Choosing the best bathroom countertop material is key to achieving the functional and aesthetic goals of a bathroom. To know if a particular countertop material will suit your bathroom design, it is necessary to first understand the characteristics, pros, and cons of the bathroom countertop.
In this guide, the top “seven best materials for bathroom countertops” with their individual characteristics are discussed extensively. Also, the advantages and disadvantages of each countertop are highlighted and well explained making it easier for homeowners to choose the one that meets their exact needs.
Related Post: >> 8 Main Types of Countertops
One of the Best Materials for Bathroom Countertops: Solid Surface
The solid surface material is produced when dissimilar materials, including acrylic polymers and other natural minerals, are combined together thoroughly. This special material can be easily molded into different sizes and colors. It is commonly used for bathroom remodeling because it is exceptionally durable. Also, its versatility makes it applicable to different designs.
KKR is a reputable company in China that has been manufacturing solid surface countertops for several years. They produce high-quality solid surface materials that are also visually appealing to the eye. Moreover, suppliers can also get solid surface materials that suit their exact needs and preference due to the fully customized services that KKR offers.
Pros
Check below to see some reasons why solid surface material should be used for bathroom countertops:
- Durable
The solid surface material is extremely hard and durable; therefore, it will not crack or chip even if it undergoes heavy use.
- Seamless
For countertops where seams and joints are not needed, solid surface materials should be considered.
- Minor Damage Can be Buffed Out
In case of minor damages like scratches, it is not necessary to replace all the countertops because minor damages can be easily buffed out.
- Realistic Flecked or Streaked Styles
Solid surface countertop materials come in different styles including realistic flecked or streaked styles.
Cons
Find below two key cons to consider before buying solid surface countertops materials:
- Difficult to Repair
Though minor damages like scratches can be easily repaired, it is difficult to repair major damages caused by higher temperatures.
- Can not Tolerate Very High-Temperature
Another setback of solid surface countertops is that they will warp when exposed to extremely high temperatures.
One of the Bathroom Countertop Materials: Quartz
There is another common material used for bathroom countertops, i.e. Quartz. Quartz is made from a comprehensive combination of different original materials, including natural quartz crystals, resins, and pigments, and they are mixed under high temperatures and pressure. It is an artificial stone that is not mined from the earth.
When making Quartz countertops, it relies on molding to be made into various sizes, thicknesses, shapes, and styles. It can apply to quite a lot of designs, including designs that look just the same as natural stone slabs. Moreover, quartz gets a lot of benefits that you cannot find in natural stones.
Pros
Here are some important factors to consider before choosing quartz for bathroom countertops:
- Resistant to Moisture, Stains, and Bacteria
One of the important features of quartz is its ability to resist moisture, bacteria, and stain.
- Variety of Edge Treatments and Installation Options
It is used for different installation options because it comes in a lot of colors and patterns.
- No Need to Seal
Quartz is quite durable and hard; thus, it does not need periodic sealing like other natural stone materials.
Cons
Despite the several benefits of quartz, it also has some potential drawbacks:
- Relatively Expensive
Quartz is one of the most expensive materials used for bathroom countertops because they are manufactured using premium materials.
- Frequent Wipe-Downs are Necessary
To prevent the surface from becoming dirty due to frequent use, there is a need for frequent wipe-downs.
Also Read: >> Solid Surface vs Quartz Countertops: What’s the Difference?
One of the Best Countertops for Bathroom: Marble
Another beautiful material that can be used for bathroom countertops is marble. This soft natural stone can be derived from either limestone or dolomite. It applies to different bathroom designs because it comes in distinct colors and patterns.
Furthermore, marble can be divided into different sizes and shapes since it is very soft. Its beautiful and unique appearance helps to improve the overall aesthetics of the bathroom. Also, marble is less expensive compared to other countertops materials.
Pros
Check the following key points listed below to know more about marble countertops:
- Hard and Durable
Marble is considered one of the best bathroom countertops used for high-traffic bathrooms because it is hard and durable.
- Can be Polished or Honed for Better Performance
Marble is a unique material that can reflect and shine brighter when it is polished.
- Suitable for Most Styles
It is suitable for distinctive styles because it has a unique and beautiful appearance that other countertop materials don’t have.
Cons
See some of the drawbacks of marble countertops are listed below:
- Susceptible to Acid Contamination, Scratches, and Etching
Substances that contain acidic properties should not be used on marble because they can easily stain or damage it. Also, scratches can spoil marble because it is exceptionally soft.
- Requires Periodic Sealing
To avoid marble stains, it is necessary to practice regular or periodic sealing. This process may be stressful sometimes.
One of the Best Bathroom Countertops: Granite
One of the best materials for bathroom countertops that is extremely hard, and durable is granite. This unique stone known as granite is made during a volcanic eruption process. Compared to other countertops materials, granite is thoroughly resistant to scratches and stains. Moreover, it is a unique material that doesn’t wear and tear easily.
Pros
Here are the pros that differentiate granite from the remaining most durable types of bathroom countertops in this article:
- Diversification of Choice
Granite countertops are produced in a wide range of patterns and finishes that allow for diversification of choice.
- Hard and Scratch-Resistant
Granite is an extremely hard and durable material that does not wear or tear easily. Also, it is heat and scratch resistant.
