The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Countertop for Your Bathroom

The average adult spends more than a year of their life in the bathroom. Time spent showering, using the toilet, pampering yourself, and getting ready to go out adds up fast. 

Bathrooms can fall to the bottom of the renovation priority list because they are out of sight. But if you’re going to spend so many hours looking at a space, shouldn’t you love it? 

Starting and ending your day in an updated, elevated bathroom can change your entire outlook. Luckily, bathroom renovations are easier than larger kitchen or living area renovations. Choosing the best bathroom countertops is a smart place to begin. 

If you find a countertop you love, you can use it as inspiration for the rest of the project. A unique, beautiful piece of stone makes an excellent focal point, and you will enjoy looking at it every time you brush your teeth. 

There are endless options when it comes to bathroom countertops, so making a choice can feel overwhelming at first. Not to worry – with a little bit of background information, you’ll be ready to start browsing stone slabs. Read on for our guide to choosing the best countertop for your bathroom. 

Some Practical Considerations

Before you choose a material for your bathroom countertop, you should consider your lifestyle and renovation priorities. 

Generally, bathroom countertops don’t need to be as durable as kitchen countertops. They won’t be exposed to hot pots and pans, acidic ingredients, or knives. This means there are more options to explore. 

First, think about your style. Do you want a sleek, modern bathroom? Is your design sense whimsical? Or are you a traditionalist when it comes to home decor? There are thousands of countertop designs, and one of them is sure to suit your taste. 

If you’re on a tight budget, certain products are more affordable than others. If your sink area is small, using remnant pieces is a great cost-saving strategy. Premium stone-like imported marble will appeal to individuals looking for a high-end feel. 

Your bathroom will definitely get wet, but will your countertops be exposed to substances other than water? Some hair dyes, nail polish removers, and body products contain chemicals that can cause damage to surfaces. 

If you have children, you might want to install extra durable materials in your bathroom. For example, quartz countertops are easy to repair and known for how well they stand up to the wear and tear of daily life. Also, keep in mind that some materials require more maintenance than others. 

No matter what your preferences are, there is a perfect countertop waiting to be discovered by you! 

Bathroom Countertop Materials

The materials used for bathroom countertops can be organized into 6 basic categories:

1. Laminate Countertops

Laminate countertops are the most affordable option for bathroom renovations, but you get what you pay for – particleboard wrapped in patterned plastic. 

These products have come a long way in recent years and can mimic many different materials. There are styles designed to look like marble, wood, granite, and even leather. Laminate countertops are relatively easy to install yourself. 

Unfortunately, they are often flimsy and susceptible to damage. They can be a practical choice in a basement bathroom, powder room, or for a quick visual update before you sell your property. 

2. Concrete Countertops

Countertops made of concrete have a modern, industrial feel. They are usually polished and smooth, and a variety of tints and finishes are available. Concrete is strong and scratch-resistant. 

You might be surprised to find out concrete countertops are expensive. They are considered a high-end option. Only an expert can install them, and they require regular sealing and maintenance. Repairs are difficult, and usually, a replacement is necessary if the surface cracks. 

Countertops can work well as a statement piece. Consider installing them in a small bathroom that gets low to moderate use.

3. Tile Countertops

The great thing about tile is that it comes in endless colors, textures, and patterns. Ceramic, porcelain, and glass tiles can be retro or minimalist, understated or loud. The final look is only limited by your creativity. 

Tile can be affordable or expensive, depending on the type and quality you purchase. Porcelain is hard and water-resistant, appropriate for use in showers and on countertops. 

On the downside, tile cracks easily when objects are dropped on it. The grout also needs to be cleaned and resealed about once a year. Tile is a favorable material for bathroom backsplashes. 

4. Solid Surface Countertops

Solid surface countertops are a combination of polyester, acrylic, and resin. The materials are designed to look like natural stone, but with better durability and less maintenance. They are a mid-range option. 

One benefit of solid surface countertops is they are simple to take care of. They are stain-resistant and don’t need to be sealed. They can be customized to fit virtually any vanity or cabinet system. You can even ask for a built-in sink basin made of the same material as the countertop surface. 

Although solid surface products resemble stone, you won’t fool anyone into thinking they are premium countertops. They can be a sensible choice for a children’s bathroom. Just be careful using curling irons and other hot appliances around them – these countertops can melt! 

5. Engineered Stone Countertops

Also known as quartz, engineered stone countertops are made of crushed stone (often quartz crystals) and resin. They have a similar appearance to natural stone and slightly higher durability. Engineered stone products are uniform, so they are easy to match and replace. 

Depending on the configuration, some quartz countertops will have visible seams. If that sounds like a problem, they might not be your best choice. Generally, they are an excellent luxurious yet child-friendly option.

6. Natural Stone Countertops

Natural stone countertops are mined and cut into flat slabs that you can choose from. Next, they are finished to match your design and a premium stone fabricator installs them in your home. 

Marble, granite, quartzite, and slate are common countertop materials that fall under this category. There are many more. Durability and style vary, but all-natural stone countertops are breathtakingly beautiful and one of a kind. They also have great resale value.

Natural stone countertops do need to be sealed annually, but they are top of the line and a great design decision if you want to impress your visitors. 

What Are the Best Bathroom Countertops Made Of?

There is no right answer to this question, but premium stone installation is your best bet if you really want your bathroom renovation to shine. The best bathroom countertops are made of engineered stone or natural stone. Keep reading to learn more about the most popular varieties. 

Marble Countertops

Marble is the Rolls Royce of bathroom countertops. It comes in shades of chocolate, black, and white and is imported from all over the world. Marble can add a major wow factor to any room. 

It is slightly more porous than other types of natural stone, and prone to etching and staining. It isn’t always the best choice in kitchens, but it is appropriate for use in upscale bathroom renovations. 

Granite Countertops

Granite is durable and resistant to heat, scratches, and stains. The variations in color and pattern are infinite, and choosing the perfect slab is all part of the fun. 

Granite provides a deluxe, timeless look. It is highly desirable among home buyers, so it can be a worthwhile investment if you plan to sell your house in the future. 

Quartzite Countertops

Quartzite countertops are a solid alternative to marble in kitchens and bathrooms. Quartzite is not as delicate as marble, but it is naturally found in similar shades of black, white, and gray. 

Like all-natural stone, every slab is different, so your style will never be replicated. 

Quartz Countertops

Engineered quartz countertops are the best-looking alternative to natural stone, for those who want durability and easy replacement. 

They offer a very clean, modern aesthetic. Like granite countertops, quartz countertops are highly desirable and will hold their value when it comes time to list your home for sale. Quartz is a favorite among families with young children. 

Imagine the Bathroom of Your Dreams

Now that you know how to choose the best bathroom countertops for your renovation, you can start visualizing your dream design. Whether you want to get ready for work in a spa-like oasis or a funky, colorful space, let your countertops be your inspiration. 

After you make a decision, you will still need to think about details like texture (matte or polished?) and edges (eased or beveled?). A premium stone fabricator can share more information, assist with slab selection, and help you plan your countertop installation project from start to finish. 

They will also provide instructions for taking care of your new countertops, so you can keep them looking new for many years. 

Contact us to start your bathroom renovation today.