While performance might be your No. 1 factor in picking a kitchen countertop, you can bump the term down a couple of notches when it concerns picking countertops for your bathroom. Yes, functionality is very important in the loo, too, but restroom surface areas generally do not take the beating that kitchen countertops do (assuming you’re not using the equivalent of serrated bread knives and marble rolling pins in the restroom). This makes you free to think about appearance above all else. That’s great news because bathroom countertops are usually customized, leaving the design and style choices wide open to individual taste.
” You can have a various attitude in the bathroom,” asserts Myron Ferguson, the author of Better Houses, Better Living (House User Press), of countertop style. “Cooking area countertops need to be a whole lot more functional.” Cultured marble, for instance, is charming in the restroom, but it would not be durable enough for a kitchen area.
Restroom countertops can make a declaration and still be practical, supplying extra workspace. Choosing a specific material can set the tone of the space. Stainless-steel countertops are low upkeep and look magnificent in a contemporary bath, says Diane Foreman, a designer with the Neil Kelley Business in Portland, Ore. “If it’s of good quality, it gets more beautiful with time,” she adds. Glass can also stand out and modern-day, however it’s a challenge to keep it free of fingerprints, and solid pieces can be pricey. One option is to use glass tiles.
Aside from appearance, one should likewise think about price, upkeep, and compatibility when investing in a bathroom countertop. Below are some of the more popular ideas worth investigating.
Granite
Long-lasting, stain-resistant, and stunning, granite is the Rolls-Royce of counter tops. Once the surface area of choice for high-end bathrooms, granite is getting in appeal for a broad spectrum of home designs. It is the most long lasting and simplest to care for of any of the natural stone products, Diane says. While reasonably costly, it offers a classy appearance that is incomparable.
Tip: Tammy Crosby, CEO of www.thehousedesigners.com, suggests comparing prices at regional stone stores. You’ll save much more if you can utilize leftovers from another property owner’s project. Granite tiles are also more inexpensive.
Maintenance: Granite countertops need to be sealed every six months to a year. Tidy countertops with warm water and a liquid detergent. Avoid abrasive cleaners; they’ll scratch and dull the surface. Little chips and scratches can be polished down.
Produced Quartz
Produced quartz imitates the look of limestone, granite or marble, but is much more resistant to scratches and discolorations. Comprised of 90 percent quartz particles, this artificial composite can be found in a wide range of colors and thicknesses. In fact, 4 companies– Silestone, Okite, CaesarStone, and DuPont’s Zodiaq– make more than 130 produced quartz countertops.
Tip: Quartz is the product to utilize if you’re thinking about a countertop with a specialized edging, Tammy states.
Maintenance: Practical for the restroom, quartz is durable, easy to clean and does not require sealing.
Tile
Tile has constantly been a popular product for restroom countertops, but house owners frequently grumble about the requirement to clean the grout. These days, however, tiles are coming out in much larger sizes, which remove the need for various grout lines, states Sheila Tilander, a designer with Showplace Design and Remodeling in Redmond, Wash. Through-body (unglazed) porcelain tiles are more powerful than granite and about a 3rd of the price. Plus, the myriad types of ceramic and porcelain tiles, including ones that have a metallic look, enable magnificent styles. Tiles also work well with other materials such as glass or concrete.
Tip: Utilize a colored grout that does not reveal dirt as easily and which plays off the color of the tile. For a striking contrast, attempt a terra-cotta tile with dark gray grout.
Maintenance: Grout lines require routine upkeep and cleansing. The tiles can be quickly cleaned up with any family cleaning agent.
Solid-Surface Materials
Designed to appear like natural stone, strong surface is among the most popular countertop options available. Understood by its brand such as Corian, Staron, Gilbraltar, and Avonite, this easy-to-maintain artificial product can be molded to fit any style requirements.
Suggestion: Use a solid-surface material if you’re concerned about mold or mildew. The nonporous, hypoallergenic surface discourages the growth of these irritants.
Upkeep: Being impermeable, it’s simple to clean.