Bathroom countertops are often an afterthought for many homeowners, especially if they come into a house where the bathrooms do not have a vanity. Most people do not think of them as an essential part of the bathroom, but they really are. Given the restrictions of the bathrooms, where most of the features (toilet, shower, sink) are permanent, you want to include something in your design to hold and store things you use on a daily basis.
Fortunately, you do not have to wait for a major remodel to put in bathroom countertops. In most cases, you can put countertops around the available space around the sink, or replace it altogether with a bathroom vanity. This will not only make your bathroom more functional; you also make it more attractive.
That said, the material of your bathroom countertops would have a significant impact on its form and function. If you are going to replace existing countertops or putting in a new one, make sure you choose material in line with your personal style that would also serve your practical needs. Here are some facts about top materials for bathroom countertops.
Quartz
A recent survey of homeowners and interior designers in the US revealed that quartz stone is the top pick for countertops, particularly in the kitchen. This has been a long time in coming, as quartz stone has been playing third fiddle to quartz and marble since it came out into the market n the 1970s.
Quartz stone is an engineered or manmade material designed as an alternative to natural stones. It is extremely durable and nonporous, making it both scratch- and stain-resistant. These features make it desirable for bathroom vanity tops as well as kitchen countertops.
It is available in wide range of styles and colors, so finding one to match any bathroom is relatively easy. All you have to do is flip through a catalogue or look through samples from an authorized distributor. Since many quartz stone models simulate the look of natural stones, you do not even have to compromise on the look if you like the natural beauty of granite or marble.
A possible drawback to quartz stone for bathroom countertops is the price. It is slightly more expensive than marble or granite, and installation costs are typically higher as well because of their weight. Expect to pay an average of $75 per square foot for top brand quartz stones, plus installation that could double the overall price tag. However, since the typical bathroom countertop is just 6 square feet, it will not break the bank.
That said, you should also know that quartz stone is not heat resistant, so heat damage is a real concern. You want to be careful with exposing it to a source of heat such as blow dryers and hair straighteners.
Marble
Marble is a favorite material for bathroom countertops of many homeowners. The elegance and grace of marble countertops makes any bathroom look fantastic, and most people associate it with luxurious living.
The fact that marble is somewhat porous and prone to etching is not as big an issue in bathrooms as kitchens, so homeowners are willing to overlook these weaknesses. You should avoid putting anything oily, acidic, or sharp-edged directly on the surface, however, to keep it looking pristine. Marble is heat-resistant, so that is good news.
When it comes to cost, marble is actually affordable. It costs less to buy and install marble countertops than quartz countertops. Expect to pay an average of $60 per square foot, installed, the price depending on the type of marble you choose.
The only problem with marble is that it has a relatively limited color range, with the most common color being white. It is available in other colors, including black, but these are much more expensive and not always available. Considering most bathrooms are white or look well with white bathroom countertops, this limitation is not much of an issue.
Granite
Granite countertops continue to be popular for the home despite having enjoyed a long run as a dimensions tone. Some people consider it passé, but the fact is the durability and variety of granite makes it one of the most enduring choices for the home, including bathroom countertops.
Granite is a natural stone with many of the advantages of quartz stone and marble. It is relatively non-porous, very durable, heat-resistant, and available in a wide range of colors and designs. Like quartz stone, it is very easy to find granite slabs that will work well with any bathroom style and color.
Additionally, granite countertops cost about the same as marble countertops, at $60 per square foot, and this includes installation. Just like marble, some granite types are rarer, so they are much more expensive than the common varieties. If you have a small budget, choose among the common granite colors to keep your costs low.
Conclusion
Quartz stone, marble, and granite are not the only materials available for bathroom countertops, but they are the top contenders. You can be sure that if you choose one or the other, the return on your investment in terms of appeal and function will not disappoint.
Of course, the material is only as good as the fabrication and installation. If you need help with your primo bathroom countertops, or other bathroom upgrades, consider Fairfax Kitchen Bath.
Fairfax Kitchen Bath services the DC, MD and Northern Virginia metropolitan areas. We are a Class A, licensed and insured contractor, registered in the Commonwealth of Virginia. You can ask about vent fans with our designer when we come to discuss your initial cost estimate.
We guarantee you will love it for life. We sell only top quality products for all your bathroom renovation needs manufactured by leading brands in the industry.
When you contract with us, you can be sure you will get a quick turnaround on your products, and receive it much faster than ordering what you need from big box stores. We specialize in bathroom renovations, including vanity tops, fabricating them to specifications, and installing them within budget and on time.
We carry the products you need for your bathroom renovation, including sinks, faucets, natural and engineered stone slabs, shelves, tiles, backsplashes, knobs and pulls, hardwood flooring, and cabinets,. We carry only the top brands for these products, such as Schrock Cabinetry, Silestone, Blanco, Kohler, and Mosaic Décor.
You can see the products before you buy so you can decide for yourself if the quality is what you expect. We have a showroom in Fairfax, Virginia, which houses all our products, including actual granite, marble and engineered stone slabs from which you can choose.
Our products come with manufacturer warranties that ensure your satisfaction with the quality and installation.
Contact us today to get a free quote for a budget-friendly bathroom renovation project.
