When it comes to choosing bathroom countertops, the choices are numerous and the considerations are not as many as when you are trying to choose kitchen countertops. Although there are still some things to consider in the bathroom, the countertops don’t take too much beating. Of course, your decision is subject to the condition inside the bathroom. Is it ventilated? Is this the master bathroom? Is it used by kids? Is it the guest bathroom? Is it a small bathroom? Why do all these things matter? We’ll tell you.
How to choose the right bathroom countertop for you
Let’s say that you love to get a marble countertop for the bathroom but the cost will take you off-budget. If this is a small bathroom or a small bathroom vanity – if you will, the cost will not be exorbitant.
Then, it’s important to remember that there are some substantial differences between bathroom countertop materials in terms of durability and resistance. If you choose a wooden countertop in a bathroom with no ventilation, it will rot sooner than later. If you paint your nails on the counter, you don’t want marble counters that may get easily stained.
And so, before you choose the bathroom vanity countertop, you need to consider the material’s durability and resistance, the cost, the aesthetics, and the availability. And don’t forget that you don’t only have to consider the material but also the color, the edge profile, the pattern, and the cost.
Most popular bathroom countertop materials
• Natural stone countertops are great for bathrooms, where a luxurious feeling is a must. Granite and marble countertops are very popular thanks to their beautiful patterns and the uniqueness of each slab – that’s the main advantage of natural stones, anyway. No two slabs are the same. But natural stone counters need sealing to remain resistant. Also, they are very expensive. Between the two, granite is the king of durability and marble the queen of beauty. Other natural stones include quartzite, soapstone, and travertine.
• Porcelain and ceramic tile countertops are affordable and available in numerous designs but are not strong. Tiles may crack and their grout will get discolored.
• Concrete countertops are particularly strong and give you the option of having an integral bathroom sink but since they are custom made, they may cost more than the typical counter materials. And the installer must have experience with the material.
• Engineered quartz countertops are a great choice even in very busy bathrooms. Instead of getting quartzite, which is the natural stone and all the disadvantages that come with it, you get the engineered slab which is very strong and comes out in many colors.
Consider the bathroom counter color, finish, and edge profile
It might seem easy to choose the color of the counter but it’s not just because there are innumerable options. The good thing is that if you opt for white but are not sure if you want white, you can get various options since marble, for example, has veins. Granite may have flakes or be solid black too.
You need to decide if you want a polished or honed finish. Polished is particularly glamorous, non-porous, and easy to clean, but also more expensive. Honed finishes are matte, porous, and non-slippery. So, it’s all about your priorities.
You also have a choice when it comes to the edge profile – bevel, ogee bullnose, triple egg, double radius, and more. How to choose? It depends on your taste. Also, if you have children that may get hurt by the counter’s edge, prefer a rounded profile like eased, round, round top and bottom, or full bullnose.
The bathroom countertop cost consideration
The price tag of the actual bathroom countertop material won’t be the price you’ll actually pay. Apart from that, you need to consider the installation cost. Or the overall bathroom remodeling cost. Overall, natural stones cost a lot but then engineered quartz and concrete are expensive too. To make the right choice without going off-budget, consider the cost of the entire bathroom renovation. Also, the size and general characteristics of the counter since they will give you a clearer view of the cost.
Don’t forget to evaluate the strength factor, if you solve the money issue or have no problem with that. If you do that, you are free to choose based on taste.