Cons
One key con of granite is that:
- Require Extensive Energy Resources in Transport and Mining Processes
The environment is impacted negatively (i.e., water or air pollution) during the transport and mining process of granite because this process requires extensive energy resources.
One of the Types of Bathroom Countertops: Laminate
If you are desperately looking for a pocket-friendly bathroom countertop, then a laminate countertop should come first on your list. A laminate countertop is a cheap material that is more suitable for budget-conscious individuals. It is one of the types of bathroom countertops that can be installed with the help of a little guide.
Laminate is produced from a comprehensive combination of resin binder with paper or fabrics. Since this unique material is available in different textures and colors, homeowners can easily find the ones that suit their exact needs. Moreover, laminate is easier to care for than other materials.
Pros
Consider more key reasons why laminate countertops may be a good option:
- Relatively Easy to Install
One major reason laminate countertops are a good option is that they are quite easy to install.
- Water Resistant and Easy to Clean
It is one of the best countertops materials for bathrooms because its highly resistant to water and relatively easy to clean.
- Affordable
Laminate is very affordable, hence making it the best option for budget-conscious or low-income individuals.
Cons
Here are the key cons of laminate countertops:
- Damages Can’t be Repaired
Damage on laminate countertops cannot be repaired, therefore, they should be used with care. In case of damage, the whole countertop will be replaced.
- Will be Thin or Darken Over Time
One of the things that make laminate countertops thin or darken over time is constant exposure to moisture.
One of the Best Materials for Bathroom Countertops: Tile
The sixth material in this list is tile bathroom countertop materials. One of the three types of tiles is ceramic which is made from the combination of clay and surface clay under a high temperature. Another type of tile used for bathroom countertops is porcelain tile.
Unlike ceramic tiles, finer clay is used for producing porcelain tiles. Also, porcelain tiles are extremely hard and durable. The third type of tile popularly used for bathroom countertops is known as stone tile. Stone tiles can be derived from several natural stones, some of which include granite, slate, or limestone.
Pros
Tiles should be considered greatly for bathroom countertops because of the following benefits they provide:
- Resistant to Heat, Stains, Scratches, and Moisture
Tiles are extremely durable materials that can resist different kinds of environmental conditions including heat, stains, moisture, and scratches.
- Affordable
Tile bathroom countertop materials are very affordable; therefore, it is one of the best options for low-income earners and individuals on a tight budget.
- Can be Customized
Tile is a top option to consider when there is a need for a full customization service that requires custom design.
Cons
The key drawbacks of tile bathroom countertops are enumerated below:
- Easy to Attract Stains and Mildew
One of the disadvantages of tile countertops is that they can easily attract stains and mildew, especially when installed in humid environments.
- Apt to Crack or Chip
It is necessary to hire a professional with a quality experience for the installation process because the material may break or chip due to improper installation.
One of the Best Countertops for Bathroom: Concrete
A concrete countertop is the last material in this guide “Seven best bathroom countertop materials”. This is a special material that is made from a comprehensive mixture of different aggregates including water and cement. Concrete bathroom countertop material does not chip or break easily even if it undergoes heavy use.
For better performance, concrete countertops can be polished or stained. One last thing about concrete countertops is that they are quite expensive compared to other countertops materials.
Pros
Here are some convincing reasons why concrete bathroom countertops should be considered:
- Ecofriendly
The materials (i.e., water and cement) used for producing concrete bathroom countertops make it an eco-friendly material.
- Can be Cast According to Your Needs
Another benefit of concrete countertops is that they can be easily cast according to special needs and preferences.
- A Vast Range of Customized Choices
It can be used in different spaces and for different designs due to the vast range of customized choices that it offers.
Cons
One of the setbacks concrete countertops is explained below:
- Regularly Wax and Seal are Required
To prevent the durability of concrete countertops and prevent them from damage, they should be regular sealing and waxing.
KKR: A High-Caliber Solid Surface Countertop Company in China
To get high-quality and long-lasting solid surface countertops, it is very important to buy from a reliable manufacturer. One reliable and trustworthy manufacturer of solid surface countertops is KKR. KKR solid surface countertop company is located in China and it is well known for consistently producing high-quality and durable solid surface materials.
Large Production Capacity Enables Fast Production and Quick Delivery
KKR can complete urgent orders faster than several other solid surface countertop companies because it has a large production capacity. For instance, its 15000 m² can complete one 20” container within a week.
Offering Extra Long After-Sale Service Makes You Worry-Free
KKR also offers their customers an extra-long after-sale service. For instance, KKR offers a 10-year warranty for all its products. With this fantastic offer, you can rest assured that you are dealing with a company that is not only after your money but also interested in your overall satisfaction.
Conclusion
One of the usual challenges that a lot of people encounter during the process of choosing bathroom countertops (Learn: Step-by-Step Process of Templating Countertops) is how to know the exact bathroom countertop that suits their needs. To help overcome this, we have prepared this guide “Seven best materials for bathroom countertops”.
The types of bathroom countertop materials extensively explained in this article include solid surface countertops, granite, marble, tiles, laminate, and concrete. The characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of each material have been discussed in this guide; therefore, making it a lot easier to make a quick and informed decision.
