In a day and age in which hats are no longer a wardrobe staple, surely home is where you set your toothbrush. Our bathroom countertops see it all, from creams and lotions and minty smears of Disney-themed toothpaste to scented candles and various pieces of beach-themed décor. In such a space, you want to make sure that your countertop fit your needs.
Bathroom countertops should be both beautiful and functional. You have several factors to consider when choosing material, including appearance, durability, ease of installation, sustainability, and cost, and for heaven’s sake, it goes without saying that countertops in the bathroom should be easy to clean. We know you have a lot of options for the countertops in your bathroom. Here’s the skinny on just a few.
Granite Bathroom Countertops
Granite is a beautiful choice if you want your bathroom countertops to be set in stone. Natural and naturally abundant, granite comes in many colors and patterns and sports rich veins of crystal for an elegant but earthy look. But granite doesn’t just offer a pretty face. It is very durable, resistant to heat and scratching. When properly sealed, granite countertops are also resistant (though not perfectly resistant) to chemicals. While more affordable than marble, it is still initially expensive, but because it is so durable, granite bathroom countertops are an investment.
There are just a few things to keep an eye out for with granite bathroom countertops. Because it is a porous natural stone, granite can be stained if the sealing is not kept current. You should not use acidic cleaners on countertops made of granite. The stone is also not a picnic to install, so it should be installed professionally.
Quartz Bathroom Countertops
Though named for a natural stone, quartz bathroom countertops are actually manufactured from quartz powder and strengthening resin (about 93% to 7%, respectively). This creates a solid surface that’s about as close to indestructible as you can get. The added resin makes quartz non-porous, so it doesn’t require sealing. This makes quartz countertops impervious to staining in addition to being heat- and scratch resistant. It also means it is more low-maintenance than granite or marble, and who doesn’t love that?
Quartz is the most expensive material on this list, but it endures the longest and does not require the additional costs of sealing. Quartz countertops should also be installed professionally, and should not be cleaned with bleach or other abrasives as they can cloud the countertop’s surface.
Marble Bathroom Countertops
Marble bathroom countertops are very similar to granite. They too are made of natural veined stone and are resistant to heat, chipping, and scratching. They need to be sealed regularly and can be stained if the sealing is not kept current. Marble is initially expensive but durable and also requires professional installation. The biggest difference between marble and granite countertops is in appearance. Marble comes in a host of colors and shades, though the hues are not usually so bold as granite. This gives marble bathroom countertops a soft, natural look.
Wooden Bathroom Countertops
Choosing countertops made of wood means increased flexibility in type of woods, stains, and available shapes. The pricing of a wooden countertop is just as variable. Wood lends a natural look and fits the needs of many different styles from rustic to modern.
However, there is a long list of reasons why wood is a tricky medium for countertops in the bathroom specifically. Wood requires regular maintenance and is vulnerable to water, scratching, and cleaners, all of which have plenty of screen time in the bathroom. Most importantly, especially if they are not sealed properly, wooden bathroom countertops can swell and contract in high humidity, such as is a constant concern in bathrooms.
Laminate Bathroom Countertops
Laminate bathroom countertops are among the more affordable on this list. They are available in a variety of styles, though they never convey a quality equal to granite or marble. This is in part because laminate is not as durable, and it is vulnerable to chipping and scratching. Bathroom countertops made of laminate are possible to install on your own, though for best results, we offer our services at Out of the Woods.
