When designing your bathroom, there are many features to consider. From floors to fixtures to bathroom countertop materials and more. It’s often about blending functionality with appearance. You want to make sure that everything looks fantastic, but that it also serves your needs.
For instance, you might love the look of tiled floors, but they’re slippery when they’re wet. So, you can either choose another flooring option or include home handrails in your design.
One of the most critical choices when it comes to designing your bathroom, though, lies in choosing a countertop material. The market is full of countless options that all have distinct advantages and disadvantages.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular bathroom countertop material options so that you can find the perfect material for your next bathroom remodel.
Solid Surface
When you’re looking for ease and sophistication, look no further than solid surface counters. Solid surface is a material created by combining stone derivatives with acrylic polymers. When these ingredients are combined, the result is a functional, durable, and beautiful countertop material. They’re water-resistant and straightforward to install. Generally, solid surface counters are cut specifically for the space. Because of this, there are no visible seams. It looks like the counter belongs in the bathroom.
Solid surface counters have many color options so they can fit in with virtually any motif. Beyond that, they’re a low-cost option, both in installation costs and material costs. Plus, repairs are straightforward.
All-in-all solid surface countertops are a cost-effective, durable, and low-maintenance countertop option.
Laminate
Laminate counters are the DIYer’s dream. They’re the perfect option for budget remodels or for homeowners looking for a low-maintenance option. Laminate can mimic the appearance of virtually any other material type, and it comes in all different colors and textures.
Like solid surface material, laminate is non-porous, which means it doesn’t absorb water. This makes it a fantastic material for the bathroom because you don’t have to worry about water damage. It also means that you can clean the counter with a simple water and soap solution.
Laminate isn’t as durable or as heat-resistant as the other options on the list, but it makes up for those downfalls in price. If you do have to replace or repair your laminate countertop due to damage, it won’t cost you a fortune.
Overall, laminate is the best option for budget-conscious remodelers who are looking for some flexibility in their countertop design.
Granite
On the opposite side of the spectrum, granite is the pinnacle of luxury when it comes to bathroom countertop materials. Granite is a natural stone, so your counter will be unique to your bathroom and impossible to replicate. Unlike the other options on the list, you’re limited on the look and color, because granite only comes in the colors that naturally occur.
However, many homeowners don’t mind the lack of options, because granite looks gorgeous in its natural state. Granite is heat, stain, and scratch-resistant. It’s also incredibly durable. The glaring downside to granite is that it’s porous, so it has the propensity to absorb water and get damaged. You’ll also have to use a specialty cleaner to keep it maintained.
Granite also comes with a high price tag, but if you have a flexible budget, you can’t go wrong with granite.
Ultimately, granite is a luxurious, one-of-a-kind countertop material that’s an ideal choice for homeowners looking for a beautiful, natural counter.
Quartz
Quartz, also called engineered quartz, is gaining popularity as a countertop material, in both the bathroom and the kitchen. It is made from particles of the mineral quartz, pigments, and resins. So, it’s mostly a natural material, bonded together by man-made ingredients.
These days, quartz has become a go-to alternative to natural stone because it has the same luxurious look of natural stone without some of the drawbacks. Quartz is non-porous and virtually indestructible. It’s by far one of the most durable countertop options out there. Also, quartz has an even appearance, unlike natural stone, which some homeowners prefer. The even appearance also makes any repairs much more straightforward.
Also, quartz resists both scratches and heat, and it comes in many different colors. Like granite, quartz has a high cost to purchase and install. It’s about the same price as granite.
All-in-all, quartz is a fantastic option for homeowners who want the look of natural stone counters without maintenance headaches.
Bathroom Countertop Materials That Fit Your Goals
Ultimately, the material that’s right for you comes down to your budget and aesthetic preferences. These four bathroom countertop materials are some of the most popular options out there, but there are other materials, too. Be sure to do your research before committing to any material and choose a qualified contractor to do your installation.
In the end, as long as you choose a countertop material that checks most of your boxes, you’ll be pleased with the outcome.
Matt Lee is the owner of the Innovative Building Materials blog and a content writer for the building materials industry. He is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects discover materials and methods of construction that save money, improve energy efficiency, and increase property value.
