Bathroom vanity countertops are available in a range of materials, including:
- Cultured Marble: Made from marble dust mixed with resin and can include the sink molded into the top. Cultured marble is not very expensive and comes in different colors.
- Plastic Laminate: The look of plastic laminate countertops has improved over the years, with a realistic pattern that mimics stone. Inexpensive option.
- Granite: This natural stone is expensive, though the price has come down in recent years. Durable but porous, granite requires sealing every year to prevent stains.
- Engineered Stone: Made from crushed stone mixed with resin to form a durable countertop material. While expensive, engineered stone isn’t porous and doesn’t require sealing like granite.
- Solid Surface: This plastic-type material can be fused together to make seams disappear. Solid surface countertops can also be sanded to remove burns or scratches.
Watch the video above to find out more.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
Danny Lipford: Hey, what a great-looking vanity top. You know, when you’re remodeling your bathroom, that’s another decision you have to make is exactly what type of countertop to use. And I’ve got five great options for you.
This one is a cultured marble countertop, and it’s made from a variety of resins and marble dust and they’re able to form the sink integrated right into the countertop. Lots of different colors, and it’s extremely reasonable.
Another option, plastic laminate. And over the years, the manufacturers have done a fantastic job in creating patterns that match natural stone very, very closely at a fraction of the cost. And for a very do-it-yourself approach to plastic laminate, they actually have what they call post-form sections of countertop here in the home center that they can cut and you can install it yourself.
Now, if you want to step up, spend a little bit more money, then you’re looking at granite. Even though nowadays it’s a lot cheaper than it used to be because the fabrication process has gotten so fine-tuned to bring that cost down considerably.
Also, you have engineered stone, which basically is crushed stone and resins that are put together. And then again, a variety of different, very nice patterns that you can find that’ll match your bathroom and your intention in your bathroom real accurately. Now, this is pretty cool because it doesn’t require any sealing, whereas natural stone like granite does require you to seal it from time to time.
But any of the materials that we looked at, if you seam them together, you’ll see the seam, even though it’ll be very subtle unless you use a solid surface material. And they’re able, actually, to mold that together, you’re still able to integrate a sink into it and it’s a great-looking countertop.
Further Information
- Selecting a Bathroom Vanity and Top (video)
- Choosing a Bathroom Vanity (video)
- How to Install a Bathroom Vanity (video)
