Counter tops provide additional workspace in the bathroom. Choosing the type of countertop in the bathroom is almost akin to choosing the type of flooring. Wood of course is not recommended for bathrooms as it can be damaged by the moisture. Plastic laminates that are water resistant and are quite decorative are quite popular for bathroom countertops and come in many different finishes and looks ranging from low luster to metallic to high gloss.
1. Wooden Bathroom Countertops – Why They were Never a Top Choice
Moisture is a good reason. Between the shower, the sink, and various beauty products, there is a lot of moisture to be found in any bathroom. Wooden countertops are not as resistant to moisture as they should be; leading to rot and discoloration
2. Laminate Bathroom Countertops
A fairly inexpensive option in counter covering that gives you a wide range of looks as they can be made in any color or made to appear like marble or granite. However, one of the main drawbacks to laminate countertops is that they can be damaged by a great deal of heat. Styling irons and hair dryers set down wrongly on bathroom countertop can cause irreversible damage that can only be fixed by replacing the entire counter.
3. Marble Bathroom Countertops
Marble countertops provide a stain resistant, water resistant, rugged, and durable surface for any bathroom. They are easy to clean and if they need repairs a little sanding is more than able to do the trick. A clear coat of protective wax can easily be applied to protect your countertop from damage or after sanding and repairs can be made to avoid further damage to the surface. Marble bathroom countertops also age very well.
As with many things there is a downside to installing marble countertops in the bathroom or anywhere in the home, is that marble is extremely heavy, and the fact that it comes in ready-made slabs can make for an awkward carrying process into the home. If you do intend to install them yourself, be sure to get as much help as possible to carry them into the home and lifting it onto the cabinet.
4. Granite Bathroom Countertops
Granite bathroom countertops bring exceptional value to any home and can drastically increase the selling price of a home when implemented. It is a known fact in the home improvement and real estate industries that updates like granite countertops can bring a dollar for dollar return on investment, if not more than that.
Whereas tile countertops and laminate countertops were popular before, granite countertops are extremely popular these days and for good reason. They are the epitome of luxury in any bathroom. This is the type of thing that you see in upscale hotel rooms and luxury homes, and if you want that look then you want what granite bathroom countertops have to offer.
5. Corian Bathroom Countertops
Ideal for homes with children as they are hypoallergenic, non-toxic and don’t react to chemical. They can be cleaned with almost any solvent in the market and are low maintenance. Corian countertops can be purchased in a matte finish as well as a semi-gloss and high-gloss finish. It is however important to take care to keep high amounts of heat away from Corian countertops as well, as it can react to extremely hot objects.
6. Tile Bathroom Countertops
Durable and heat resistant, tile countertops are a popular options in bathroom. They come in many shapes, colours, sizes and textures. Tile can also be purchased indivicually, which can cut down on the cost. This is ideal for the home remodeler on the budget. However, it is also difficult to clean because of the grout that is needed to hold the individual tiles down to the surface and close to one another.
7. Silestone Bathroom Countertops
Silestone is a man-made alternative to granite countertops and it has its benefits over these types of bathroom countertops. They contain materials made of quartz, but don\’t have the imperfections that come along with natural stone materials. Even though pricey at $100 per square foot, they are completely uniform and are bit easier to install. They are also virtually maintenance free, meaning almost maintenance free as well. There are no pores, so no scrubbing is needed and there are no germs to worry about. Just a simple cleaner and a rag will do the job.
