I'm not sure what you have heard about granite in the kitchen - we used it in ours and it is fantastic. The only potential issues I have heard about are stains that can get on light-colored granite. That is an issue in the bathroom as well, though less so. I don't know what alternative surfaces you are looking for but granite is very hard, wears very well and doesn't need sealing as often as marble would. Consumer Reports has a nice review on counter materials that you may want to check out.

Here is a link that might be useful: Consumer Reports BathCounter Review

Granite can make a huge statement in a bathroom, or can be subtle and understated. I like the "wow" factor that my granite gives to my bathroom. It is tough, durable, easy to clean and not expensive. Most bathroom vanities are small enough that you can pick a remnant slab for the job and save a bundle of money.

Here's mine....

I agree with ccoombs. We are doing bathrooms with remnant granite and our powder room counter is costing only $250 for a 30" verde peacock granite top. We went to a large fabricator who had a lot of remnants to choose from and I think we got a great deal.

Because I'm so cost-conscious, I used the granite left over from my kitchen remodel in all 3 of my bathrooms. And love the granite countertops! Easy to maintain, and they do look so nice. I had a couple of oval cut-outs left (from the bathroom sinks in the countertops), so I found wrought iron legs for them, and I use these as end-tables on the deck in the summer. They're just perfect, as they're resistant to the weather, and they're a nice touch.

Told you I'm cost-conscious! :)

Have you ever thought about using polished concrete as a alternative to using granite? It is more affordable and with the staining techniques you can get a beautiful finish with concrete polishing as well as not having the upkeep you would with granite. I was glad that we used it in our remodel.

We found granite to be a really cost effective material to use for our vanity top. Our 49" (to fit a standard 48" vanity) was right around $200 with the undermount sink attached.

Here's ours:
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I have granite in one bath, Carrara marble in another and cultured marble in another. I find them all equally easy to maintain.

I have granite in the lower bath and love this one because it does not show water spots left by 3 year olds:
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Marble in the master:
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And wood and onyx in the powder room. They all clean up wonderfully. And they're so much nicer than other options!

Wow, you folks sure have great taste!!! I guess I'll be going with the Granite. Now I have to find out why what SHE picked out is going to run 800 and some bucks. The remnant idea really appeals to me. CJDB09..I like the polished concrete. I've seen it used and was amazed at how good it looked. The pictures you all have here sure helped me make up my mind. Thanks a heap!!!!

My vanity tops came from Lowes and did not run more than I think $200 - 250 each - with an undermaount sink included. I cannot say enough good things about them,

We have Pegasus granite tops (from HD) on all our vanitys. Love them.

I just wish I could use Scrubbing Bubbles on them because that is my favorite bath cleaner.

How does everyone here clean their bathroom granite tops?

Did you buy the vanity from HD also? If so, was it in stock on the shelf or did you need to order one? What was the quality like on the vanity? Thanks!

We went with one from HD in the kids bath

We made our own backsplash with onyx tile and liners from Lowes. So I used the backsplash that came with the sink for the shelves in the shower niche.

Kids like it and I think it turned out great.

Laura