Hello World! Welcome Friends! Functionality is important when choosing bathroom counter material, there’s no question about that, but you do have some wiggle room with your selection. Because you’re not looking for a countertop that’s going to come into contact with hot pans and sharp knives (like in the kitchen), you have the freedom to consider the appearance of your counter above all else.
There are a few tips you should consider before purchasing your bathroom counter, though. Let’s run through them quickly.
Choosing Bathroom Counter Material
1. Select the Right Material
Countertop materials range from tile to quartz and from laminate to wood, with everything in between. Some materials are more durable than others, yet some materials are costlier than others.
2. Durability and Practicality Are Important, Too
You’re still going to have to worry about durability and practicality, even though it’s not a kitchen counter you’re shopping for. Be mindful that the countertop will have to stand up to substances like water, cosmetics, and soaps. For instance, will your selection be able to fight through toothpaste and hairspray stains?
3. Cost Matters
Stay in your budget. Believe it or not, bathroom countertops can get sort of pricey, especially considering you’re purchasing material per square foot. For high quality material at affordable prices, www.slabmarket.com is the perfect place to go. Start by measuring your bathroom space out, decide how much of the area the countertop is going to take up, then factor in what you’re willing to spend.
4. You’ll have to Keep Up with Maintenance
If you’re a minimalist, you’ll want to install a maintenance-free countertop. If you don’t mind a little bit of extra time and effort, try going for a more extravagant countertop.
Now that we covered the basic tips, we’re going to dive head first into the different types of countertops you can choose from. Let’s start with granite.
Granite
Granite has a luxurious and sleek look to it, with a reputation comparable to the Rolls-Royce car. It’s long-lasting, stain resistant surface makes it the most durable and the easiest to take care of. Though some selections are expensive, there are still others that total in at an affordable price range.
The maintenance on a countertop like this can be time-consuming, considering you’ll have to seal it every six months to a year. You may be able to get away with a longer time frame, as long as you clean the countertop with warm water and liquid detergent regularly. Make sure you avoid abrasive cleaners, as they will likely scratch and dull the finish.
This popular natural stone option typically totals in anywhere between $75 and $175 per square foot.
Solid Surface
Solid surface materials are designed to look like natural stone. Some of the better-known brand names are Corian, Staron, Gilbraltar, and Avonite. These surfaces are made from a blend of acrylic and polyester particles and can shape into nearly anything you’d like. The dozens of different colors and styles make this option fun to work with.
Fortunately, a solid surface countertop is very easy to care for. It resists stains and can repair in minutes with the use of some light sanding. What’s more, is that it can handle high heats from styling products like curling irons and straighteners.
If you’re concerned that your countertop may start growing mold or mildew, choose the solid surface option; this hypoallergenic surface is nonporous and does not allow the growth of allergens.
This super easy to clean surface typically totals in anywhere between $45 and $75 per square foot.
Laminate
Laminate countertops are economical surfaces that can trick your mind into thinking they’re granite, wood, marble, leather, or stainless steel; the range of finish options allows the laminate to look whatever way it wants to look.
These surfaces are layers of plastic that bond to a particleboard core. Laminate can stand up to water and stains, but it will burn, dent, and dull over time.
Luckily, laminate is a very inexpensive countertop material to consider, with endless options. If you buy the product off the shelf as a prefabricated countertop, you’ll pay anywhere from $10 to $30 per square foot. If you want a custom-made countertop created by a fabricator, you’ll likely pay anywhere from $40 to $65 per square foot.
Tile
Tile is a popular option when it comes to bathroom countertop selections. You can choose from ceramic, porcelain, or glass tiles for a traditional or modern style. There are hundreds of design options to look at, too.
The one reason many homeowners have shied away from tile is because of the maintenance upkeep. In the past, people have complained about the need to clean the grout every so often, but now, tiles are coming in much larger sizes, requiring less grouting.
Even still, grout lines do tend to trap gunk quick, no matter how many you have on your countertop. To avoid seeing the gunk buildup, we suggest using a colored grout that doesn’t show the dirt buildup as quickly. You can pick a color that plays off the tile to make it look fun and exciting.
Your cost for these countertops will vary. For plain-colored tiles, the price will range from $2 to $40 per tile. For hand-painted tiles, the price will range from $5 to $75 per tile.
Wood
Wood countertops have a unique and modern look to them; they bring something different to the table: A feeling of warmth and welcoming.
However, wood does have its downfalls, like any other option surely does, too. If you decide to go with a wooden countertop, keep in mind that you’ll have to have it professionally sealed considering the porous surfaces are highly susceptible to water damage. You may need to modify the plumbing connections under the sink, too.
Crushed Glass
Crushed glass countertops are by far a fascinating option on the market right now, and the newest introduction to bathroom surfaces. These countertops are made from recycled crushed glass and are later embedded into clear acrylic or concrete surfaces to embody a traditional or modern look.
Remember, acrylic countertops are easy to clean, but once concrete surfaces get stained, it’s nearly impossible to make the surface look new again without purchasing an entirely new countertop.
Crushed glass totals in anywhere between $50 and $100 per square foot. We suggest you use these in bathrooms that are trying to make a design statement.
Now that you’ve read the options, it’s your turn to head on over to the countertop shop and start looking at your options. Don’t forget, functionality is essential, but you are allowed to go for something a little more aesthetically pleasing in the bathroom. Factor in your budget, think about how much money you want to spend and start looking at designs. Have fun shopping everyone!
Click the links below for any posts you may have missed!
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How to Negotiate Repairs after a Home Inspections
Before & After Room Transformations
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