Your bathroom is just as important as your kitchen, so it warrants just as much consideration. Minor upgrades of the bathroom such as replacing the countertops can actually have a relatively better return on investment than a major kitchen remodel. If you have limited budget, this is the best way to lay out your cash.
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ToggleFortunately, this is easier than you might think. Bathroom countertops have to be tough, but not as much as kitchen countertops. This opens up quite a bit more options for you when it comes to materials. Since bathroom countertops tend to be smaller than kitchen countertops, and you only pay for what you use, you can also choose expensive materials without feeling the sting in your bank account.
Typically, stone slabs measure around 130 inches long and 70 inches, and come in ¾ and 1¼ inch thicknesses. You only need roughly 1/5 of that area for the usual bathroom vanity. You might even find remnant pieces that will serve your purpose, and that will dial down the costs even more.
With everything going your way, you should no longer feel hesitant about upgrading your bathroom with the best countertops you can find. Here are a few of the most popular materials for bathroom countertops.
Marble
Marble shines particularly well in bathrooms. It is a beautiful, elegant stone some people find a tad too delicate for heavy kitchen use, but works perfectly for bathroom countertops. It is one of the most popular choices for bathroom vanity tops because it is durable and ages well, so it is an excellent choice for your investment.
Marble does tend to be somewhat limited in color variety. The most common ones are white, although you can find marble in other colors such as pink, red, and black. Marble works best in traditional and vintage style bathrooms.
If you check the showrooms of your local stone suppliers, you will see what is available to you. Make sure you ask about remnant stones.
Marble is also relatively porous, so it would be a good idea to keep any liquid that might leave a permanent stain on it away from the surface. Making sure it has a protective sealer always can also largely mitigate this issue.
Granite
Granite is also a popular material for bathroom countertops, especially if you are looking for something hard wearing and in more robust colors and patterns. It is highly resistant to scratches and heat, which makes it very functional in any room.
Granite is also available in a large variety of colors and designs as it is the most abundant type of stone on Earth. The slabs come from all over the world, including the US, and the variety is quite remarkable as you might find at your local granite supplier.
Granite is as durable as marble. It will last for many years without significant deterioration, especially in the bathroom where the demands are not so stringent on the stone surface. It is also a good choice for outdoor countertops or any area with constant exposure to direct sunlight.
In terms of cost, granite does rank among the more expensive materials for countertops, much like marble. However, you only need a relatively small piece for bathroom countertops, so cost is not a big consideration.
One issue you might have with granite is that it is also porous, although at a very low level. With the right dealer, you might not even notice it. Most granite types will not need a reapplication of sealer throughout its lifetime. Some denser granite types will not even need a sealer at all.
Granite countertops are best suited for modern and contemporary styles of bathrooms. It does not have the grace and elegance of marble, but it is beautiful in its own way.
Quartz
Quartz is the top choice for many homeowners for countertop materials, but that is mostly for the kitchen. These countertops are from an engineered stone with high durability and availability.
Many quartz stones mimic the look of natural stones, particularly granite, so it is a good alternative if you prefer a non-porous material for your bathroom countertops. It is also a good choice if you want a particular color or look in the bathroom, and it is not available in natural stones.
The big problem with quartz countertops for many homeowners is heat resistance. It is not suitable for outdoor use, and colors tend to fade under direct sunlight. This is not usually an issue with bathroom countertops, unless they happen to be in an area that receives natural light.
What might be an issue is cost. Quartz countertops tend to be more expensive than marble or granite in terms of material cost. Installation is also more expensive as quartz countertops are heavier and require higher labor costs.
They are also more limited than natural stones in terms of finish and edge treatments. These are integral with the stone product, so you can only choose finishes and edge treatments offered for these models. If you want a special edge or finish for a particular model, and the manufacturer does not offer it, you are out of luck.
Conclusion
Granite, marble, and quartz stone are the most popular materials for bathroom countertops today. They have their pros and cons, and the descriptions above should help you determine the best one for you. You might also want to get the advice from your local countertop supplier.
Cabinet Land Kitchen and Beyond offers free consultation services and quotes, so you can have the benefit of our expertise without spending a dime.
We are a local remodeling company with a showroom located in Schaumburg, Illinois. We work only with quality natural stones for countertops as well as the best cabinet brands at the best prices compared to our competitors such as Advance Cabinets and Handsome Cabinets.
Visit us today to see what we have to offer. We service Chicago land and have the expertise and resources to complete virtually any type of countertops and kitchen cabinets – ON TIME and ON BUDGET with top quality craftsmanship that will exceed your expectations.