Selecting the Right Bathroom Countertop Materials For Your Bathroom

Countertop materials and colors really set the tone for your overall bathroom design. Many colors, styles, pattern and materials are available to choose from - each with its own special qualities. In addition to making a statement bathroom countertops can still be practical, providing additional workspace. Choosing a particular material can set the tone of the room

By customizing your bathroom countertop, you will be able to address all of your bathroom needs and add your own personal sense of style. You will need to choose for your bathroom design project a countertop that can accent your major fixtures like your shower, toilet, vanity, etc.

Bathroom countertops are made from materials that are durable and, and are also quite easy to maintain. Most countertops are constructed by combining a base of plywood or particleboard that then spans across the top of a cabinet and the finish surface material. Materials used in bathroom countertops also include any mastic, glue, mortar or grout needed to adhere the surface to the base and keep it impervious to water and stains.

While functionality is important in the kitchen since the kitchen countertops take more of a beating that bathroom countertops do, when it comes to bathroom countertops you are more able to consider appearance above all else. Since bathroom countertops are generally custom-made, you will find that the style and design options are wide open.

Bathroom countertops come in many types of surfaces and materials. These include: laminate, solid surface, ceramic tile, marble, and granite.

Laminate

Laminate represents the lowest installed cost and a wide choice of colors, patterns and textures. While laminate is stain and scuff resistant is can still be susceptible to burns and nicks.

Solid Surface

Solid surface bathroom countertops provide more design flexibility along with easy maintenance. These surfaces are easy to clean and sanitize. Scratches and most types of stains can be buffed out. Solid surface countertops imitate the look of natural stone such as marble, granite or slate. This type of material can be machined with standard woodworking tools, although you may find that you need a professional installer.

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile has long been a top choice for bathroom countertops. It is known for its variety of styles, colors, patterns and materials. Prices range widely, depending on quality, and you may find that not all tiles are suitable for bathroom countertops. Tile is made of clay, shale, and porcelain. There are different types of tiles including glazed and ceramic.

Marble

Marble is know for its beauty, but because it is soft and porous and can stain easily. Nevertheless marble still remains a top choice for bathroom countertops, walls and floors. Marble is available in slab or tile forms and in a variety of thicknesses.

Granite

Due to its beauty and durability granite is a more high-end choice for countertops. It is less susceptible to scratching and absorption than marble. Granite bathroom countertops withstand heat and the high usage that a bathroom counter would be exposed to. There are a wide variety of colors available, as well as finishes, including high polish, matte and rough-textured.

James Mahoney is the author of many bathroom design articles and has a site about bathroom design ideas and trends at Bathroom Designers Ideas.com.

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