Your bathroom countertop renovation can cause decision anxiety. Whether it’s the look, the function, or the cost—there’s a lot to consider.
You do a lot with your bathroom countertop. Your vanity surface is the site of everyday routines. You might splash water when you wash your face, drop some toothpaste on the bathroom counter, or dribble nail polish. Your vanity needs to endure a wide variety of use.
3 TIPS TO MAKE YOUR SELECTION SIMPLE
We make the best decisions when we have a plan. Cost, durability, and maintenance are three crucial factors to consider. With three tips to focus on, you simplify your selection.
Tip #1: Decide on a Budget
Price can be a daunting subject, especially when deciding on a budget. When adding cost into the equation, it helps to compare the cost to the benefits of the material. Sometimes quality costs more, but you might spend less to get what you need.
If you’re doing a complete bathroom renovation, it’s helpful to create an estimate for individual items. You won’t necessarily stick to that exact amount because some elements might cost more or less as you make final decisions. Your overall budget is essential, but an itemized budget helps narrow your choices.
Quartz, quartzite, marble, and granite are common materials for countertops. On average, granite is the cheapest option, followed by quartz and quartzite. Marble costs the most.
Best bathroom countertop material for cost: Granite. It’s durable and versatile. No two slabs are alike, making the appearance unique, and it is available in a variety of styles and tones.
Tip #2 Make Style and Material Choices for Longevity
Durability is the difference between a bathroom countertop lasting you a couple of years or ten years. You want your vanity to look good, but it’s better if it can look good for a long time.
You set a lot of stuff down on your bathroom countertop. The average person can use many potions and lotions, whether they’re all-natural or manufactured, and those daily used products can wear down surfaces.
It’s better to invest in a style that won’t look outdated in a few years. Natural stone has an advantage for looking timeless. Many are available with various color options, from overall tone to unique veining, but retain an appearance that can match any style.
Best bathroom countertop material for longevity: Quartzite. It might not be as timeless as marble, but it comes close. It’s low maintenance, natural stone that’s heat resistant and can endure every use.
Tip #3: Plan on Maintenance
Maintenance can impact how you use your bathroom countertop. As a high-touch surface, there are countless surface interactions. You set down brushes, cups, makeup, hair products, razors, and irons.
Imagine if your bathroom countertop was delicate, if you had to be careful what you put down in case it chipped or stained. You’d remind yourself to be cautious of where moisture lands when you brush your teeth or wash your hands.
Bathrooms are messy, even for the meticulous and tidy. It helps to have a surface that’s easy to clean. Your bathroom countertops need to function. The design and the material shouldn’t get in your way.
Best bathroom countertop material for maintenance: Quartz. It’s low maintenance and easy to clean. It’s resistant to stains and heat. What’s more, it’s manufactured but made with natural stone, allowing more color options.
MATERIALS
The most common materials for bathroom countertops are stone, laminate, and porcelain.
Layers of plastic are fused to form laminate. It’s inexpensive and available in a wide range of colors. Laminate can handle rough daily usage, but it lacks heft and doesn’t add much value to the home.
Porcelain can be trendy, especially as it’s available in a variety of colors and styles. However, it’s delicate. It also requires more regular cleaning and re-sealing to prevent grout buildup and stains.
Stone is the most expensive of the three, but since there are a few materials in the category, that cost has a wide range. Any stone material adds value to your home. However, granite and marble are the most sought after.
FINAL WORD
Whatever completes your vision for your new bathroom countertop, it shouldn’t cause a conundrum. Although there is a maze of decisions to make, hopefully, mapping out the three most important choices can narrow down your path.