Help4Home.net Bathroom Countertop Article

Jan. 18, 2010 - PRLog -- WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN SHOPPING

Step into many bathrooms in the United States and it feels like you’re taking a step back in time. The bathroom often gets overlooked when updating the home and while the rest of the home is taken into the current decade, the bathroom is sometimes left in the 70’s, 60’s or even the 50’s. And while that pink, orange, yellow or olive green color scheme might have been the style at the time, it’s the first thing that a guest will notice—it’s time for a new look.

Adding a new countertop for your vanity is a great place to start with your bathroom remodel. But how do you know what type of countertop is going to be best for your bathroom? Durability should be the first item taken into consideration as the bathroom counter can take a beating. Water, soap, toothpaste, cosmetics and harsh chemicals are ever present in the bathroom and can damage an inferior quality countertop. The best way to determine the quality of a particular type of countertop material is to ask a trained professional; they have the knowledge that you will need in determining which type of counter will last the longest.

Installation requirements, weight, water and stain resistance, maintenance and cost also need to be taken into consideration when shopping for the correct countertop for your remodel. If these factors are all taken into account before the remodel commences, you will be able to properly budget for a countertop which will meet your needs and endure for the life of your remodeled bathroom.

A new countertop doesn’t have to break the bank. No matter what your budget, there is a style and material which you can afford. Average prices range anywhere from $16 - $100+ per square foot installed.

By taking your time, researching and getting the advice of a trained professional before you make your final decision, you can rest assured that you have made a superior choice and will have no regrets after all is said and done.

TYPES OF MATERIALS

The material that you select for your new countertop will directly affect not just the quality of your vanity but also the aesthetics of the entire room.  Whether you are going for a new age, futuristic-style remodel, a classic Victorian themed or something in the middle, there exists a variety of countertop materials to help make your dream a reality.

Ceramic tile is the most common type of countertop found in homes today. These come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, colors and textures making it easy to find a design that suits your tastes. Ceramic tiles are fairly easy to clean but mildew and grime tend to build up between tiles.

Stone is rapidly becoming a favorite in American bathrooms. With varieties such as granite, marble and limestone, a new stone countertop can add a high aesthetic value to your remodel.  In addition to being pleasing to the eye, these countertops tend to be highly durable and easy to clean.

Wood countertops can give your bathroom a warm, mountainous look and feel. If properly cared for, they can be a unique aspect to your remodel. However, water is not friendly to wood and even the best wooden countertops will eventually begin to warp and rot after being exposed to a wet environment such as a bathroom.

Metal and glass countertops are an excellent way to give your remodeled bathroom a clean, modern and stylish look. These types of materials have an advantage over others as they are sleek, easy to clean and surprisingly durable. On the downside, they tend to show water spots, fingerprints and grime more easily than other materials. With regular cleanings, these materials can stay looking like new and last a lifetime. These materials can be extremely difficult to install and it is recommended that you work with an experienced contractor.

The most economical type of countertop material is laminate.  These come in many different patterns and are fairly durable but have a tendency to scratch, chip and stain. These are moderately easy to clean and do not show fingerprints, water spots or grime like the metal and glass countertops. Installation of these is quick and simple with a professional’s help and can be done in a matter of hours.

INSTALLATION AND SINKS

Installing a new countertop can be tricky even for the most experienced do-it-yourselfer. The problems of installation are then multiplied if installing a countertop made from glass, metal, or stone. Moisture, ever present in the bathroom, can be particularly harsh on many components of your bathroom remodel. Without careful installation, all your hard work will be for naught and your new countertop will have to be redone in a short period of time. The last thing you want to do is tear up your recently installed countertop because it was not put into place properly. This is why professional installation in a bathroom is so important.
Consider the sink. The type of sink that you wish to incorporate into your new bathroom can have a large impact on what type of counter will work best for your remodel. Do you want the sink to be sunk into the counter as a separate unit, built into the countertop itself or sitting above the counter?

Most counters have a hole cut into them for the sink. Although this is common, this is not the only option. Some solid surface countertops can incorporate a sink right into the countertop design making the countertop and the sink a singular unit. This gives the countertop a continuous, smooth flowing feel and can add to overall visual appeal of the bathroom.

Vessel bowl sinks sit on top of the counter and depending on your faucet can require just one small hole for the drain. These sinks have gained in popularity recently and are becoming more and more common.  Although these can be expensive, they are worth considering as they can help add an elegant feel to your bathroom.  

No matter what type of material you decide upon for your updated countertop, before you begin, seek the advice of a trained professional, they can guide you to making smart decisions that will make your life easier and make sure your renovation is a success.

Written by Alexander McIntosh

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