Bathroom countertops may be used in two different ways, according to interior designers. Denver-based designer Jess Knauf says they may either make a statement or gently compliment other finishes in the bathroom. A basic Carrara may be the more understated companion to a more intriguing tile elsewhere in the area, but if you choose a more striking countertop material—perhaps with a lot of veining or an attractive color—that can be the main point of the room, according to Knauf.
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When examining the variety of bathroom countertop materials, there are a few practical factors to keep in mind regardless of your choice of style—statement or subtle, according to Knauf. Is selecting an affordable material your first concern, or do you want something unique? Do you like your natural stone to have some patina and age to it, or would you rather have a completely stain-free surface? Take care: Natural stone may be stained by hair products, makeup, and oil-based items, which are common items found on vanity tops, according to Knauf. Tiled vanities, on the other hand, can provide an intriguing texture, but grout needs maintenance. Bathroom countertops made of wood must be kept properly sealed since they are vulnerable to water damage.
If you’re remodeling your bathroom completely or simply giving it a facelift, we asked Knauf and other designers to list additional benefits and drawbacks of common countertop materials, such as quartz, granite, and marble. This can help you make an informed decision about which material would work best for your space.
Marble
Marble is a timeless and traditional material that can be customized to fit almost any taste, according to Lindsey Black of Lindsey Black Interiors, located in Memphis, Tennessee. You might be more subdued or daring. However, it can etch or stain and will age.
“I most often prefer marble in a bathroom for its timeless look,” Black stated. “I feel you can never go wrong with it, and I personally love how it ages over time and gives a ‘lived-in’ feel to a space.”
According to Naomi Rigas of Envy Interior Design Studio, an interior designer located in San Francisco, marble is highly adaptable. Marble worktops have the power to significantly alter the ambiance of a bathroom, depending on the color and veining pattern you pick.
Just be ready to wipe off any extra moisture from washing your hands and face with a hand towel close by, advises Rigas. According to her, refinishing your countertops on a regular basis will prolong their appearance.
Quartz stone
Quartzite is a multicolored stone with a marble-like appearance. However, because of its extreme density, it resists wear and tear better than marble or other more porous materials, according to Denver-based interior designer Momoko Wong of Momo Wong Design. With its overall crystalline brilliance and appearance of movement, Wong adds, “it’s also so elegant and beautiful.”
The drawback? One of the most costly types of stone slabs is often quartzite. More pure white quartzite that resembles crystals may fetch $10,000 per slab, according to Rigas.
Granite
Because granite is inexpensive compared to other materials and is simple to maintain, it is a popular choice for bathrooms. It is a workhorse, though. According to Wong, it’s thick, won’t etch or stain as readily as marble, and when you locate some unusual slabs, it can really make an impression.
Quartz
Let’s add up the benefits: According to Black, quartz requires little upkeep, is resistant to etching and stains, and always appears brand-new. It’s not the focal point of the design, but it’s a nice choice if you’re looking for more of a background accent, she adds. Black observes a tendency toward the use of quartz that more closely mimics natural materials, even though quartzite and marble are typically the front-runners in popularity contests.
Concrete
According to Black, concrete may have an industrial vibe or have a more polished appearance. It’s very personalized, long-lasting, and available in a range of hues. According to Black, you should take into consideration the material’s extreme weight while creating the vanity or floating supports since it can stain if it isn’t sealed. She finds that concrete feels different and is a good alternative for a pool bathroom. Additionally, concrete performs well in moist or damp conditions.
Soapstone
Because soapstone can be dressed up for a main bathroom or down for a kids’ bathroom, Together Home designers Lissette Fernandez and Chelsea Murawski refer to it as the “little black dress of bathroom countertops” and adore working with it. They advise accepting the stone’s moodiness. It is available in several hues, ranging from gray to nearly black. “We love contrasting the earthy, graphic element of the soapstone with polished nickel hardware,” Fernandez explains. Although it’s rather unbreakable, you need reseal it once a year.