Most Popular Bathroom Counter-top Materials [Pros & Cons]

With a burning desire to change your countertop materials, finding a drop-dead beautiful work surface can get expensive and tricky.

Let’s face it; the only solution for selecting the winner, in this case, is by weighing out how each type can hold up to flat-out abuse and regular usage. Thankfully, there is a wide array of exciting patterns, colors, and surface materials with varying durability to choose from.

But, it can often get overwhelming if you don’t have a fixed preference or budget in mind. Before splurging on a durable prep surface, you must sort out the ideal ones for your home decor by first measuring its functionality. The different countertop materials will deliver gorgeous aesthetics to your bathroom.

However, on the flip side, you’ve got to scan through the potential weaknesses before you finalize on one material. And so, we’ve got you covered with the following guide that should help you see both the positive and negative aspects of the newest trends for bathroom countertop materials.

So, let’s begin, shall we?

Table of Contents

Ceramic/ Porcelain Tile

Porcelain, stone, ceramic, and stone tiles are contemporary countertop material that complements even the trendy, modern styles. The ceramic tiles are made using clay that comes along with a surface glaze; to make them tough, it has been exposed to high temperatures. Moreover, porcelain is also a type of ceramic that consists of finer clays fired to harden them.

Cleaning white grout 30

If you’re looking for a harder and denser material, you can opt for ceramic, which is excellent for your countertops and bathroom floors. You’ll get several design options in porcelain with some styles that can authentically mimic wood or leather materials.

If you’re using tiles for your counter as well as other bathroom areas it can often lead to ‘tile overload’. You’ll also have to deal with grout lines which require periodic cleaning.

Pros

You’ll get a wide variety of colors, and design options to choose from
The porcelain/ceramic tiles are suitable for the moist bathroom environment
Installing ceramic or porcelain tiles is a simple process
Tile is a relatively affordable option when compared to other premium-quality countertop materials, however, it also depends on the quality of the tiles that you’re opting for

Cons

Grout lines make it challenging to maintain and clean the surface
Ceramic/ Porcelain tiles may require sealing, similar to the solid countertop materials
Tiles are delicate, and they can crack under massive impact
Grout can stain and discolor over time, which makes it necessary to get a proper sealing done

Natural Stone

With natural stone countertops, you’ll be assured that it will offer you incredible durability. And when it comes to beauty, there are a lot of varieties that you can choose from such as slate, marble, soapstone, limestone, and granite. But the key to finding the right stone depends on your requirements whether you want calcite-based or porous quality.

However, on a natural stone countertop, you’ll find openings that have been cut out for placing your sinks. These are thick solid slabs that require proper maintenance and care.

Pros

The natural beauty of this stone is difficult to emulate. And it’s one of the premium building materials which sends out a message of luxury
Stone is durable and quite resistant to any form of damage. Moreover, it’s not going to easily scratch or chip, especially in your bathroom environment
Marble and granite are entirely different in their overall appearance. And that is pretty much the case when you try to compare it with other stone materials

Cons

Most natural stone materials require period sealing for stain protection, particularly the porous ones. Ongoing maintenance can also be expensive
It is considerably more expensive than the other surface materials. However, the price tag also depends on the type of stone that you’re using
Marble is a calcite-based material which is sensitive to acidic substances. So, you should be careful when using certain chemicals for cleaning your stone countertops
If you’re opting for the vanity top in prefab stone, you’ll be getting only limited types of stone and colors

Laminate

For a bathroom, one of the ideal countertop materials is laminates because it’s moisture-resistant and durable. It comes in different styles and colors, which is almost indistinguishable from wood, granite, wood, or even leather. Laminate is made from several layers of plastic which are bonded to medium-density fiberboard (MDF) or particleboard.

It has a non-porous quality that makes it resistant to staining and easier to maintain. The transparent wear-resistant coating lies over materials that come with decorative patterns and colors. You can either get these countertops in stock pieces or custom-made ones which come with designer features and custom edges.

