Bathroom Countertops: Material Pros And Cons

Ready to redo your bathroom countertop and not sure what material to choose? Do you want to ensure you make the best choice when it comes to the look and durability?

In this article, we’ll explore some of the pros and cons of popular materials like granite, marble, laminate, and more. When you finish reading this post, you’ll feel more confident about choosing your next bathroom countertop material.

Quartz

Quartz is an engineered stone created by combining ground quartzite with resin and other materials to create a durable, non-porous surface.

Pros

• Durable: quartz is one of the hardest minerals on Earth, being stain-resistant, scratch-resistant, and more
• Doesn’t need sealing: quartz counters are non-porous, so they won’t absorb spills or harbor bacteria like other materials can
• Many colors and styles: you can more easily find a quartz countertop that fits into the design of your home
• Coloring is more uniform: chips and cracks won’t show as easily
• It can form many shapes: you can create a quartz countertop to fit your bathroom design
• Variety of edge treatments: another way you can make your bathroom a better reflection of you
• Some stain-resistance: you’ll still want to wipe up spills quickly
• Some heat-resistance: you can lay a hot curling iron on quartz countertops, but it still isn’t a great idea to leave hot items on them for long
• Excellent resale value: quartz countertops are a favorite among homeowners
• Eco-friendly: quartz countertops are made from one of the most abundant minerals on Earth

Cons

• On the expensive side: when it comes to the cost for countertops, quartz countertops are on the more expensive side than other options, such as laminate or tile
• Can sometimes see seams: this isn’t a desirable trait for some homeowners
• Not as heat-resistant as stone: don’t set hot objects on here for too long
• Not DIY-friendly: the material is heavy and requires special tools for cutting and polishing
• Some finishes will show smudges: you may have to wipe the surface regularly to keep it looking clean
• Can be brittle: they may chip or crack if they are hit hard enough, though it isn’t a common problem

Solid Surface

Solid surface is a man-made material created from a blend of acrylic, polyester resins, and fillers.

Pros

• Can be seamless: this is an aesthetic option many homeowners want
• More easily shaped: can be more easily adapted to many bathroom layouts
• Low-maintenance: doesn’t need sealing and is easily cleaned
• Some stain-resistance: you don’t need to panic trying to wipe up spills immediately
• Some moisture resistance: this material will last longer, and you won’t have to worry about water damage
• More easily repaired: sanding may be all that’s needed for repairs
• Consistent colors and patterns: chips and cracks will be harder to notice

Cons

• Can look man-made: though it may look like natural stone, solid surface countertops can have a more artificial look to them
• Hard for homeowners to find to buy: contractors have an easier time finding a seller, meaning it’s hard to DIY
• Low heat resistance: don’t put hot objects on these countertops
• Darker colors show damage more clearly: it’s easier to see damage if you choose a darker-colored solid surface counter

Natural Stone

Natural stone countertops come from quarried rocks like granite, marble, soapstone, and slate. Travertine countertops are also made from natural stone.

Pros

• Durable: will last for years, especially with the correct care
• Beautiful: Premium, luxurious look and feel
• Uniqueness: no two marble or granite countertops look alike, though other stones may have more similar looks

Cons

• Can be porous: this means regular sealing will be needed
• Higher-maintenance needs: they need resealing, quick cleaning in case of spills, and overall better care
• Expensive: natural stone is expensive due to the difficulty that comes with getting it, cutting it, and installing it
• More difficult installation: this increases the cost and keeps it from being DIY-friendly

Marble

Marble is created when limestone is subjected to extreme heat and pressure, resulting in a hard, crystalline form.

Pros

• Unique: no marble countertops look exactly alike
• Beautiful: they have a very luxurious look and feel
• Can increase home value: get more value than just a luxurious look
• Strong: don’t crack, dent, or chip easily
• Heat-resistance: don’t worry about placing hot objects on marble surfaces
• Long-lasting: will last for years with the right maintenance

Cons

• Expensive: marble is more expensive than other options, such as laminate or quartz countertops
• Needs regular sealing: marble is highly porous and needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water damage
• Prone to scratches: vulnerable to scratches and chips if not handled carefully
• Can stain more easily: can stain more easily than other materials due to its porosity, so it’s important to clean up spills quickly and wipe down surfaces regularly

Granite

Granite is created when magma cools and solidifies under the Earth’s surface, resulting in a hard, dense material.

Pros

• Unique: no two countertops will ever be the same, giving your bathroom an interesting, one-of-a-kind appeal
• Huge variety in look and color: granite comes in many different colors and patterns, from subtle shades of gray to bold hues of blue
• Scratch-resistance: it’s unlikely to get scratched or damaged by everyday use
• Heat-resistance: you won’t have to worry about the countertop warping or discoloring due to excess heat
• Moisture-resistance: your countertop won’t easily suffer damage due to water
• Adds to a homes resale value: buyers appreciate the quality and luxury of having granite in their bathrooms
• Recyclable: granite is one of the most eco-friendly materials out there—it’s 100% recyclable

Cons

• Expensive: it can be an expensive material, particularly if you choose higher-end varieties or if you require custom fabrication
• Needs regular sealing: it still needs to be sealed regularly (every year or two) in order to protect it from staining and water damage
• Not very eco-friendly: transportation and mining granite takes a lot of energy and resources

Tile (Ceramic And Porcelain)

Both materials are created from clay, feldspar, silica, sand, or other all-natural fine materials that are mixed together, shaped into tiles, and then kiln-fired.

