Choosing the Right Countertop for Your Bathroom Remodel

Bathroom fixtures are a major decision when planning a bathroom remodel, but the countertops can elevate the look of your space from beautiful to stunning. Countertops play a major role in the overall look of the room, but they also impact your ability to clean and maintain your new bathroom, so care should be taken to choose the right material as well as the color and style. Here is a look at the pros and cons of the most popular countertops used today.

Granite – The most popular of the natural stone countertop materials, granite is beautiful and available in a wide variety of colors and patterns. It lasts a lifetime and doesn’t easily damage. Being impervious to humidity makes it a great choice for the bathroom. Once properly sealed, it doesn’t require much upkeep. On the downside, it is one of the more expensive choices on the market and while it doesn’t damage easily with normal usage, it should be left up to a general contractor to correctly install.

Quartz – Abundant and one of the hardest minerals, quartz is also a admired choice. It is extremely durable and doesn’t require sealing. It shares granite’s resistance to moisture, and is available in a large variety of finishes that can be customized to fit the look you are going for. Be prepared to pay for it though as quartz, like granite it definite not the cheapest option on the market.

Marble – Topping out the price list is marble. It is strong enough to resist chipping, but vulnerable to stains and etching from acidic substances, so it has to be resealed regularly. Most commonly found in whites with marbleized streaking of light or gray color. Talk to your general contractor about finishes available for matte or shiny surfaces.

Solid Surface – Crushed stone and acrylic resin are combined to make solid surface materials, which are available in solid colors and subtle patterns. Like its solid stone counterparts, it is resistant to moisture and bacteria. The styles are similar to natural stone and can be just as beautiful. Due to the resin component, this surface can be damaged by a heat and run the risk of dents and chips over time.

Concrete – It doesn’t sound like something you’d consider for a home remodeling job, but concrete can actually be very appealing when done by a professional. Concrete tops can be cast in any shape and size to fit your space. Regular maintenance is needed due to concrete being a porous material.

Laminate – Among the least expensive options is laminate. It is easy to damage than most other counter materials and damages cannot effectively be repaired. Dulling can happen. On a positive note, it is fairly easy to install, and available in a wide variety of pre-made shapes, sizes and patterns making it viable option for homeowners on a budget.

Tile - A traditional floor and wall covering, tile can be utilized as a countertop material as well. It is among the more affordable surface materials, plus damaged tiles are easily replaceable, so be sure to keep any extra materials left over for such an occurrence. The biggest downside to tile is that it does need to be grouted, making it more susceptible to stains and mildew. It is recommended to seal the grout to help prevent color damage.

There are a lot of places in Phoenix to see these practical materials in person, but you will want to be sure that you choose someone with a well educated on-staff design team that will work with you to choose the perfect material for your project and lifestyle. We recommend visiting the design showroom at TWD, where you can plan your entire remodel in one location. Their design professionals are on hand to assist, and their staff includes nationally certified universal design specialists to consult on any special needs you may have. Haven’t heard of TWD? You can find their full range of services and portfolio online at www.twdaz.com. While you are there, be sure to request your free consultation today.