Pros

It is a low-maintenance surface that is easy to clean
You’ll get a wide range of colors and patterns available for laminates
It’s quite an affordable option, which is perfect for making an economical choice
There are plenty of prefab vanity and pre-made countertop varieties that are available. A few of them also have an easy installation process that is entirely DIYable

Cons

Laminates are often considered to be a low-cost material, which makes for a great bargain countertop material
The customized styles require a custom fabricator as they aren’t DIY-friendly
The dark-edge seams are pretty visible; however, it also depends on the type of installation that you’ve opted for
The surface material might peel off or get delaminated from the underlying material with long-term exposure to excess moisture and humidity. But, the extent of the damage also depends on the quality of the entire product
Laminate countertops are relatively lightweight, unlike other hefty well-balanced countertop materials
It is not immune to scratches or edge-chipping. Furthermore, laminates can’t be repaired easily

Concrete

Concrete countertops have been the most trending material for many decades. It provides an elegant and unique option that gives you plenty of room to experiment with your creativity. It is often custom-fabricated according to your space and style, and it can be made using whatever color you choose. Some installers can also set bits of polished glass, tiles, or stone during the process of fabrication.

The concrete countertop top material can be stained, texturized, and polished. However, this differs as per the quality of materials that you’ll be selecting. Since this material is naturally porous, it requires periodic upkeep, including sealing, which helps to maintain its overall quality.

You can opt for an integral sink with your concrete countertop or use it as a conventional countertop with a different material basin sink. This material can cost somewhere between $75 and $150 per square foot.

Pros

Concrete countertops are strong and durable- it is highly customizable
It has a classy and unique appearance
You can incorporate either an integral sink or an inlaid decorative item, drop-in, undermount, or vessel
It is one of the top-selling countertop materials

Cons

Concrete countertops are hefty- it require excellent support from base cabinets or vanity
It doesn’t have any DIY option because the concrete countertops should be fabricated and installed by a professional
It can form hairline cracks, or it can get chipped. In such cases, the only way out is a direct replacement of the countertop material. Moreover, it doesn’t have an option for repair
To protect it from stains or moisture it requires sealing

Crushed Glass

Countertops that are made of crushed glass are a relatively new trend that has been getting popular for their super stylish design, durability, and easy maintenance. It is made of recycled crushed glass which is embedded in either concrete or clear acrylic. If you want a modern, trendy designer finish in your bathroom, you can opt for these countertops.

The unique design and overall look of this countertop material stand out amongst the other elements. It is available in different colors, and you can also get them customized according to your preferences. Since they are often custom-fabricated, you won’t find two similar crushed glass countertops. It can either be given a traditional appearance or a modern one depending on the choice of glass.

Moreover, the style ranges from the thick monolithic slabs to the thin sheets. When we think of countertop material, we don’t place much focus on the crushed glass material, but it delivers a strikingly beautiful appearance. It can cost you between $50 and $100 per square foot.

Pros

You can also make integral sinks with this countertop material
The acrylic-based materials make the cleaning process more simple
It can be customized with different textures and tints
It’s not sensitive to abrasive cleaners like other surface materials, you can use water and vinegar, or regular glass cleaner is also sufficient to get the job done
It’s a unique material to select for countertop material

Cons

Even though this material is durable, it can chip and crack easily if you apply too much pressure. And that can be a potential hazard while the damages are also non-repairable
If the concrete-type materials are not periodically sealed, they can get easily stained
The price can be on the steeper side, but it depends on the style and customization that you’re opting for

Quartz/ Engineered Stone

Engineered stone is a man-made product, with a 90% blend of crushed stone/minerals and 10% of resins, pigments, or polymers. All these different elements are then compressed into thin slabs under high pressure. It can cost you around $120 to $200 per square foot. If you’re looking for contemporary-style countertop material, this will be an ideal fit. However, it’s also suitable for heavy-use bathrooms.

You’ll find a variety of colors and patterns available for this material, and most of them appear similar to the natural stone slabs. And the main advantage of using this product is its non-absorbent property that doesn’t require additional sealing or ongoing maintenance.

The price of each square foot of quartz material can cost you around $115 to $200. For quartz countertop material you can click on this link.

