People often think the bathroom is not worth investing in, but it is one of the hardest-working rooms in the house. There are many parts of a bathroom you might want to improve, and the countertop is one of the most rewarding places to start.
Kitchens are not the only rooms that deserve good countertops. Bathroom vanity tops are more than a place to put your personal items. Like kitchen countertops, they make the room more attractive and more appealing to future buyers.
A countertop, whether for the kitchen or the bathroom, is a significant purchase. To make sure it is money well spent, you need to be an informed buyer, and that means more than picking whatever is on display.
If you are looking to buy a new bathroom countertop, this guide will help you avoid a purchase you regret. By the end, you will be better prepared to choose a new vanity top.
When Is the Best Time to Get a Countertop?
There is never a bad time to replace a countertop. The most convenient times, though, are while the house is being built or while the bathroom is being remodeled, because the contractor can install it along with the vanity, sink, and plumbing.
A new bathroom countertop does not require a full remodel. But if larger work is planned anyway, doing the countertop at the same time usually saves money, since the plumbing is disconnected and the trades are on site only once.
Budgeting
This is the most important part of the buying process. Before you pick a countertop material, set a budget. It should cover the countertop itself, fabrication, the sink and faucet if you are replacing them, and installation.
Less expensive countertops let you spend less, but the cheapest option can mean a top that wears poorly in a wet room. Having a budget in mind gives your contractor something to work with and helps them point you to materials that fit.
Picking the Right Material
There are many countertop materials, and not all of them are suited to the bathroom. A vanity top is not just about looks. It has to stand up to water, soap, and cosmetics every day. These materials are good choices for a bathroom:
- Granite: A hard, dense, durable natural stone, which is one reason it is so popular in both bathrooms and kitchens. It is also one of the more affordable natural stones. It comes in many colors, so it is easy to match to a bathroom, and it resists stains as long as it is properly sealed. It is a dependable choice for a first stone countertop.
- Marble: If you want elegance and a classic look, marble is the stone to consider. It is a natural stone and one of the more expensive countertop materials. Like granite, it needs to be sealed and resealed to resist stains, and it can be etched by acidic products. With that care, a marble top can last for decades.
- Travertine: Travertine is not usually recommended for kitchen countertops, because it is softer than other stones and scratches more easily. A bathroom is gentler on it, and it is often moderately priced. Its warm tones suit bathrooms with a calm, relaxing feel. It does need to be filled and sealed.
- Quartz: Quartz countertops are not cut from natural stone. Ground quartz is mixed with resins and pigments to make an engineered slab suited to kitchens and bathrooms. The result can look like marble or granite, often at a lower price than high-end natural stone, and it is very durable. One of its best qualities is that it does not need to be sealed and resists stains well.
- Soapstone: As the name suggests, soapstone has a smooth, silky feel. It is soft and scratches easily, which is a drawback in a kitchen, but it is dense and resists stains, and it suits a modern bathroom well. Scratches can usually be sanded or oiled out.
These are the most common bathroom countertop materials. Some materials call for more caution. Unsealed wood and other porous materials have tiny openings that water can seep into. In a room that is wet much of the time, that can lead to swelling, staining, and mold.
Lastly, think about the finish. A highly polished top shows water spots more, and a honed or textured finish gives a little more grip for bottles and soap dishes.
Custom or Standard?
Bathroom countertops can be custom-made, which means cut to the exact shape and size of your vanity and room. There are also standard, pre-made vanity tops in common sizes. A custom top fits your bathroom precisely, but it costs more.
Standard tops are less expensive. If your vanity is a common size and the room has no unusual angles, a standard top is the practical choice. The material can be the same quality as a custom top. What differs is the fit and the range of choices.
Picking the Contractor
Many companies sell and install countertops, and it pays to be as careful in choosing the contractor as in choosing the countertop. Start by checking that the company is licensed and insured, and read its online reviews.
Look for reviews on independent review platforms, not only on the contractor’s own website, where they may be selected. Pay attention to how recent the reviews are and how the company responds to complaints.
You can also ask friends for recommendations. A referral is often the most reliable source, because it comes directly from someone who has used the contractor.
Preparation
During installation you will not be able to use the bathroom, or at least the sink. Clear out the vanity beforehand, and let your contractor know about anything unusual in the plumbing. Installation itself is usually quick, but the full project, from measuring to fabrication to installation, takes longer, depending on its complexity.
A new countertop is one of the most effective ways to improve a bathroom. It is not a small expense, which is why it is worth taking the time to choose the right material.