Pros

• Affordable: you can find tiles in a variety of prices and materials
• Hundreds of designs: whether you’re looking for something classic or modern, you can find the perfect design that fits your style
• DIY-friendly: installing tile is relatively easy and straightforward
• Heat/Stain/Scratch/Moisture-resistance: many types of glazed ceramic tiles have high levels of heat resistance, stain resistance, scratch resistance, and moisture resistance
• Easily repaired: you can replace tiles with any extra you have leftover

Cons

• Brittle: they are more prone to cracking or chipping if something heavy is dropped on them
• Grout lines discolor easily: grout lines tend to discolor easily due to spills and staining agents like acids or oils
• Low-resale value: if you decide to sell your home in the future, you may not get as high a return on investment as you would with materials from higher price points

Concrete

Concrete countertops are made from an aggregate mix, Portland cement, and other additives like stains and water-repellant sealers.

Pros

• Extremely durable: incredibly strong and can withstand just about anything you throw at it, from hot hair straighteners to spilled makeup
• Heat-resistance: won’t be damaged by heat, so you can rest assured knowing that your countertop can handle whatever you throw at it
• Non-porous: bacteria and mold won’t be able to penetrate its surface
• Easily cleaned: just wipe it down
• Customizable: choose the color, size, shape, and more
• Eco-friendly: made from natural ingredients and doesn’t require any harmful chemicals or processes to produce
• Affordable: especially when compared to other materials like granite or marble

Cons

• Heavy: you’ll need to make sure your bathroom cabinets are strong enough to support the weight of the countertop.
• Not DIY-friendly: the weight makes it incredibly difficult to do a DIY install
• Can crack: while small cracks can often be repaired, large cracks may require that the entire countertop be replaced
• Porous: they can absorb liquids and stains, which can be difficult to remove, so they need frequent sealing

Crushed Glass

Crushed glass countertops are comprised of slivers, shards, and larger pieces of glass bonded together.

Pros

• Durable: if you care for them properly, they can last for years
• Easily cleaned: acrylic-based types are easy to clean and care for
• Variety of styles: no two styles look the same

Cons

• Can be brittle: it can break or crack if something heavy is dropped on it or if it gets bumped too hard
• Can’t repair cracks: cracked or broken pieces of crushed glass cannot be repaired and must be replaced entirely
• Porous: liquids and oils can seep into its surface and cause staining over time

Laminate

Laminate is a man-made material, and laminate countertops are created from layers of paper or fabric impregnated with resin and bonded together under high heat and pressure. 

Pros

• Affordable: typically less expensive than other types of countertops, such as granite or marble
• Easy to clean: a quick wipe with a damp cloth is all it takes to keep your countertop clean
• Wide range of colors and patterns: comes in a seemingly endless array of colors and patterns
• DIY-friendly: you can install it yourself if you so choose

Cons

• Prone to scratches and chips: it is prone to scratches or chips if not handled carefully
• Not heat-resistant: they can be damaged by hot styling tools.
• Can look cheap: some people find that it looks cheap compared to natural materials like stone or marble
• Not DIY-friendly if custom: cutting custom pieces out of laminates can be tricky if you don’t know what you’re doing

Wood

Wood countertops can be made from new wood or recycled wood that has been recombined.

Pros

• Warm aesthetic: wood gives places an inviting look and feel that other countertop materials can’t
• Variety: while there aren’t as many looks as with other materials, you still have multiple options for types of wood, finishes, edge treatments, and customization
• Eco-friendly: wood is sustainable and recyclable

Cons

• Needs sealing: if you don’t seal it regularly, you’ll see a lot of damage
• Soft: scratches and dents show up easily due to the softness of the material
• Susceptible to water damage: while sealed correctly, wood can still be susceptible to water damage over time due to its porous nature
• Difficult to install and seal properly: installing and properly sealing a wooden countertop requires expertise and special tools

Bathroom Countertop FAQs

What Do Most People Consider When Choosing Bathroom Countertops?

Aesthetic, durability, maintenance, and cost.

Quartz vs. Quartzite Bathroom Countertops: Which Is Best?

Quartzite is more durable, so it’ll last longer, and it’s scratch-resistant. Though it’s more expensive, quartzite countertops will last longer.

Quartz vs. Granite Countertops For Bathrooms

Quartz is the better choice due to it not being as porous and is less likely to chip. You also don’t have to seal it like you do granite.

Entrust Your Bathroom Remodel To Brucksch & Sons Contracting

Now that you know the pros and cons of the different bathroom countertop materials, you’re sure to make the best choice for your bathroom!

Let Brucksch & Sons Contracting handle the rest—we specialize in creating beautiful bathrooms that suit any budget or aesthetic. Give us a call or fill out our convenient contact form today so we can start on your dream bathroom sooner.