One of the major decisions you will be making when you are updating or designing a bathroom will be the countertop. Bathroom countertops are not only for a good look but should be water resistant, daily used, and easy to clean. It is going to be hard to know what the best material is because there are many options. In this tour, weβll review the best bathroom countertop materials, their pluses and minuses, and guide you through choosing the appropriate one within your space, style, and budget limitations.
Why Choosing the Right Bathroom Countertop Material Matters
One of the things that you need to decide, when remodelling your bathroom, is, what is your bathroom countertop material. A countertop is an everyday item, so itβs a must to opt for a good-looking, durable countertop that can resist moisture & spills. Some materials will last longer, will clean easier, and others will need a little more attention.1. Types of Countertop Materials for Bathrooms
When it comes to bathroom countertop materials, there are a lot of options. Below you can find some of the most popular options:- Natural Stones (Granite, Marble, Soapstone): These are stones from nature; and they are beautiful but rather require attention.
- Engineered Stone (Quartz): This is a natural stone combined with resin. It is super strong and easy to clean.
- Solid Surface (Corian): A smooth, non porous material which can be repaired if scratched.
- Laminate: This is a cheap option, comes in various color, but itβs not as strong as the other ones.
2. Best Materials for Bathroom Countertops
Now, let us examine some of the best bathroom countertop material, closer.Granite Countertops
One of the most popular material for bathroom countertops is Granite. Itβs a kind of natural stone that is quite beautiful, and can last for years. Granite is extremely strong, heat-proof and scratch-proof. Granite is selected for its beauty and long life by many. Pros:- Very strong and durable.
- Looks fancy with natural patterns.
- Heat-resistant, so you can put hot items on it without damage.
- Needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from water and stains.
- It can be expensive.
- Heavy, so it requires a strong support surface.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz is a build material which features natural stone combined with resin. It is a very popular choice because it is an easy thing to maintain, and colors and patterns differ considerably. Unlike granite and marble, quartz countertops arenβt sealed and they are a little tough and have great stain resistance. Pros:- No sealing required, easy to clean.
- Very durable and long-lasting.
- Comes in many colors and patterns.
- Non-porous, which means it doesnβt absorb water or stains.
- It can be a little more expensive than laminate or solid surface options.
- Not as heat-resistant as granite, so you should use trivets for hot items.
Marble Countertops
Marble is an classic, stylish material used highly in luxurious bathrooms. It also has unique veins which makes it stand out and a very elegant look. Marble however is softer than granite and is liable to being scratched or leaving a stain. Pros:- Very beautiful with unique veining.
- Adds luxury and elegance to your bathroom.
- Prone to scratches and stains.
- Needs regular cleaning and sealing to keep it looking nice.
- Requires more care than quartz or granite.
Solid Surface Countertops (Corian)
Solid surface countertops are made of a combination from acrylic, polyester and resins. Smooth with no pores, and also easy to take care of. You can actually easily fix it if you scratch it; therefore, it a good choice for bathrooms. A popular name given to solid surface countertops is Corian. Pros:- Smooth, seamless surface thatβs easy to clean.
- Can be repaired if scratched.
- Non-porous, so it doesnβt absorb stains.
- It can be scratched more easily than quartz or granite.
- Not as heat-resistant, so avoid placing hot items directly on it.
Soapstone Countertops
Soapstone is a soft and smooth natural stone. It is excellent at resisting stains and bacteria, making it great for bathrooms. It is also good with heat, making it ideal for active bathrooms. Pros:- Naturally resistant to stains and bacteria.
- Beautiful and unique look with a soft finish.
- Heat-resistant, which is great for bathroom counters.
- It needs extra care as it can get scratched easily.
- Needs regular oiling to maintain its smooth look.
- Not as hard as granite or quartz, so it might dent over time.
3. Best Material for Bathroom Sink Countertops
For any countertop for a bathroom sink, you need something water resistant and cleanable. Some of the materials will perform well around sinks because they do not absorb water.- Bathroom sink countertops with such qualities as non-porous character, and do not capture water and stains, use the quality material, which is quartz.
- Other excellent solid surface materials like Corian can be used because the sink can be made out of the same stuff as the countertop, making it easier to clean the kitchen, and preventing water damage.
- Granite is also a good choice, but you do want to seal it up regularly to keep water out.
4. How to Choose the Right Bathroom Countertop Material
The decision on your best bathroom countertop material will depend upon your need and preference. Hereβs what to think about:- Budget: Other materials such as laminate and solid surface are less and granite and marble are more expensive.
- Style: What do you want the look of your bathroom to have? Quartz and solid surface are excellent for the clean look modern. If you prefer something more classic marble or granite will do.
- Maintenance: If you do not want to waste too much time cleaning, choose such materials like quartz or solid surface. If it doesnβt bother you to make a little extra work, granite or marble might be a good idea.
5. Care and Maintenance Tips for Bathroom Countertop Materials
For queueing up your bathroom countertop materials in a nice condition, the following are simple tips;- Granite: Clean it with a mild soap and water. Need to seal it once every year in order to preserve it.
- Quartz: Wipe with a soft piece of cloth and warm water. No sealing is required.
- Marble: Clean with a mild cleanser and stay away from acidic things (such as lemon juice) which harden it.
- Solid Surface: Rub off the second layer of minor scratches with a soft cloth.
- Soapstone: Wash with warm water and mild soap, preferably. Use mineral oil intermittently in order to keep it looking nice.
