Which Type of Bathroom Countertop Is Right for Your Space?
During your bathroom remodel, you’ll need to make design choices that reflect your personal taste and the overall aesthetic you want to create, while working within your budget. Among the many choices you’ll make throughout your bathroom remodel process, choosing the right bathroom countertops may be one of the most important. If you’re having trouble telling the difference between different bathroom countertop materials or weighing the pros and cons of each one, here’s a simple guide to finding the right bathroom countertops.
Determine Your Budget for Bathroom Countertops
You may have an overall budget for the total cost of your bathroom remodel, but it helps to break that budget down into key areas of focus and determine how much of the budget you want to devote to each area. For instance, if you’re doing a full bathroom remodel, and your budget is $5,000, you may want to devote about 19% to the shower and bath, along with their fixtures and hardware. You can allocate 22% of the budget to plumbing and electrical, and 14% to framing. Your countertop and backsplash budget should be around 12%, or $600. Of course, you can choose any allocations and breakdowns you want, but keep in mind that other parts of the bathroom remodel will be far costlier than your bathroom countertops.
Consider Durability
Bathroom countertops are considered work surfaces, especially if they are in the master bedroom. This means that they need to be strong, durable, easy to clean and maintain, and sanitary. You shouldn’t choose a bathroom countertop material that stains, cracks, or breaks easily. Don’t choose a bathroom countertop material that requires expensive specialty cleansers or maintenance.
Check Availability and Installation Dates
If you’re working on a tight schedule for your bathroom remodel and want it completed by a set date, be sure to check the availability of the bathroom countertops you’re considering. Your contractor or interior design consultant can check with suppliers to see what countertops they have in stock and arrange for you to see samples. You can also find out when installation can be completed.
Familiarize Yourself with Different Bathroom Countertop Types
Before making a final decision about your bathroom countertops, you should familiarize yourself with the differences between each type. If possible, visit a bathroom remodel showroom or ask your interior design consultant to provide samples of each countertop type. Compare the low-end bathroom countertops with high-end ones, and take note of their design variations, customization options, finish, colors, feel, maintenance needs, and overall aesthetics. While you want bathroom countertops that can withstand heavy use and are easy to maintain, you also want to be sure you choose a material that will bring you joy every time you look at it.
Ceramic or Porcelain Tile Countertops
Ceramic and porcelain tile countertops are relatively affordable and come in a huge variety of design options, colors, textures, and finishes. However, there are some potential downsides. Tile can be brittle and prone to cracking, and grout can stain and discolor over time.
Natural Stone Countertops
Natural stone is luxurious and elegant, and granite and marble countertops are entirely unique with no two slabs that look alike. They do require periodic sealing and more maintenance than other bathroom countertop materials. They are also more expensive when compared to other bathroom countertop materials. Still, with the right care, they can last for decades, offering a timeless aesthetic.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz bathroom countertops are engineered and can be formed into any shapes. They come in a variety of colors, and the coloring is more uniform than natural stone countertops. They are stronger and less porous than natural stone, so they are more stain resistant and easier to clean and maintain. They are more expensive than other types of bathroom countertops but offer numerous benefits as well.
Do You Want to See Samples of Bathroom Countertops?
If you’re planning a bathroom remodel in NY, VY, or NH, come see us at Abatiello Design Center. We’re a one-stop-shop for bathroom remodels throughout Vermont, as well as New Hampshire and Upstate New York. Our Rutland showroom contains samples and examples of the bathroom countertops we offer and recommend, and our onsite design consultants can help you choose the right bathroom countertop for your needs, aesthetics, and budget.
When you schedule an initial consultation with our interior design consultants, we’ll come to your home to show you your options and provide a free estimate. You can also stop by our showroom to see examples in person. We also have professionals on staff to install your bathroom countertops quickly. To schedule a design consultation or to learn more about our design and installation services, call us today at (802) 773-6300 or contact us online.
