Bathroom Counter Top

A bathroom counter top is generally custom made and can be tailored to your bathroom design in terms of color, pattern, size and shape. Various materials can be used to construct vanity countertops leaving the style and design options wide open to personal taste. Although theses surfaces don't have to be as practical as kitchen counters (as the amount of wear and tear will be far less), it is still important to consider the materials moisture resistance, durability, and stain resistance.

Choosing a particular material can create the tone of the room. In a contemporary bath, a stainless steel countertop can look fabulous. This material requires fairly little maintenance and if it's a good quality material, it'll get more beautiful with time. Another possible countertop material is glass. This can also create a stunning modern aesthetic but maintenance can be a challenge and solid slabs can be pricey. If a glass countertop is appealing consider using glass tiles instead of a solid slab.

Wood is definitely not recommended as a countertop material as it can be easily damaged by moisture. If wood is what you are looking for, consider a plastic laminate instead. There are even ceramic tiles that have been made to look like wood!

Below are some more popular bathroom counter top materials.

Plastic Laminate
This material is one of the most inexpensive solutions for countertops with many different colors and patterns available. When not installed properly water may begin to seep through the seams causing the laminate to lift from the substrate. If this is not taken care of immediately mold will begin to form and the entire unit will eventually need to be replaced. There are various types of laminates available, some more durable than others, so do some research before making a purchase.

Ceramic
Ceramic tiles for bathroom counter tops are available in many colors, sizes, shapes, thickness, textures and strengths. All unglazed ceramic tiles will require a sealant for moisture resistance. It is recommended that the tile have at least a grade III strength rating for greater durability and a longer life. Although ceramic tiles have always been a popular material for bathroom counters, homeowners often complain about the need to clean the grout. The good news is that these days tiles are available in much larger sizes which eliminates the need for numerous grout lines.

Natural Stone
Materials such as granite, marble, and limestone are considered natural stone products. They are usually produced in large slabs and although somewhat pricey, the look is very elegant. The coloring and pattern of each slab can vary dramatically in most natural stones making it difficult to pair two pieces together. This may not necessarily be a downside though, as the variation in color and veining can add interest and style. Although granite is extremely durable, marble and limestone are a softer stone more easily scratched and chipped. The good news is that because natural stones are a through body material scratches can easily be polished down and made to look new again. Natural stones are a porous material making them susceptible to moisture and stains if not sealed every 6 to 9 months.

Engineered Stone
Engineered stone is manufactured using quartz combined with resin and color pigment to create a natural looking stone countertop. The material is a very hard surface, extremely durable, and resistant to stains and bacteria. It is often preferred over natural stone products because it requires less maintenance and is comparable in price.

Concrete
Concrete countertops are made by mixing cement, aggregates, color pigments, acrylics & fillers together. The aggregates often consist of a glass or marble to create a terrazzo look. Concrete bathroom counter tops have an endless palette of color options but color can begin to fade over time. Concrete is naturally porous and needs to be sealed every 6 to 9 months. It is also affected by heat and will begin to age and crack over time.

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