April 15, 2024
Choosing the Right Countertop Material for Your Bathroom
August 27, 2015
Your bathroom countertop—how old is it? If you are planning a bathroom remodel, consider replacing your dated countertop, especially if you are getting new sinks or faucets. Our Maryland bathroom remodeling experts understand that for a low-budget remodel, replacing a perfectly functional countertop might not be very practical. However, if you are doing a complete bathroom renovation, investing in a beautiful, high-quality countertop is a good idea.
What to Look for
Here are some things to look for while choosing a bathroom countertop:
It has to be water-resistant.
Although the countertop doesn’t get as steamy and wet as shower walls, it does get wet. The water is splashing and dripping every time you wash your hands; toothpaste and soaps get accidentally spilled all over. You need a countertop that won’t mold, rot or get otherwise damaged while in contact with water or cleaning agents.
It needs to be tough.
Not as tough as the kitchen countertop, but tough enough not to crack or chip from your day-to-day bathing rituals.
There are many different materials a countertop can be made of, from natural stone and glass to ceramic tile. Our Maryland bathroom remodeling professionals have experience working with all of them, and here are some of the most popular materials our clients choose:
Granite Bathroom Countertops
Granite is undoubtedly a beautiful countertop choice that is both durable, and easy to clean. It does not damage easily, but does need to be periodically resealed. On the scale of countertop options, granite is on the high end, making it a safe and reliable choice.
Manufactured Quartz Bathroom Countertops
Manufactured quartz is another option for your bathroom remodel. Manufactured quartz is made of crushed quartz and resin, making it a less expensive option than granite that is quarried straight out of the earth in one large slab. Quartz countertops are just as strong as granite, but don’t require any sealing or treatment because of the way they are made. One drawback to quartz, however, is that it can discolor from the sun overtime. So if you have a very sunny window in your bathroom, this may be a problem.
Tile Bathroom Countertops
Tile is another less expensive alternative to granite and quartz. Tile offers endless design possibilities, as it comes in various sizes, colors, and shapes. One drawback to a tile countertop, however, is staining in the grout lines of your countertop, which may require more laborious cleaning.
Marble Bathroom Countertops
Just like granite, marble can give your bathroom a truly elegant look. Marble is softer than granite and may not be the best choice for the kitchen due to the risk of scratches, but it can last a lifetime in a bathroom. This natural stone has a unique color palette and pattern that makes marble easy to tell apart from other stones.
Concrete Bathroom Countertops
If you are feeling like making your countertop into a piece of art, concrete might be the right medium for you. Because it’s basically a liquid, it can be shaped into any size and shape leaving you a ton of room for creativity. You can stencil your concrete countertop, engrave it, color, stain, stamp or even combine with small glass tiles to create an amazing mosaic.
Whether you are looking to replace your bathroom countertop or install a shower enclosure in your Maryland home, Bath Doctor is here to help. Contact us for a design consultation or to get a free quote.
