great choice for a bathroom of any size.

Granite is a great choice for any bathroom as it is one of the most durable materials available on the planet. This dense stone was formed by lava shifting beneath the surface of the earth. Over the years, from dating back to before the time of primitive man, those giant slabs came a long way and now grace bathroom vanities and countertops across the world.

Why Use Granite in the Bathroom

Next, the granite for your bathroom vanity top can take whatever shape you need to fit the space. The fabricators can cut the stone into any kind of specifics, whether you need a small square for a tiny powder room or a strip long enough for a double sink for use in a master bedroom for two halves of a couple who share the room.

The bathroom sink is smaller, which means the manufacturer will only need to use one single section of slab. This is important because you can be sure that your slab will arrive in one main piece, and not in multiple pieces that could split apart from each other over time. A single piece of stone offers a flawless look that is not in danger of unsightly blemishes.

Granite can also accommodate the shape and size of the sink. Whether you want an under mounted sink, a sink that drops into the countertop, or any other variety, a granite countertop can fit the style. This is super handy in the kitchen where there is one sink, which means it would be doubly handy in a bathroom off the master bedroom where there are “His” and “Hers” sinks for a couple that shares the room.

Heat and Humidity versus the Bathroom

Two of the primary destructive forces inside a bathroom are humidity and moisture. This is because the bathtub and or the shower is located in the bathroom, and both are a great source of dampness. The heat from the hot water coming from the shower affects the materials in your bathroom. When combined with the moisture associated with humidity the effects can be disastrous for countertops. However, granite is an exception as it will perfectly hold up to both heat and humidity.

Further Protecting Your Granite Counter from Humidity

Granite counters atop a bathroom vanity are exposed to humidity and moisture than in any other room of your family’s home including the kitchen. The exception would be a granite slab atop an outdoor island, such as in an outdoor kitchen or on the outdoor patio next to the barbecue grill. Even though the granite will hold up to extreme conditions, in most normal uses of the countertop, there is a way to further protect your investment.

Most granite retailers highly recommend applying a professional grade sealer to your granite counter. This is done at the time that your granite countertop is installed in your home, regardless if it is installed in the kitchen or the bathroom. There are plenty of homeowners who enjoy granite counters and bathroom vanity tops who agree with this as well.

The sealor not only protects against minor scratches such as having a razor dropped onto the surface of the stone, but also it lessens the risk of granite soaking up moisture.  The sealer also helps prevent liquids from staining the surface of the stone, such as toothpaste splatters or mouthwash, which can be cleaned up with just a little warm water and some mild dish soap.