Are you shopping for countertops?
Well, you’ve come to the right place because in this post, we’ll be going over the different types of bathroom countertops you need to know about before making a purchase.
So, let’s get straight into this!
Table of Contents
1. Laminate
A laminate countertop is a very low-cost, low-maintenance option. These countertops are made from a thin layer of plastic laminated with wood-pulp, and melamine resins then pressed onto a particleboard.
They come in many colors and styles that can mimic the look of more expensive surfaces such as marble or granite, but they do not have the same level of durability and are prone to scratches.
They also only come in a limited number of heights. Laminate countertops are very easy to clean and contain no seams, making them resistant to bacteria or mold growth.
Pros:
- Low cost
- Prefabricated with no seams or cuts to collect bacteria
- Laminate countertops can be cleaned with most household materials
Cons:
- Prone to scratches and dings, which makes it unaesthetic
- Lots of design options available
- Not as durable as other options
2. Solid surface countertop
Solid surface countertops are a very durable option made from a combination of polymer resin and pigments that have been fused under heat, which creates a non-porous surface that is scratch-resistant.
Though this type of countertop can come in almost any color imaginable, it does not come in all shapes and sizes, so you will need to carefully consider the dimensions of the space before selecting a solid-surface countertop.
Solid surfaces can be formed into unique patterns and have an almost seamless appearance that makes them look like a piece of art. They come in endless colors and textures, options can range from matte to shiny making it very easy to find a solid surface that will match well with your existing décor.
Solid-surface countertops are very low maintenance and are resistant to stains and bacteria.
Pros:
- Low-maintenance
- Endless color and design options
- Very durable with a non-porous, seamless surface
- Unlimited height options
Cons:
- The cost can be high depending on the depth of the countertop being installed and the material used. Solid surfaces are more expensive than laminate or composites.
Is Granite Good for Bathroom Countertops?
3. Tile countertop
A tile countertop is another popular option that comes in various colors, styles, shapes, and sizes. It’s also naturally antibacterial, so it requires little to no extra cleaning.
Tile comes in many different varieties, including porcelain, ceramic or natural stone. Porcelain tiles are made from fired clay, while ceramic tiles are made from clay. Natural stone can be found in many different colors, depending on the type of stone used.
Tile countertops are very easy to keep clean, and they come in a variety of price points depending on their composition. Because tile is porous, it needs to be sealed when installed to protect against staining.
Tile is susceptible to water damage and staining, which can be problematic for areas around sinks with high humidity like bathrooms. However, since it’s impervious to bacteria, you do not have to worry about mold or mildew building up between the grout lines.
Pros:
- Endless design options to choose from
- Naturally antibacterial
- Easy to clean
- It comes in endless colors and textures
- Low-maintenance
- Very customizable
Cons:
- Prone to etching that can permanently damage the surface, which can be an issue in damp areas like bathrooms
- Prone to staining
- More expensive than laminate or composites, so it is best for people who have a larger budget
4. Marble
Marble countertops are often used in bathrooms because of their durability and aesthetic appeal. Still, they can be susceptible to staining, so it’s important to take precautions when using items such as hair dye or perfume.
Marble countertops are made from either pure white marble or colored marble that has been stained with pigments. Choosing a different color of marble is often used to create unique designs.
Marble countertops need to be sealed to protect against staining because it’s porous. Since they are not sealed, however, marble countertops need to be regularly cleaned and polished.
Pros:
- Very high-end look
- Beautiful design choices
- Durable
- Can withstand heat well
- Aesthetically pleasing due to the wide variety of colors available
Cons:
- Expensive
5. Granite
Granite countertops are another popular choice because they can last a lifetime, but they are also expensive. Because granite is porous, it needs to be sealed when installed to protect against staining.
Granite is a natural stone that comes in many different colors and patterns, making it possible to choose the perfect color to match your décor.
Granite countertops are durable and easy to maintain, but they need to be resealed every few years because the oils from food and other products can damage the surface.
Although granite is very hard, it can be chipped or scratched over time. Granite countertops are also susceptible to heat damage.
Pros:
- Very high-end look
- Beautiful design choices for colors and patterns
- Endless color options are available
- Durable
- Aesthetically pleasing due to the wide variety of colors available
Cons:
- Price point: Expect to pay between $100-$200 per square foot
6. Limestone
Limestone countertops are another popular choice that can last a lifetime. They are also more affordable than granite or marble, making them an attractive option for people on a budget. Limestone is soft and porous like granite, so it needs to be sealed when installed to protect against staining.
Although they are very strong and able to withstand high heat, limestone countertops can be easily scratched by items such as metal or hard plastics.
Limestone countertops are susceptible to stains from chemicals in hair dye, perfume, or other household products. They can also be scratched over time because limestone is soft.
Limestone is a natural stone in many different colors and patterns, making it possible to choose the perfect color to match your décor.
Pros:
- Beautiful design choices
- Endless color options are available
- High-end look at a more affordable price point
- Very Durable
Cons:
- Susceptible to stains from chemicals in hair dye, perfume, or other household products
7. Concrete
Concrete countertops are becoming more and more popular as they continue to gain new stylish designs.
Concrete can be stained or painted in an endless number of colors, so it’s possible to find a design that perfectly matches your style.
Concrete countertops can be more expensive than other materials such as granite or marble due to the time and labor required for installation.
This material is very versatile, so it’s possible to create a design with different colors and patterns.
Concrete countertops do need to be sealed, but they are more durable than marble or granite.
Concrete countertops are also very low maintenance, making them great for homeowners who don’t want to deal with upkeep regularly.
Pros:
- Endless design options available through painting or staining
- Highly Durable
- Low-maintenance countertops
- Aesthetically pleasing due to the wide range of colors and patterns available
Cons:
- The price point may be slightly higher than other choices due to the labor-intensive process required for installation.
- Difficult to maintain
8. Crushed glass
Crushed glass countertops are a beautiful choice that comes in many different colors.
Although they are very durable, it’s important to keep in mind that the surface of crushed glass is slightly porous, so it will need to be resealed regularly.
Crushed glass countertops will need regular resealing to protect against staining that may occur with use over time.
It has a higher price due to the labor-intensive process of making crushed glass into a usable countertop.
Pros:
- Beautiful design choices
- Endless color options are available
- High-end look at a more affordable price point
- Durable
Cons:
- Susceptible to stains from chemicals in hair dye, perfume, or other household products
- Will need periodic resealing to protect against stains that may occur with use over time.
- Expect to pay more than granite countertops due to the labor-intensive process of making crushed glass into a usable countertop.
9. Quartz
Quartz countertops are made of crushed quartz mixed with resin and pigments to form a solid, durable material nearly impervious to stains or scratches.
This material can come in many different colors, so homeowners have endless design choices when choosing countertops for their bathrooms.
It’s low-maintenance, but it does require sealing to protect it from moisture and protect against staining that may occur with use over time.
Pros:
- Beautiful design choices are available
- Durable
- Non-porous material that is stain and scratch-resistant
Cons:
- More expensive than other options due to the resin and pigments needed for the install process.
- The price point may be slightly higher than other choices due to the labor-intensive process required for installation.
- Will need periodic resealing to protect against moisture that may occur with use over time.
