Redesigning and remodeling your bathroom can be a fun and exciting project. The material that you choose for your countertops is especially important because your bathroom counters will see high daily use. Bathroom counters also see numerous different elements such as water, soap, and other cosmetic supplies. Your bathroom counters need to be highly durable and resistant to stains.
The countertops will also depend on what kind of cabinets you have or which kinds of cabinets you plan to install. The best-looking bathrooms will follow an overall color scheme or pattern, which means the countertops and cabinets should match and be visually appealing.
Your countertop material will also depend on your budget and what you want your bathroom to look like. Read more below about choosing the best bathroom countertops according to your taste, budget, and preferences.
Countertops Materials
Granite, marble, and quartz will be the more expensive options, but will last the longest and need less maintenance in the long run which could ultimately save you money. For a cheaper budget, laminate, tile, and wood are also great options for countertops.
Granite
Granite is one of the top choices for bathroom counters, especially in the master bathroom. Granite has many different grades according to durability. The cheaper the grade and material, the less resistant the granite will be to staining and scratching.
Granite gives the bathroom a very sleek look and will give your home a higher resale value since granite countertops are highly resistant. Keep in mind that granite is heat and stain-resistant, but only if resealed often. In order to keep the granite looking new can clean, it will need to be resealed every few years so that it continues to repel grease, bacteria, and staining.
Marble
Marble will be the most expensive option, but also one of the most attractive. Bathrooms with marble countertops will have even higher resale values than granites ones. Marble can stain easily though, make sure your cosmetic and soap bottles are kept clean and any spills are cleaned immediately.
Marble can often chip or crack as well so may not be the best option for bathrooms that children or teenagers will be using.
Quartz
Quartz comes in a variety of colors and designs, even being made to look like marble, but at a much more affordable cost. Quartz is also much more resistant to heat, staining, and scratching than granite or marble.
Unlike granite, quartz does not have to be resealed in order to repel stains effectively. This makes quartz lower maintenance and perfect for any bathroom regardless of the user. Quartz can also naturally hinder mold and mildew growth, which is especially important for the humid and moisture-rich environment that a bathroom can create.
Most quartz countertops can also handle the heat of a curling iron or other appliance, which means you do not have to worry about damage from hair tools. Find more points here regarding why you should choose quartz countertops.
Wood
The number one thing to remember about wood is that it can easily suffer from water damage. While it is a cheap option, you will need to ensure that it is installed and sealed correctly. Seams where faucets and other fixtures are located especially need to be sealed completely to avoid damage and rotting in the future.
Many people choose wood because of the rustic and welcoming feeling that it creates. Some plumbing may have to be modified as well depending on the thickness of the wood that you choose.
Laminate
This is probably the most commonly used material for bathroom countertops. This is because it can be made to look like more expensive materials such as granite or another solid surface. It is highly versatile and will not be damaged by water or stains from cosmetic products.
However, it is not heat resistant. Do not put any hair appliances directly onto laminate counters or you may end up with a burn mark. Also, buy a special pad or pouch for your hair tools.
Laminate can also dull and dent so extra precautions are necessary to keep it looking new and fresh.
Tile
While tile is relatively cheap, the maintenance is high. Keep in mind that a low upfront cost often means spending more money in the future. Grout lines are the number one concern when it comes to tile.
Grout will need to be regularly cleaned or it will begin to grow mold and mildew. One of the pros of tile is that it can be laid in a pattern to best suit your design needs. Tile also comes in every color you can possibly think of, as well as ceramic and natural finishes.
The patterns and artistic details can make it a great addition to any bathroom countertop.
Make sure your countertops are practical
Even though your counters should be able to see normal wear and tear, they will not be open to as many elements as your kitchen counters. For example, the bathroom counters will see much fewer spills and grease stains.
Your bathroom counters will also have fewer things it needs to match and therefore give you more freedom when making the selection. The most important thing is to match it to your cabinets and faucet fixtures.
Keep it simple
While striking colors and patterns are great for the kitchen, they usually do not work as well in the bathroom. A simple bathroom counter will also make it easier for you to change the theme of your bathroom later.
Changing the shower curtain, light fixtures, or cabinets will be easier to do if your countertop is neutral and well-defined.
Pay attention to the maintenance
Always follow maintenance guidelines for your chosen countertop. Keep in mind that quartz will provide you with the most freedom when it comes to maintenance. As long as quartz is kept clean with soap and warm water or a basic household cleaner, it will last years and years.
