Once a decision has been made to renovate a bathroom, vanity tops will inevitably become part of the renovation project. Given the volume of bathroom cabinets used, choosing materials that are durable and easy to clean is critical to balancing practicality with aesthetics or in keeping with the overall design scheme.
A typical bathroom is not subject to the same type of abuse as a kitchen. There are fewer heavy objects that could affect the countertop, no very hot pots and pans to move around, and the bathroom is not a gathering point like a kitchen. This means it is safer to use softer and less heat resistant stones. However, bathrooms often contain chemicals such as hairspray, nail polish remover, and shower cleaners that can damage some stones.
Marble Bathroom Vanity
Marble is an elegant stone commonly used in high-end homes and is known for its clean appearance and extraordinary beauty. Often a shade of white, the stone is often textured in grey, black, light blue, pink, red, tan or green and complements many design styles. Stones can be polished for a bright sheen, or buffed for a more matte look.
Many home builders and designers avoid marble in the kitchen because it is not as strong as granite or quartz and is more susceptible to damage from chemicals. However, this is not the case with the bathroom. Marble is very durable and stain resistant compared to most non-stone countertops. Only a few natural stones can be considered "better", and marble is more durable than many other non-stone surfaces. For bathrooms, marble is the first choice.
Granite Bathroom Vanity
Granite is probably the strongest and most durable stone countertops on the market. Available in a variety of colors and patterns, it is a very popular choice for bathroom countertops and vanities. The stone is almost impossible to scratch and is very heat resistant, making it perfect for busy bathrooms.
Granite has a natural, earthy look that you'll find to match almost any decor. This stone has been a popular choice for years, and it tends to add value to a home compared to non-stone countertops. A granite vanity or bathroom countertop can last a lifetime. Its timeless appearance and design versatility mean homeowners and buyers will enjoy this surface for many years to come.
Granite is a very low maintenance stone. Cleaning should be done regularly and surfaces should be protected from harsh cleaning agents, chemicals and acids. But usually, it's just a matter of regularly wiping down the countertop and cleaning up clutter. Granite is often sealed at the factory or during installation to protect it from chemical and other damage. This is much less of an issue in a bathroom than in a kitchen, but the stone may need to be resealed every year or so.
Quartz Bathroom Vanity
Quartz is a natural stone made from ground stone and resin. So, while mostly natural, slabs are not cut directly from the earth like marble and granite. Often quartz is indistinguishable from traditional natural stone.
Quartz is an excellent choice for bathrooms due to its durability (comparable to granite) and extremely low maintenance requirements. Another benefit is that if you use multiple plates, the quartz will have a more uniform appearance when the plates are made without trying to match patterns and textures from plate to plate. Might be important for a large bathroom.
Unlike marble and granite, quartz is non-porous, so it is least susceptible to stains. This also makes it very easy to clean and maintain as no sealant is required. This is one of the main reasons why many homeowners choose quartz in their kitchens and bathrooms.
