You can say goodbye to boring old porcelain because the quartz bathroom sink is taking over bathrooms left and right. But what is it about this material that makes it so ideal in bathrooms? And is it worth the cost? Here’s everything you need to know about having a quartz sink in your home’s bathrooms.
What is Quartz?
Quartz is a natural stone mined from the earth just like marble and granite. But unlike those materials, quartz comes out in pebbles and small rocks rather than large slabs. The quartz stones are then ground down into a powder and mixed with resin and polymers and shaped to form countertops, sinks, and other items. This process is why quartz is known as “engineered stone” rather than natural stone.
What are the Benefits of Quartz Bathroom Sinks?
Natural stone isn’t a great material for sinks because it’s so porous. Granite and marble need to be sealed frequently to be functional as countertops and sinks. This is where quartz shines. Because of its engineered origins, it’s completely nonporous and never needs to be sealed. Quartz is an ideal material for bathroom sinks for many other reasons as well, including:
- It’s extremely durable.
- It’s both scratch-resistant and stain-resistant.
- The perfectly smooth surface is ultra-easy to clean and maintain.
- Because it’s nonporous, it’s impossible for germs and bacteria to penetrate the surface. This keeps out odors and makes it extremely hygienic.
- It works well with a variety of countertops, including quartz, granite, and laminate.
- You can get quartz bathroom sinks in a wide variety of colors and patterns, so it’s easy to match them to your countertops or fit them to a certain aesthetic.
- The durability of quartz sinks means they will hold their color and form for a lifetime. They’re virtually indestructible.
What are the Downsides of Quartz Sinks?
As awesome as quartz sinks in the bathroom are, they do have one Achilles heel. This all-star material is prone to heat damage. The quartz itself is very heat-resistant, but the resin it’s mixed with can melt in temperatures up to about 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
Keep in mind, however, that the heat resistance of quartz sinks can vary, depending on the manufacturer. Some quartz sink manufacturers claim heat resistance up to 535 degrees Fahrenheit, so be sure to check on the specifications of your sink before you try applying any heat to it.
This means that if you frequently have curling irons or hot hair styling tools left in your sink, you’ll need to find another option. A trivet is an easy and inexpensive way to protect any quartz surfaces in your bathroom from heat damage.
The Cost of a Quartz Bathroom Sink
While quartz countertops are on the high end of the price scale, bathroom sinks made of the same material are quite reasonable. You can expect to pay anywhere in the range of $200 to $600 for a quartz sink in your bathroom. The actual cost can vary significantly depending on the size, the manufacturer, and the type of installation.
Installing Quartz Sinks
Quartz sinks come in a wide array of sizes and shapes. You can find round, rectangular, square, and D-shaped quartz sinks. They are also common in kitchens, and can be made with multiple basins. They can also be installed in a variety of ways, being mounted over top or underneath the countertop, or even integrated into the countertop.
What is an integrated quartz sink, you ask? It’s a sink that’s built directly into quartz countertops. So rather than mounting a separate sink under or over the countertop, the sink is seamlessly built into the countertop, so there’s no ledge or overhang. This makes the sink and countertop ultra-easy to clean and care for. And the color and pattern will be an exact match.
The downside to an integrated sink is the cost. Most of the time they are custom made, so you can expect to spend top dollar if you want an integrated quartz sink in your bathroom. Another common complaint is the lack of contrast, since the sink will be the exact same color and pattern as the countertop. While it works well for some aesthetics, many homeowners prefer more distinction between the sink and the countertop.
Quartz Sink Maintenance
One of the best parts of quartz sinks is how low-maintenance they are. But even low-maintenance sinks need to be cleaned. Use a mild soap and a soft microfiber cloth to clean your quartz regularly. Simply apply the cleaner, rub it into the quartz, and rinse with warm water. You can also buy quartz-specific cleaning agents and follow the cleaning instructions on the back of the bottle.
It’s important to avoid using harsh chemicals like ammonia and bleach or abrasive cleaners on quartz sinks since they can damage the surface. For stubborn stains, a mild abrasive cleaner like baking soda can be used, but avoid scrubbing. Instead, gently apply the cleaning agent to the stain and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Then clean as usual and rinse with warm water.
Upgrade Your Bathroom With Mountain States Kitchen & Bath
Is your bathroom sink in need of an upgrade? A quartz bathroom sink is a great way to refresh the look and feel of not only your bathroom but your entire home as well.
So, when you’re ready to make a change, Mountain States Kitchen and Bath is here to help every step of the way. We have everything you’ll need to create the bathroom of your dreams, from custom cabinetry to granite countertops and everything in between.
We specialize in remodeling kitchens and bathrooms across the Wasatch Front, from Spanish Fork to Salt Lake City, Utah, and everywhere in between. Contact us today to learn more about what we have to offer, or swing by our showroom in Lehi, Utah, and see some of our beautiful options and designs for yourself.
We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have or to schedule an in-home consultation with you. Let us help you design the home of your dreams. We can’t wait to work with you!
