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The choice of countertop material has a major impact not just on the mode of a toilet but also on how easy it is to live with . It needs to search great , but if it ’s high-pitched - upkeep , then keeping it that style can shortly become an unwished task . Cost also has an impingement , and it may be possible to achieve a desirable coming into court with a less expensive product . Although DIY and craft fancier may want to investigate how tomake your own countertop , this definitive guide to the best countertop materials for bathrooms focuses almost exclusively on finished products .
1. Marble
Nothing say high - quality countertop quite like marble . It is a toilet Greco-Roman that oozes quality . Natural marble has beautiful veining . It continue cool to the jot on all but the hottest twenty-four hour period . It is alsoundeniably expensive . As Sandya Dandamudi ofGI Stone , a custom stone specialist in Chicago , Illinois , points out , “ Vanities lean to be small , but a fibber will turn on you for a whole slab , even if it ’s too large . To verify you are not paying for a whole slab of stuff , it ’s a good melodic theme to ask the fibber to see if they have leftover useable . ”
Also available are engineered and cultured marble , which are more low-priced countertop choice . They are made with tangible marble that is crush and sundry with resins , plus dye or pigments . They may not have quite the visual impact of natural marble , but along with low cost , they require less alimony .
Pros : Each piece of raw marble is unique . military man - made versions are promiscuous to keep clean . bunko game : Natural marble must be sealed regularly to prevent spotting .
Photo: Jose Luis Pelaez/Stone via Getty Images
2. Granite
If marble is the top selection for that opulence appeal , then granite is often a unaired s . This natural stone comes in avariety of colors and patterns , so no two countertops are quite alike . It is a top selection for those looking for particularly long-lived countertops — it does n’t cow dung or scratch easy . It is also resistive to heat , so you’re able to rest your hairsbreadth drier or curling tongs on it without danger of damage .
Although not as porous as marble , you will still desire to knowhow to varnish a granite countertopto keep it in peak experimental condition and preclude the buildup of mildew or bacterium .
Pros : Another luxurious innate gemstone with timeless appeal . Cons : Though cheaper than marble , it ’s still expensive , and needs to be sealed annually to prevent job .
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3. Quartz
Quartz may not have quite the extolment of the two natural stone alternative above , but it has lot going for it . lechatelierite countertops are another engineered product , made from a mix of John Rock and resin . The result textile for sure name it among the most durable countertops . Quartz is stain- and warmth - insubordinate , and because it is non - porous , it does n’t take to be seal off . So if there ’s any tilt over which is easier to be with in thequartz vs. marbledebate , the former win well .
crystal countertops are uncommitted in a wide range of substantial semblance and also with vein and other patterning intended to mimic real stone .
professional : vast coloring material choice , very hard , and well-situated to depend after . Cons : Although world - made , it isoften as expensive as granite .
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4. Solid Surface
upstanding surface countertops are made from acrylic polymers , though they may admit mineral for increased lastingness . Corian is perhaps the well known of these type of countertops . It can be made to look like Edward Durell Stone , marble , or quartz but is less expensive than natural cloth . However , those consideringCorian vs. vitreous silica , for instance , should note that whole surface tend not to have the same level of scratch- or heat - resistance .
whole surface countertopsare non - porous , make them a stain - resistant material that does n’t want to be seal . This also makes them light to keep loose of germ , bacteria , and mildew . unanimous open countertops can be molded in almost any size so even in large toilet there should n’t be any motive for unsightly seams .
pro : Can mimic Sir Henry Joseph Wood , stone , crystal , or marble without the care return . flimflam : Somewhat plasticky sense with modest scratch- and heat - resistance .
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5. Laminate
Those looking for low-priced countertops will find laminates grueling to dumbfound . They are made with a composite core ( typically MDF ) that is wrapped in a rosin - impregnated program . As this covering can be printed in any color or pattern , at a glance it could be false for stone , crystal , granite , or marble . It is a lightweight countertop material paragon for DIY installment .
However , as designer and contractor Sabrina Phillips ofDesigning Women of OCtold us , “ Laminate can be easygoing on the wallet , but does n’t hold up well in humid bathroom environments . Over time , laminate can peel , warp , and is difficult to repair if damaged , ” she says . Laminate countertop “ also do n’t add much family economic value compared to lechatelierite or I. F. Stone alternative . ”
pro : scurvy - cost and available in an enormous compass of colour and patterns . confidence game : Don’t have the durability of other alternative and can eventually take down in humid surroundings .
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6. Concrete
Although it is one of the more unusual countertop surface for a lav , concrete is an interesting option with some unique features . It can manifestly bring home the bacon an industrial feel to a space , but concrete does n’t have to be give ‘ raw ’ ; it can also be stain and urbane . It is very hard , but concrete does lean to be very heavy , so proper support will need to be consider . Sealing is vital to prevent staining .
Perhaps surprisingly , commercially availableconcrete countertops can be as expensive as granite , partially because they are often molded in stance . However , homeowners with some DIY skill , who do n’t mind a fiddling experiment , could endeavor to cast their own .
Pros : Very unassailable and makes a unique and unusual statement . Cons : Heavy and often more expensive than people think .
Photo: Formica
7. Glass
There are two type of glass countertop for bathroom . The first embedspieces of crushed glass in an acrylicor concrete base . This can produce some interesting effects , though acrylic resin is not a very shekels - resistant material , and concrete versions need to be sealed periodically .
Some manufacturer can cast lav countertops as a single seamless piece of glass . These can be translucent or opaque . The color and textures available consequence in countertops that can be absolutely stunning , particularly if ignition is added . Each piece of music want to be individually made to fit , and special mounting ironware is required , so glass is among the more expensive options .
pro : Glass can provide a spectacular encroachment . Solid glass is easy to clean . Cons : Can be expensive , and is not the most resilient textile .
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8. Tile
Those on a tight budget might require to considertile countertop . Although these can be instal commercially , they are a dandy DIY choice and allow different sphere of the lav to be coordinate . Choice of tile is well-nigh limitless , and if you pick out a sugarcoat ceramic or porcelain , they wo n’t need to be sealed .
Of naturally , tile does require a substratum , so it ’s of import to choose something that can hold humidity . Cement board(also call backer board ) is recommended in pissed areas . Patience is required to achieve a high standard , and grout assembly line can be prone to discolouration . Tiles do n’t have a great wad of encroachment resistance , but they are relatively well-off to replace if there is an accident .
Pros : Potentially a low - toll DIY option with almost limitless invention options . Cons : The appearance is n’t to everyone ’s taste and can be challenge to keep clean .
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