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Manufacturers spend weeks staining, scratching, scorching, and pounding different countertop materials. The material used ranges from classic stones to trendy composites in order to know which will hold up best in a bathroom.
Chemical stains are typically the most common issue when it comes to bathroom vanity countertops. Manufacturers examine bathroom vanity tops differently than kitchen counters. They use lipstick, hair dye, oil-based body wash, and melted candle instead of food and beverages in the staining-test. They also pour strong chemicals such as bleach and nail polish remover on the counters to see if they easily leave any marks. Instead of using hot pots to test a countertop’s resistance to hear, manufacturers use hot curling irons and hair dryers. This process helps the manufactures to finalize the best bathroom vanity tops.
It is found out that there are minimal distinctions among brands, which is why types of bathroom countertops ratings are organized by material, not by the manufacturer. Some materials, including, limestone, and concrete, get stained and scratched far too easily in laboratory tests and therefore aren’t recommended for cheap bathroom countertops.
Here are six countertops that will really look great in your bathroom.
Granite
Since granite is a natural stone, each slab is unique, with veining patterns and colors from light to bold. In laboratory tests, granite earns impressive ratings for friction and heat resistance. It does a worthy job fending off tough stains and scoring a Very Good in that specific test. On the other hand, granite does need a bit more maintenance than the other countertop materials included in this article. You need to reseal it occasionally, at least once a year in an ordinary bathroom routine. A good rule of thumb is to do it anytime drops of water begin to sink in the layers rather than bead up on the surface.
Laminate
This is not your grandpa’s laminate. Today’s laminate countertops can look almost like granite, marble, quartz, wood, or even leather. Laminate countertops are made from layers of plastic that are welded to a particleboard core. It cost cheaper and remarkably stain-proof and heat-resistant, scoring Excellent ratings in those tests. This material is durable and perfect for a custom bathroom countertop when it comes to cracks and chips but can get scratched up.
Quartz
This engineered material is a blend of natural quartz and other stones mixed with polishes and pigments to produce a variety of styles that can look like natural stone. But unlike stone slabs, quartz countertops are sturdier and require less maintenance. Quartz countertops don’t need to be sealed. Quartz aces the abrasion and heat tests and scores a Very Good rating for stain-test.
For a couple of decades, granite was the most popular selection for countertops with both homeowners and designers. Today, we’re seeing more and more homeowners and designers going for beautiful quartz countertops, and in fact, quartz has replaced granite as the number one choice. Quartz is one of the earth’s hardest and most abundant minerals on the planet. Quartz countertops are a man-made material that uses more than 95% of natural quartz dust and chips bonded together using resins, and the color is then added to create color throughout the stone. Yes, quartz is tougher than granite, it does not require sealing, and is naturally protected from moisture, stains, and bacteria. The con, is it cost at $60 to $100 per square foot, quartz can match high-end granite and marble in price.
Ultra-compact
Ultra-compact countertops are human-engineered material made of a combination of quartz, porcelain, and glass. Various surface structures and colors can make the countertop look like stone or concrete. This resists deterioration from heat and stains, earning Excellent scores in those tests. It’s also a hard surface that holds up in our abrasion test, scoring a Very Good rating. The only test this material doesn’t do well in is the punishing impact test, which simulates a heavy object falling from a shelf 3 feet above the counter. The sample used cracked in two, the only countertop material to do so in the tests. Still, this should be fine for a bathroom, where you’re unlikely to accidentally drop, say, a heavy container.
Marble
For many centuries marble has been seen as a symbol of history, luxury, and good taste. Marble is a hard, crystalline form of limestone and comes in a wide choice of shade variations, the most common being white with streaks of gray. It’s a durable, strong material that can be polished to a bright shine, or honed to a more matte finish. Marble may not be as popular as the granite, but this natural stone has a lot of benefits for many homeowners. The extraordinary beauty of different types of marble countertops can add timeless elegance to any space with a perfect touch of brightness. It is definitely suitable for kitchens and bathrooms without the need for natural light because a synthetic source can do its job. If you are considering having the best make countertops in your bathroom, then one made of marble is an excellent decision.
Quartzite
Quartzite is a metamorphic rock that started its formation as sandstone and, through heat, pressure, and time, is transformed into an amazing rock. Quartzite a tough, gorgeous, natural stone. The individual quartz pieces recrystallize, creating an elegant, extremely strong, and durable natural stone with a sparkling decorative pattern. Quartzite is growing in fashionableness as a countertop material. And for a good reason. It’s an ideal countertop material thanks to its strength and long-lasting composition. If you’re looking for a beautiful lasting material for your bathroom vanity countertop, consider Quartzite for its strength, beauty, and overall stability.
These are just some of the choices for today’s homeowners. Reading reviews can help you make the perfect choice for your lifestyle, decor, and budget. Choosing a countertop material is not a simple task. When it comes to materials, there are many available options. Each has its own list of pros and cons. And, because it’s a permanent decision with a high price tag, there’s a lot of things to consider to get it right.
Whether you’re choosing a vanity top as part of a complete bathroom renovation or just looking for a way to clean up your existing space, you have more beautiful, practical options than ever before.
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