Pros

It comes with low maintenance. For cleaning engineered quartz, you’ll require only soap and water. But, you should try to avoid using any abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals
The non-porous characteristic makes it stain-resistant. And it doesn’t support virus or bacterial growth in the bathroom
It offers a multitude of color options, patterns, and styles that emulate the look of natural stone
It is a durable material, and that’s an essential feature for countertop materials in the bathroom. This helps to withstand abuse when it comes in contact with colorful or acidic substances. It also resists chipping, cracking, scratching, and etching
It’s tougher than natural stone materials
You can integrate them into your bathroom even with sink basins, as it can be transformed into different shapes
It has an easy installation process when compared to natural stone

Cons

It lies in the category of expensive counter-tops
It is not heat-proof, which means it can get damaged when exposed to hot materials like your straighteners or curling tools, you need to use a trivet if you want to avoid damage from hot items, unlike the heat-resistant natural stone materials
It can get damaged with highly acidic or alkaline chemicals be it solvents, abrasive cleaners, bleach, or drain clog dissolvers
The seams are often visible, especially if it’s a long counter. However, you can avoid such problems with careful planning
If the countertop is not covered with a prefabricated vanity top, it will require professional installation

Recycled and Composite

It is made of reused and recycled materials like paper and glass, which are combined with some form of cement or resin. After which it’s formed into slabs and sheets which can be shaped and cut. The overall output is a surface that is hard, smooth, and attractive. It’s a great way to bring some eco-friendly materials into your bathroom.

You can find both cement-based materials and resin-based products that function like concrete and solid surface materials.

Pros

It offers a durable and hard surface
The recycled glass countertops come in a wide range of color selections
It has similar benefits to the engineered stone or solid surface material; however, it depends on the products that you select

Cons

A few of the cement-based composite materials require sealing
The availability of the product also depends on the material that you select

Solid Surface

Solid surface is a type of plastic that is a mixture of polyester and acrylic particles that are bonded with resins. It’s formulated in a way that it can mimic the look of stone. And it can be shaped into different forms such as a solid surface countertop with an integrated basin. You can find tons of different styles and colors, which will make a great bath.

If you want a DIY-friendly vanity top, you can opt for the prefabricated solid surface which comes with a combination of resins and fillers. Solid surface was one of the most popular countertop materials in the last decade. But, now it lies in the middle tier with quartz and natural stone taking over the market.

In recent times, solid surface materials have been replaced with ‘cultured-marble’ plastic countertops. The difference between these two types is the ‘gel coat’ that comes on the cultured marble countertops. This coating gives the base material a non-porous, hard, and shiny protective surface. It can cost you about $45 to $75 per square foot of solid surface material.

Pros

Cultured marble and solid surface are both renewable materials in which you can polish out the scratches easily
It’s a non-porous surface which is easy to maintain and clean. It also helps to resist stains, and you can repair it by sanding it well
It’s available in prefab vanity top styles
You’ll find no issues with having to match separate pieces. That is because the patterns and colors in this material are entirely consistent with a variety of available options
The solid surface materials can be given a seamless shape which includes integrated sink basins

Cons

The custom installations of the solid surface material, it require professional fabrication
Both cultured marble and solid surface countertops aren’t heat resistant. However, other than the curler iron and straighteners, you’ll not find many other hot tools in the bathroom
You don’t have the DIY option, with the solid surface materials that are usually not sold to homeowners. It’s just the prefab ones which are convenient for DIY-ers
The stone look of this material is not appreciated by many people who find it look more artificial than elegant
You can’t use abrasive cleaners on solid surfaces with a high sheen. It comes with a more sensitive cover surface in comparison to the other materials, which makes it prone to scratches

Final words

Narrowing down your choices to just one material might seem like a hurdle. But, when you wake up each morning to a beautiful bathroom, it has a unique way to lift your mood. So, weigh out the pros and cons carefully to get the one that suits your needs. While finding for the right style ensures that you don’t miss out on the functionality; it’s an essential factor that you must consider.

If a countertop is attractive but leaves you with an uneven surface and grout lines, it’s probably not a big contender. Also, even your practical and economical option should be readily available and easy to maintain.

We hope this guide has helped you determine which bathroom countertop material is perfect for your home.

Till next time!

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