One of the most important things to think about when remodelling a bathroom or putting in work surfaces in a new home is the choice of tables. Worktops are the most important practical part of a room and can make or break its look and usefulness.
This complete guide will talk about famous bathroom worktop materials like quartz and porcelain, as well as design ideas, the best ways to install them, how to keep them in good shape and how to choose the best worktops for your needs and budget.
Quartz is the perfect mix of form and function.
Engineered quartz is one of the most popular choices for bathroom countertops these days. Natural quartz that has been crushed and mixed with colour dyes and resins gives quartz a high-end look similar to natural stone at a lower price.
Pros:
Colours and patterns that stay the same for a clean, modern look
Very long-lasting and not easily scratched, stained, or chipped.
It is non-porous, which makes it very clean and easy to cleanse.
Very well stands up to splashes, water, and heat.
It comes in many colours, ranging from bright white to deep, classy colours.
Cons:
More noticeable seams than in raw stone
Not heatproof; hot things need to be put on trivets.
Seals itself off every one to two years to keep damage and mould from growing.
Quartz is a great choice for family bathrooms that get a lot of use because it looks like stone but is stronger.
Beautiful options for solid surfaces Solid surface materials like Corian are another current choice for bathroom countertops. This acrylic-based surface material can be changed in a lot of ways, which makes it possible to integrate an undermount sink without any gaps.
Pros:
Integrated or recessed sinks let you get smooth surfaces.
It is long-lasting and waterproof, so it can be used in wet places.
Having the ability to fix or replace broken parts
A huge selection of colours and designs, some of which are see-through
Can cover a tub or shower with similar wall panels
Cons:
Easily burned when hot things are put on them without trivets
Needs to be sealed often to keep its water resistance
Over time, edges and joints may turn a little yellow.
Because it can be made to fit together seamlessly, solid surface makes it possible to create bathroom countertops and walls that are one piece, giving the room a sleek, modern look.
Laminates That Save You Money For a cheap bathroom counter top option, laminates like Formica are a good option. Prices start at less than $10 per square foot.
Pros:
The cheapest material, great for people on a tight budget
Lots of different colours, fake textures, and patterns to choose from
Installation into existing areas is pretty easy to do yourself.
Simple upkeep—it’s easy to clean with regular home cleaners
Cons:
Very easy to chip, cut, burn, and damage from water if not treated carefully.
When there is moisture, edges and seams break down faster than surfaces.
Over time, it won’t last long or stand up to heat.
Laminates are cheap and easy to place, but they need to be used carefully.
Beautiful natural stone that makes you look rich For a standard, high-end look, bathroom countertops made of natural stone like granite, marble, and travertine are beautiful.
Pros:
Classical, high-end good looks
Very cool to the touch, great for hot, steamy baths
A huge range of natural colours, designs, and veining
Excellent resistance to heat and wear
Easy upkeep if properly sealed the first time and every year
Cons:
It costs a lot more than engineered choices, starting at around $100 per square foot installed.
If not protected, cracks, etching, and stains are likely to show up over time.
For a smooth look, color-matched glue is needed.
Exotic natural stone worktops give baths a spa-like feel when money is not an issue.
Ceramic and porcelain worktops last a long time. Fired ceramic and porcelain worktops are a cheap choice that will last for a long time and look great in modern bathrooms.
Pros:
Installation costs as little as $40 per square foot.
Very resistant to scratches, stains, and water
Simple to clean and germ-free
Exceptionally long life with little upkeep
There are many colours and accurate textures, such as wood grain, to choose from.
Cons:
Possible to chip or crack if hit hard
Few differences between pieces make the whole look the same.
Grout lines need to be sealed and cleaned every so often.
Ceramic and porcelain are good options for people on a budget who want durable tables.
Thoughts on Design
Several things affect the best design for worktops:
Space: 24 to 30″ depths work well for small bathrooms, while deeper vanity tops and kitchen-style islands can fit in bigger bathrooms.
There are two types of sinks: undermount and vessel. Undermount sinks need flat bottom edges, while vessel sinks need a high bar or no overhang.
Shapes of the Edges: The front and side edges can be straight, angled, bent, or pencil-rounded. Ogee, chamfered, or grooved sides can make things more interesting.
Overhang: 3 to 5 cm is good for support bars and space. Let about 10 to 15 cm of extra show for leg room with islands.
Cutouts: Carefully measure pipes and appliances to make clean cutouts that fit into the worktops.
designs—Thoroughly plan designs like veining or flecks so that the different pieces of the worktop look like they belong together.
Basics of Correct Installation
When installed correctly, a table will last and not get damaged by water. Have professionals with a lot of knowledge use a lot of:
Flexible enough adhesives to allow a little back and forth moving
Carefully sealed the edges and perimeters with clear silicone glue to keep water out.
matching-color glue at seams to make them look like they are one piece
To stop water from wicking away, precise drip edges are cut into the backsplash and holes.
Shims and braces for level set-up and stable support
You can be sure that your beautiful, high-performing bathroom worktops will last for decades if you carefully choose the material, size, and style you want, and an experienced professional installs them.