Best Countertops for Bathrooms

If you're in the market for a new countertop for your bathroom, finding the right material to meet your specific needs can be challenging. Bathroom countertops should be affordable, attractive, waterproof, easy to clean, and, above all, durable. The durability of bathroom countertops is essential, as bathrooms are no place for porous or delicate surfaces. 

A bathroom vanity countertop must withstand the daily wear and tear of everyday use while enduring soap, water, and cosmetics. It also needs to provide ample workspace during those busy moments in the bathroom.

While durability is crucial, the appearance of the countertop is equally important. Vanity tops often serve as a connecting or focal point where the tile wall above meets the wood cabinet below, so you want them to look appealing.

Ultimately, the choice of bathroom countertop surfaces will depend on your unique style and budget. Fortunately, we’ve covered everything you need to know. Once you understand more about the best countertops for bathrooms, our team at Baker Bros is confident you’ll be excited to visit us and choose new countertops that will add character and beauty to your space. 

Comparing Materials for Bathroom Countertops

Bathroom countertop materials come in a wide range of colors and patterns, each featuring its own set of pros and cons. Below is a comparison of different bathroom countertop materials to help you find the right choice for your space.

Solid Surface Countertops

For contemporary bathrooms, solid surface countertops offer an excellent option with their seamless appearance. These countertops are crafted from a unique blend of polyester and acrylic particles bonded with resins. Notably, solid surface countertops can be designed to resemble natural stone and can be shaped to meet specific needs and desired aesthetics. 

Pros

• Easily customizable, with a wide variety of patterns and colors available.
• Offers stain resistance and has non-porous capabilities.
• Easy to maintain and repair.
• Can be seamlessly integrated with sinks.

Cons

• They can be dented or scratched more easily than true stone countertops.
• They offer less heat resistance than other natural stone varieties, making them less scorch-resistant.
• They can sometimes have an artificial feel. 

Quartz Countertops

When it comes to modern bathroom design, quartz countertops stand out as a favored choice due to their blend of style and durability. Typically composed of 70 to 90 percent ground quartz, they are blended with other stone materials, pigments, and resins. Some well-known brands for quartz bathroom countertops include Cambria and Corian.

Pros

• Quartz countertops come in a wide variety of colors, styles, and patterns.
• They have heat-resistant properties.
• Quartz bathroom countertops are non-porous and low-maintenance.
• These countertops are incredibly durable and highly resistant to scratches and scuff marks.

Cons

• They have lower heat resistance compared to concrete or granite.
• They can be more expensive than other bathroom vanity top materials.

Ultra Compact Quartz Countertops

As a relatively new and innovative option for bathroom vanity tops, ultra-compact quartz countertops combine and bond unique materials like porcelain, quartz, and glass under high heat and extreme pressure.

Popular brands of ultra-compact quartz countertops include Neolith and Dekton. These brands offer numerous benefits and are quickly gaining popularity due to their impressive aesthetic qualities and performance capabilities.  

Pros

• Thanks to their non-porous surface, ultra-compact quartz countertops are resistant to bacteria and wear, making them impossible to absorb liquids.
• They are easy to clean and require low maintenance.
• These countertops are highly resistant to scuffs, scratches, and heat.
• They are extremely durable.
• Available in a wide variety of patterns, colors, and finishes, including designs that resemble natural stone.

Cons

• They can be prone to cracking or chipping if not correctly maintained or installed.
• They are more costly than other countertop materials.
• Professional installation will be required.
• Being a relatively new material, ultra-compact quartz is not widely known or available everywhere. 

Granite Countertops

Thanks to their durability—granite is one of the hardest natural stones—and natural beauty, granite countertops are a popular choice for homeowners. They are also among the most commonly used bathroom countertop materials in the U.S., especially among builders and remodelers.

Pros

• Increases home value.
• Resistant to extreme heat, stains, and scratches; highly durable.
• Available in unique colors and patterns compared to other natural stones.
• Offers a high-end designer look. 

Cons

• Requires periodic sealing to protect against stains.
• Unique slab options are generally more expensive than other materials.

Laminate Countertops

When it comes to a bathroom remodel, laminate countertops provide a budget-friendly choice that is worth considering. These countertops are man-made, consisting of layers of plastic bonded together to form a particleboard core. 

Pros

• Easy to maintain and clean.
• Available in a variety of patterns and colors.
• Often affordable.
• Ideal for guest bathrooms and as a quick fix when selling a home. 

Cons

• Easily damaged by moisture and heat.
• Less durable than other materials for bathroom countertops.
• Not as attractive as solid surface or natural stone options.
• They can have a lower resale value. 
• These bathroom countertops cannot be refinished, and delamination is possible. 

Ceramic or Porcelain Tile Countertops

Fired at higher temperatures, porcelain is a type of ceramic made from finer, denser, and harder clays, making it ideal for countertops, including bathroom counters. 

Ceramic tiles are also manufactured from clay but undergo a surface glaze that hardens them at high temperatures. While both porcelain and ceramic work well for a tile countertop, porcelain has certain advantages; however, both materials share similar pros and cons.

Pros

• DIY-friendly.
• Affordable and budget-friendly.
• Available in a broad range of designs.

Cons

• May have visible grout lines.
• Porcelain and ceramic can have a lower resale value.
• Prone to cracks.

Marble Countertops

Adding a touch of luxury to any bathroom design, marble countertops are known for their aesthetic appeal and elegance, capable of elevating any space. Additionally, marble is a naturally occurring stone, meaning no two pieces are the same, offering homeowners a unique look.

Pros

• Offers heat resistance.
• Timeless and luxurious appearance.
• Available in numerous patterns and colors.

Cons

• Generally more expensive compared to other countertop materials.
• Requires periodic sealing to protect against stains.
• Easily etched or scratched due to its porous nature. 

Cultured Marble Countertops

Offering the beauty of natural marble without the luxury price tag, cultured marble countertops are an excellent option for budget-conscious homeowners. Cultured marble is an engineered stone similar to quartz, manufactured from a mixture of resin binders and marble dust, blended with pigments to create varying colors and patterns.

Pros

• Stain-resistant and durable.
• Easy to maintain and clean.
• More affordable compared to natural marble.

Cons

• Less heat resistance compared to natural marble.
• Fewer pattern and color options than natural stone.

Final Thoughts

Whether you are remodeling or building a new bathroom, choosing the right countertop can be challenging, especially with the numerous colors, patterns, styles, and finishes available. This is where the assistance of professional designers and countertop experts can be incredibly beneficial.

Professionals have the skills and knowledge to make recommendations based on your style preferences and your family's needs. So, worry not! Our team at Baker Bros has the experience necessary to help homeowners and buyers select the best material for bathroom countertops. 

Our friendly team can also answer any design questions you may have. Visit us in-store, and we'll guide you on your journey to finding the perfect bathroom countertop.