Bathroom countertops can be made from a wide variety of materials including granite, glass, tile, laminate, and more. Choosing the right material is not only going to improve the aesthetics of your bathroom, but it will also prevent future damage. Here is a closer look at some of the steps that you can take to choose a material that will suit your own lifestyle and budget.
How Will Your Restroom Be Used?
The first thing that you should consider is how the bathroom will be used. It might seem like picking the most attractive material will be fine, but a bathroom that will only be used occasionally needs a different countertop than a bathroom that has quite a bit of traffic. Substances such as toothpaste, hairspray, and other personal hygiene products will often splash across the surface of a countertop that is used every morning, and this could make certain materials impractical. As a general rule, bathrooms with a lot of traffic need a countertop that is resistant to stains and easy to maintain.
Size and Design
Prefabricated countertops and vanities are often much cheaper, but they might not fit the overall design of the bathroom. Homeowners need to consider just how luxurious they would like the bathroom to be and which materials will fit their budget. Those that would like a custom countertop or vanity will also need to factor in labor costs for a general contractor or fabricator.
Is the Countertop for My Family or the Next Owner?
Remodeling a bathroom is a great way to add some value to a home and make it more appealing to potential buyers. If you are remodeling your bathroom just before selling your home, then you should take some time and consider what kind of return on investment you are looking to get out of it. A luxurious custom countertop might perfectly suit your own tastes, but it might not be as appealing to the next homeowner. Anyone that is looking to sell their home within the next few years should most likely stick with a simple material that is attractive and durable.
Countertops and Vanity Tops
Before delving into some of the most popular materials, it is important to differentiate between vanity tops and countertops. In many cases, these two phrases are used interchangeably, but there are some minor differences. Vanity tops are generally prefabricated and can be purchased at practically any home improvement center. Most vanity tops also do not require a custom fabricator or major changes to the bathroom. Custom countertops are a more personalized option and are made custom for every bathroom. Both of these options can be made from nearly identical materials.
Choosing Your Material
Choosing your countertop material before you demo the bathroom will simplify the remodeling process. Here is a look at some of the pros and cons of the most popular materials including their durability, maintenance, and appearance.
Laminate
Laminate is one of the most popular options due to its price. Even though laminate countertops can be made in practically any color and design imaginable, they are not always the most attractive because of the darker edges along the corners. The corners are also prone to chips, and it is very difficult to repair laminate countertops without simply replacing the entire countertop.
Tile
Tiles can be made from a variety of materials including stone, ceramic, and porcelain. While these tiles are typically sealed and incredibly easy to clean, they are held in place with grout that is notoriously difficult to clean. Much like solid natural stones, tiles with the proper sealant are resistant to most stains.
Natural Stone
Natural stone countertops are an excellent blend of form, function, and affordability. The key for most homeowners is to choose a natural stone that will add to the bathroom’s décor while staying within their budget. Granite is a very popular choice because it is a non-porous material that is easy to clean and difficult to break. Natural stone can be used in custom designs, but it is also used extensively in prefabricated vanities. When properly sealed, natural stone is resistant to most stains from hygiene and beauty products.
Glass
The primary benefit of glass countertops is the ability to clean them with practically any traditional cleaner. Glass countertops can be cut to fit most bathroom designs and homeowners can choose from countless textures and tints. The main disadvantage of glass is the fact that it does not hide everyday smears and stains such as fingerprints very well. It is also non-repairable if it cracks or chips.