Vanity tops can make a dramatic transformation to any bathroom, providing much-needed functionality while adding visual charm. A vanity must withstand water, soap, toothpaste, cosmetics and chemicals while remaining visually appealing.
Countertop materials come in various colors, styles and textures that complement bathroom aesthetics perfectly. Popular choices for bathroom countertops are granite, marble, cultured marble (man-made surface with real marble chips and resin) or solid surfaces like tile and wood.
Laminate
Laminate countertop surfaces are versatile, durable and cost-effective commercial counter top solutions. Produced by pressing together layers of heavy-duty paper with melamine resin and coating it in an attractive decorative layer like wood grain, stone texture or other nontraditional designs such as leaves or grass patterns, artwork or paint splatters; laminate is one of the most affordable countertop surfaces on the market.
The bottom of a laminate piece is typically composed of wood-chip composite that measures less than 1/2-inch thick. Unfortunately, this material is vulnerable to water damage and cannot be stained or painted; small scratches may need to be touched up using resin paint specifically designated for that material.
Laminate countertops tend to be one of the least expensive vanity top options, making them popular with budget-minded consumers. Easy to maintain and require no resealing every year, they also don't provide warmth and character like natural materials such as stone and wood do. Unfortunately they lack longevity compared to their alternatives and don't convey as much warmth in return.
Solid Surface
Solid surface vanity tops offer an opulent yet chic appearance while being hardy enough to withstand everyday use and wear and tear. Available in various colors, shapes, textures and shapes they turn your bathroom into a place of style and functionality.
Solid surfacing is a durable, nonporous material that resists staining and can be quickly and easily cleaned up after any spill or stain occurs. Additionally, its single piece construction with integrated sinks eliminates unsightly seams where moisture or germs may collect for optimal hygiene in your home.
Formica Group, Wilsonart and HI-MACS offer this type of vanity top in various designs to match any aesthetic. Urban features contemporary metropolitan styles with an edge while Classic offers traditional residential beauty. You can customize the dimensions to create a tailored, sleek look tailored to fit perfectly into your space; choose between Urban or Classic to complete the project! A variety of sink options is also available.
Granite
Granite vanity tops are stunning, durable and add value to your home. A popular choice for bathroom remodels due to its heat resistance and ease of getting ready, they also require less maintenance than other countertop materials like quartz. However, their appearance does require upkeep more often.
Granite counters for bathrooms differ from kitchen countertops in that they can be created from either one slab or tile, unlike kitchen countertops which typically involve multiple pieces being assembled together into one large unit. Fabricators will typically have leftover pieces left from larger projects they can sell at discounted rates; although granite is more costly than its alternatives, its durability and beauty make it a worthwhile investment.
Before purchasing a granite bathroom counter, take careful measurements of both sides and front and back of your cabinet to make sure it will fit. Also keep in mind that granite may etch from acidic substances such as vinegar, fruit juice or cleaning solvents containing acids.
Bamboo
Bamboo counter tops add an eye-catching feature to any bathroom, particularly when combined with a hammered metal or glass sink. Bamboo's natural colors allow it to complement virtually any color sink or accent pieces found throughout a space - which makes bamboo an excellent choice for bathrooms with beach, Asian or tropical themes.
Teragren's furniture-grade bamboo countertops boast stunning edge-grain designs and an unfinished, eco-friendly surface that can easily be maintained with mineral oil. Their patented construction utilizes urea formaldehyde-free adhesive, making these hard and more durable than maple; additionally they come equipped with a strong multilam inner core, offering structural support that increases their beauty as well as their strength.
When working with bamboo, one of the key decisions to be made is whether to finish it with oil or varnish. Oil will better handle food on its surface than varnish and provides a more natural appearance. When applying oil, use a rag rather than a brush; this ensures the surface absorbs it rather than simply being coated by it.
