Bathroom remodeling is one of the most satisfactory home improvement projects at present. It's a small room, so you can spend a lot of money, and the decorating process is usually much shorter than a larger project like a kitchen. Importantly, bathroom remodeling may increase the value of your home, so you can feel good about your investment.
One of the main considerations to consider if you are planning on making your next bathroom remodeling is bathroom countertops. The materials you choose can have a big impact on the finished product, so it's important to know what you're choosing. Here are the pros and cons of four bathroom countertop options for bathroom remodels:
Waterproof board bathroom countertop
Laminated bathroom countertops are ideal for any size bathroom with any size renovation budget. Shower base are readily available, inexpensive, and fairly easy to install. The laminate material can be used for both the sheet and the sheet after forming. The sheet product needs to be cut to a certain size and adhered to the substrate to create your countertop in the field, whereas the countertop is usually molded after manufacturing to your specific size. Both installation options are generally easy for the average DIY homeowner.
Waterproof panels come in an unlimited range of colors and patterns. There are even HD waterproofing options that use granite or stone images to give you a higher-end look. If you want to make a statement in a small room, bright, patterned countertops may produce an unexpected whimsical effect.
Although waterproofing is a durable and reasonably priced bathroom countertop option, it's good to know that it may not be as durable as stone or porcelain bathroom countertop materials. If not installed correctly, waterproof panels can flake and bubble over time, especially in humid environments such as bathrooms. It is also not heat resistant, so care needs to be taken around equipment such as curling tongs.
Ceramic or tiled countertops
One bathroom countertop option that people often forget these days is ceramic or tile. Although tile countertops were common decades ago, the rise of stone countertops has brought this bathroom remodeling trend to mind. Ceramic or tiled countertops are an interesting and unique choice, especially for traditional home or farmhouse styles. They install themselves, are inexpensive, and can be purchased from almost any local hardware store. If you want to make a splash in your new bathroom, tile countertops are a good choice.
If you're considering using tile for a bathroom conversion, it's good to know that the material is usually cheap, but there's some work involved in installing it. While you may be able to install the tiles yourself, it does take some time. If you plan to lay professional tiles on the counter, the cost may be slightly higher. Keep in mind that tile also requires some maintenance. Grout stains easily, so it's good to clean it regularly. After that, porcelain and ceramic are more fragile than countertop options like waterproof panels or granite. If enough force is applied, the tile may crack or shatter.
quartz
When solid stone countertops took off in the kitchen and beyond, so did quartz. Quartz countertops are actually a composite of man-made materials, including natural quartz, resin and colorant. It offers a luxurious look similar to marble or granite at a slightly lower cost. Quartz is a premium choice for any bathroom countertop and is one of the durable countertops on the market that requires little maintenance. Because quartz countertops are man-made, it's easier to find patterns and colors that fit your bathroom's remodeling plan.
Quartz is a premium choice for your new bathroom, but know that, like all other countertop materials, it does have some drawbacks. Quartz is more expensive than waterproofing or porcelain, although it may cost less than marble or granite. (Read the full breakdown of quartz and granite.) And, although quartz is a very elastic countertop material, its resin composition makes it slightly less heat resistant than other materials. If you do choose quartz in your bathroom, you don't want to leave your curlers directly on the counter.
Marble or granite
If you're looking for a way to add luxury to a newly remodeled bathroom, solid stone is the ideal bathroom countertop material. Both marble and granite are harvested directly from the earth, which means the end product - your kitchen countertop - will always be one or the other. This adds a unique natural look to your bathroom remodeling.
Marble and granite, while beautiful, are luxury options for bathroom countertops, but they cost more than other materials. Although these two options are relatively inexpensive to maintain, they do require regular cleaning and occasionally need to be sealed to prevent scratches or stains.