Best Bathroom Countertop Materials to Explore in 2021

The moment you make up your mind to do a bathroom remodel, Bam! Your attention goes to the countertop.

And it makes complete sense that it does. That’s the first fixture that you see as you enter the bathroom. And there comes a time that you start to feel that yours has existed since time immemorial. We get it, we have been there too!

But once the thought enters your mind, there’s no way you can continue to live with it for long. At some point, the outdated design and the damage have to be taken into account — and a remodel may be the only option.

But bathroom remodeling doesn’t come cheap. It is an exorbitant project. You obviously can’t afford to be casual with your choices especially as you will have to live with the incorporated design for the next 8 to 10 years. So not only do you NEED to do something about it, you also need to do it RIGHT.

 

Choosing the Right Vanity Countertop

So, how do we decide which countertops are the ones that are trendy as well as sturdy? With so much information available on interiors sites and home styling magazines, choosing that one final material can become overwhelming.

However, the problem is not as grave as it sounds. You only have to scroll down the blog to get the hang of the best bathroom countertops available in the market. By the time you finish reading the piece, you may have already chosen the one that fits the best in your bathroom and your budget.

Gone are the days of those boring ceramic tiles, plastic laminates and what was called the cultured marble that made up the bathroom countertops back then. Instead, a new and reformed quality of materials for bathroom countertops have taken over. Laminates and ceramics are still around for bathroom countertops, but as modern versions of the boring stereotypes.

 

1. Laminate Bathroom Countertops

The laminate was once a boring and a dreary material, which after having survived for years as a popular bathroom countertop, finally slipped out of homeowners’ preferences as new options waded in.

However, with the change in the lifestyle and the preferences, laminate too has undergone a drastic change and is back with a bang this year.

Structurally speaking, laminate countertops are made from a number of plastic layers that are basically bonded to a particleboard core to yield a solid countertop surface. Fabricators can customize it as per your specifications if you don’t like the in-stock variety. Design buffs can go for designer laminate that can be customized as needed too.

Besides, laminate is very affordable and can give you a substantial cut in your bathroom remodeling budget. Available in a palette of colors and patterns, it can withstand water exposure and doesn’t stain. DIY buffs can have fun with the prefabricated countertops using the DIY countertop kits.

However, on the flip side, laminates can never fit in with the luxe factor that appeals to potential homeowners. The damages incurred are also irreparable and the entire countertop needs to be replaced in such cases.

Cost: Prefabricated variety of laminate countertop material costs somewhere between &10 to $65 per square foot whereas the custom made type falls somewhere between $40 to $65 per square foot.

Recommended for: Laminate may not be an ideal option when you are looking to add some oomph in your master bathroom, but is good to go in the powder rooms and guest bathrooms.  Also, it is perfect for a quick makeover in situations, where you need to showcase your house on a short notice for purposes, like selling your home.

 

2. Ceramic/Porcelain Tile Bathroom Countertops

Ceramic and porcelain tiles are countertop materials typically used in traditional homes. However, they are equally popular with contemporary design seekers, looking for style and innovation in their bathrooms.

For instance, Porcelain tiles are considered impervious and are great at preventing water infiltration. Porcelain is a tough material, in general, that is excellent for floors and countertops.

Alternatively, Ceramic tiles can be a great option too. They serve as a good choice for bathroom countertop as they are available in a multitude of textures, shapes, and colors. So, be happy as a larry while making your pick. Its sturdiness, water, and bacterial resistance also help its case.

Ceramic tiles can also be installed in the DIY way and are highly affordable. However, being brittle, they are prone to cracking easily. Grout lines may spoil the aesthetic beauty of the surface too.

Costs: Ceramic and porcelain tiles come in different cost brackets with the material itself ranging from less than a dollar per sq foot to $200 or more for handcrafted artisan tiles. All in all, they range between $2 to $15 per sq foot in DIY projects. Professional installation can cost somewhere between $35 and &40 per sq foot.

Recommended for: Those looking for a vintage vibe in the bathroom.

 

3. Solid–Surface Bathroom Countertops

These materials are a fusion of acrylic and polyester particles bonded with resins. They are made to look like stones that can be shaped into an array of designs like a countertop with integrated sinks and basins.

They are extremely sought after and are available in a variety of styles and colors as Corian, Silestone, etc. This new breed of stone offers a beauty similar to that of natural stone along with an array of extraordinary textures. When used, it gives a new aesthetic dimension to the bathroom countertops.

The great thing is that a Solid-surface material can be shaped into any design specification. It is also highly durable and easy to maintain. It can withstand mold, mildew and is stain resistant — making it a hot choice with homeowners and potential homebuyers alike.

Costs: Solid surface materials cost anywhere between $45 to $75 per sq foot including fabrication and installation as per the desired specifications.

Recommended for: Bathrooms that require a lot of maintenance, such as the one used by your little ones.

 

4. Natural Stone Bathroom Countertops

A natural stone countertop for your bathroom can be a great eye-catching addition. At the same time, it is important to choose the right stone as a countertop for your bathroom. Since the bathroom is exposed to water and steam regularly. it may not be a good idea to go for very porous stones. Let us help you to categorize the natural stones that work best in the bathrooms:

 

• Marble

Marble is exceptionally durable and extremely elegant. A premium product, it is available in a variety of hues and shades and looks beautiful as a countertop material. However, it is porous and needs to be sealed regularly. Marble countertops cost anywhere between $100 to $200 per square foot.

 

Related: BENEFITS OF CHOOSING MARBLE FOR YOUR KITCHEN

 

• Granite

Granite is tough and durable. When treated with regular sealing techniques, it gives you a long-lasting performance. It can come with spots or strands of varying colors; though with less veining as compared to marble. Slab countertops costs between $75 to &175 per sq foot.

Related: MARBLE VS. GRANITE: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?

 

• Slate

Slate is the most cost-effective countertop material amongst all others in the list. Since it is available in lovely hues of dark shades like black or gray, it contrasts beautifully with the neutral shades in the bathroom. It is less porous than granite or marble. The range is between $50 to $75 per sq foot for solid slabs.

 

• Soapstone

Soapstone is available in whites and grays with subdued veinings that add a refined accent to the setting. It is non-porous and makes an ideal choice for a bathroom countertop. It is also stain-resistant and asks for low maintenance. Solid slab stones cost anywhere between $70 to $100 per sq foot.

 

• Limestone

The matt finish of limestone is a big appeal for many homeowners. It can yield a number of shades when blended with other minerals. You need to seal it regularly, though. The cost of the slab runs anywhere between $60 to $80 per square foot.

 

Looking for a bathroom Countertop?

Visit one of USA Granite and Marble showrooms in Fairfax, Jessup or Timonium.