Have you been thinking about remodeling your bathroom? Not sure which material is best?
The bathroom countertop includes the sink and the under storage, which is used for storing toiletries. These areas are subjected to soap and water spills.
These are factors to consider when selecting the bathroom countertop material for your home. So what are the most common materials bathroom countertops are made of?
Any of these countertop materials can also be used for remodeling kitchens as well.
Ceramic/porcelain tile
Ceramic/porcelain tiles are made of refined clay and other natural elements. They are kiln-fired after which they are either left in their natural state or transformed to look like wood, stone, concrete, or other materials.
The advantages of tiles are that they have a variety of colors, and design options to choose from and are water-resistant.
The downside is that grout lines make it hard to maintain and clean the bathroom countertop surface. Check out this article titled, “Bathroom Tile Trends 2021,” for more information about different types of tiles.
Stone
Marble and granite are the most common natural stone used for bathroom countertops. There are other stone materials such as slate, limestone, travertine, and sandstone that can be used.
The downside to some of these materials is that they are porous materials and need regular sealing to prevent stains or discoloration.
Marble comes in a virtual rainbow of colors from almost pure white to pale pinks and blues to dramatic blacks and browns.
Granite is an extremely hard rock, formed by volcanic activity. It has a shimmering beauty that comes from the crystals of quartz, mica, and feldspar trapped within it.
Soapstone is gray in color and non-porous material which means it is impressively stain-resistant and low maintenance.
Laminate
Laminate countertops have a smooth top surface bonded to a particleboard base. Laminate technology has improved since the mid-20th century, and current versions are more resistant to damage.
This material is economical and available in different finishes including some that look like granite or solid surface. Laminate is a go-to countertop material because of its versatility.
It is water-resistant and relatively stain-proof, but the downside is that it will burn, dull, and dent easily.
Quartz
Quartz is one of the hardest and most readily available minerals on the planet. Quartz countertops are man-made and use about 95% natural quartz dust and chips bonded that are together using resins. The pigment is then added to create color throughout the stone.
Quartz is tougher than granite, does not require sealing, and is scratch resistant. It is naturally resistant to moisture, stains, and bacteria.
The downside is that is costly and is not DIY-friendly. Also, this countertop can’t be cleaned with bleach or abrasives as they will cloud the surface.
Solid surface
Solid surface is a premium countertop material that is manufactured in factories. It is manufactured with quartz, acrylic resins, and crushed stone.
The main advantage of solid surface is that it is a malleable material that can be molded into any shape. Solid surface is available in a variety of designs, colors, and styles. It is stain-resistant and resists the growth of mold or mildew.
Conclusion
Bathroom countertops must play the dual role of being durable and resistant to water, soap, and cosmetics. Bathroom countertops should be made of materials that are not delicate, porous, or easy-to-stain.
Call Birdseye Construction today to discuss how we can remodel your bathroom into something spectacular.