When selecting kitchen countertops, you must base your decision on the material’s durability when exposed to acidic liquid spills, hot pots and pans, sharp knives, and raw food. None of these factors exist in the bathroom, so you have a little more flexibility. Here are the top considerations when selecting the best countertop material for your upcoming bathroom renovation.

Think About Functionality

Bathroom counters don’t have to withstand many of the challenges found in kitchens, but they do come in contact with toothpaste, hairspray, standing water, and hot curling irons. You need a material that looks beautiful and won’t degrade in a bathroom setting.

Consider Maintenance Requirements

Are you willing to maintain your bathroom counters to help them look great for years to come, or do you want to keep maintenance to the bare minimum? For instance, natural stone requires resealing, and tile grout needs extra attention as well. Then, less conventional materials, such as steel or glass, may show fingerprints and smudges more easily, making them harder to clean. If any of this turns you off, a low-maintenance countertop is probably best.

Reflect on the Appearance

Your bathroom counter says a lot about your aesthetic tastes. This is your chance to splurge on a high-end product because you need less material than you would in the kitchen. Keep it classy with a clean, white finish, or consider something funky and whimsical in a bright, unexpected color. You might even try something outside the norm by installing a wood or concrete bathroom counter. Go with whatever you love!

Compare Popular Bathroom Countertop Materials

With an idea of what you want from your bathroom counters, consider the materials that can help you get there. Here are some of the most popular types of bathroom countertops:

• Natural stone: Many different types of stone are used for countertops these days, including granite, marble, slate, and soapstone. A natural stone counter could look absolutely gorgeous in your updated bathroom, but be prepared to reseal it occasionally.
• Quartz: This is an engineered stone comprised of natural minerals, resins, and pigments. Quartz countertops are often coupled with under-mount sinks or can even have basins integrated directly into them. Unlike natural stone, no resealing is required.
• Solid Surface: Made from a blend of acrylic, polyester, and resins, solid surface countertops are usually formulated to resemble stone. Be aware that this material may scorch if a hot curling iron touches it.
• Tile: Perhaps square, monochromatic tiles are your preference, or maybe you envision a colorful mosaic. Either way, tiles are durable and inexpensive. Just remember that cleaning the grout could get tricky.

Redoing your bathroom countertops to meet your functional, maintenance, and aesthetic requirements is only one small part of a complete bathroom makeover. Work with Capitol Design Build to help you transform the space into the bathroom of your dreams! It all begins with a free, no-obligation bathroom design estimate. Call us today at 703-436-6919 or contact us online to get started.