Selecting Your Perfect Bathroom Countertop

Whether you are already in the midst of your in-depth house renovation, adding on a bathroom, or you’re simply planning a redesign, considering the bathroom countertops will eventually come into play. This often overlooked detail can mean all the difference between the appearance of a cohesive bathroom design and an unorganized, disruptive flow. Let’s consider a few materials and designs for bathroom countertops.

Materials

These options are often found in bathrooms due to their practicality, durability, and beauty. Some are more expensive and higher-maintenance than others, but all are good choices for a bathroom countertop.

Natural Stone

With natural stone, exceedingly popular choices are granite and marble. These countertops can be purchased in large slabs or even small sections cut from the slabs. Granite and marble countertops are both renowned for their beauty, though are also more delicate and require regular maintenance. These sleek countertops provide a more custom look than generic choices and add personal taste. Thankfully, with all the grades of natural stone available today, more than likely you’ll be able to snag a grade for your counter without breaking the bank.

Granite is markedly more durable than other natural stones, which makes it a stunning option for a designer look in high-traffic bathrooms, such as guest and master bathrooms. Beyond simply a beautiful finish and durability, though, granite is also the easiest natural stone to care for throughout the years. Granite is harder than marble, and therefore more resistant to stains, scratches, and chips. Both materials require annual sealing to protect the finish and prevent liquids from seeping into the stone, for example, whenever your toothbrush like these on the Pearly Whytes website drips water onto the surface.

Quartz

Quartz countertops imitate the gorgeous stone of marble or granite, but without the maintenance, fragility, and price tag. This material is easy to clean, great for specialized shaping and doesn’t require sealing. Quartz is non-porous, which means it is antimicrobial–inhibiting bacteria growth. It is ideal for high-use family bathrooms due to its extreme durability, ease of use, and stain and scratch resistance. Not only does quartz not require sealing, but it will never need polishing either.

Quartz is an extremely tough material, second only to diamond, which is how it resists chipping and scratching so efficiently.

Tile

If you are looking for a vastly more affordable option, ceramic tiles will be among the top choices. Tile does require more maintenance and cleaning than the majority of solid-surface counters due to the grout, which is why it is recommended for smaller areas, such as bathrooms. However, there are several larger tile options which can help eliminate your need for cleaning numerous grout lines. Even porcelain tiles are stronger than granite countertops, yet only cost about one-third of the price. The artistic advantage that comes with tile, in addition to the price cut, certainly makes it a material worth considering.

Laminate

Though perhaps snubbed by some homeowners, there are impressive advantages to laminate countertops. First, laminate drastically cuts down on the price in comparison to other countertops, and it is extremely stain resistant. Those two facts alone reveal that it is a great choice for a family, teen, or high-traffic bathroom. Laminate countertops can take on a great deal of wear and tear without showing much damage, such as with stains and heat. The lack of staining in combination with great durability renders it a fantastic option for quick and efficient cleaning without the concern for preserving the material. Laminate countertops can also be made into a seamless backsplash to prevent bacteria build-up within cracks.

Design

To consider the design of a countertop, you must first imagine the general look you prefer for your bathroom, as well as what style sinks, faucets, and backsplash you desire.

Coordinating Colors

When considering the color of your countertop, be sure to bear in mind your bathroom as a whole. It’s important for your countertop to match or complement your shower and tub for a cohesive look. You could possibly choose a color scheme (such as black, white, and grey), however, it may be best to stick with two particular colors to pull your bathroom together. Random colors will give a disjointed and perhaps unorganized air to the room.

Consider Shapes

What aesthetic are you trying to achieve with your bathroom? Modern? Rustic? Vintage? Elegant? The shapes within your bathroom, even for your countertops, will play a role here. Sharp, squared edges typically resemble modern, minimalist looks, while rounded or oval edges and curves are ideal for traditional, classic, and elegant looks.

Sinks, Faucets, & Backsplashes

As you look for the right countertop, you should also consider what kind of sink, faucet, and backsplash you have in mind. Some countertop materials don’t work well with certain sink styles and other countertops might not form a seamless backsplash, and therefore require more cleaning. The last thing you need is for your countertop to not work with the design you originally envisioned.

Making the Decision

There are numerous bathroom countertop choices available for various purposes. Some may appear more high-end while requiring more work, and others may not look as refined, but have more durability. Remember to weigh the pros and cons, and you’ll be installing your bathroom countertop in no time.