Are you considering putting new (better) countertops in your bathroom? Do you want to know the cost of your different options?
With so many choices out there in terms of material and design, prices can vary widely. This blog post will provide an overview of pricing considerations when deciding on countertop materials and explore how additional factors, such as size and finish, influence those numbers.
By the end of this post, you’ll have a better idea of what materials fit your budget and have the properties you need. Get ready to have a better idea of your bathroom remodeling costs!
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Cost For Bathroom Countertop Materials
Lava Stone
Lava stone is an increasingly popular choice for bathroom countertops due to its unique look and durability. Its earthy tones give it a natural look that adds warmth to any room, but beware, as lava stone can be quite pricey — up to $350 per square foot!
It is also very heat-resistant, meaning you don’t have to worry about hot items burning the surface of your countertop.
Copper
For those looking for something sleek and contemporary, copper could be just what they are looking for. Copper has a modern feel that adds style and sophistication to any space. Like lave stone, copper can also be quite pricey — up to $300 per square foot. Additionally, copper can be easily scratched or dented if not handled with care.
Reclaimed Wood
If you’re looking for something warm and rustic in your bathroom, reclaimed wood may be the way to go. Reclaimed wood has been salvaged from old structures like barns or warehouses, which gives it a unique texture and character.
Prices range up to $300 per square foot, depending on the quality of wood used in your project. The main concern with using reclaimed wood is that it may not hold up well against water damage over time, so make sure you seal it properly if you decide this material is right for you.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful natural stone that is known for its luxurious look and feel. It also has the added benefit of being heat-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about hot items damaging the surface.
However, marble is also one of the more expensive materials on the market—up to $250 per square foot—and it can be easily scratched or stained if not properly sealed and maintained.
Stainless Steel
This material is known for its durability and modern look; however, it can be prone to scratches if not maintained properly. It can also be harder to keep clean than other materials due to its reflective nature. Stainless steel usually costs up to $225 per square foot.
Quartzite
Quartzite makes an excellent bathroom vanity top! This type of stone is known for its durability and resistance to heat, stains, and scratches; however, like marble, it can still be prone to staining if not sealed properly. Quartzite, even with its pros and cons, typically costs up to $210 per square foot.
Granite
Granite bathroom countertops are a classic choice due to their durability and low maintenance requirements. It’s stain-resistant and heat-resistant, making it ideal for bathrooms that will be exposed to hot hair tools or makeup products. Plus, granite provides a luxurious look that can add value to any home.
Unfortunately, granite countertops can be quite expensive; depending on the type of granite countertop you choose, you could end up spending as much as $200 per square foot.
Zinc
Zinc is an increasingly popular material for a vanity countertop thanks to the unique patina finish it develops over time. It can also be cast into virtually any shape or size, so it can easily fit into any layout or design scheme.
Like granite, zinc is also resistant to stains and heat; however, it does require regular maintenance in order to keep its beautiful patina finish intact.
Additionally, zinc tends to be quite expensive—up to $200 per square foot.
Wood
Wood adds warmth and character to any space; however, it isn’t always the most practical choice for a bathroom countertop due to its porous nature and susceptibility to water damage. If you do decide to use wood in your bathroom renovation project, make sure it has been sealed properly so that it doesn’t warp or stain.
Wood countertops can cost up to $200 per square foot, depending on the type of wood chosen.
Butcher Block Wood
Butcher block wood is a great alternative for those who want the warm look of wood but would prefer something more durable than regular wood counters.
Butcher block counters are made from strips of hardwoods like maple or cherry glued together with food-safe adhesive, then sanded smooth before being sealed with mineral oil or polyurethane for extra protection against moisture damage. Butcher block counters generally cost up to $200 per square foot.
Soapstone
Soapstone countertops have been around since the 19th century, but they’re still as popular today as ever. The unique, natural gray-green color makes them a favorite among homeowners who love traditional style.
This stone is known for its nonporous properties and heat resistance, making it ideal for bathrooms. On the downside, soapstone is expensive (up to $185 per square foot) and requires regular maintenance to keep it looking its best.
Quartz
Quartz countertops offer a modern look and come in many different colors and styles. They’re also very durable and resistant to scratches, stains, and heat—all great qualities for any bathroom! They do have other pros and cons, too.
Quartz can be pricey (up to $155 per square foot).
Concrete
Concrete has become increasingly popular in recent years as more homeowners embrace industrial chic design trends. It offers a unique aesthetic that can’t be replicated with other materials—plus, you can customize it with dyes or aggregates like glass or shells to get the look you’re after!
Concrete is also fairly affordable (up to $125 per square foot). The main drawbacks are that concrete isn’t stain resistant or heat resistant; plus, it needs regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance over time.
Limestone
Limestone countertops are perfect for traditional-style bathrooms due to their subtle color variations and earthy tones. They’re also less expensive than some other materials (up to $125 per square foot).
However, limestone is porous, meaning it needs regular sealing if you want it to last long-term; plus, it’s prone to etching from acidic solutions like vinegar or lemon juice.
Recycled Glass
Recycled glass countertops offer an eco-friendly way to bring vibrant color into your bathroom design while still remaining affordable (up to $125 per square foot). It’s nonporous, so it won’t absorb bacteria or odors; however, this material is prone to chips and cracks if not properly cared for.
Travertine
If you’re looking for a luxurious material with classic good looks, travertine might be the right choice for your bathroom countertop. This natural stone comes in a range of colors, from creamy white to rich chocolate brown, and it can be finished in a glossy polish or a more rustic honed finish.
Travertine is also heat-resistant, making it a good choice if you’re planning on installing an undermount sink. On the downside, travertine is a relatively soft stone, so it can scratch and stain easily. It has prices of up to $100 per square foot.
Porcelain
Porcelain comes in an endless array of colors and patterns, including options that mimic the look of granite or marble. It’s also very durable and heat-resistant, making it a great choice for bathrooms that get a lot of use.
It has costs running up to $100 per square foot.
Bamboo
Bamboo is a sustainable material that has gained popularity in recent years as an eco-friendly alternative to more traditional countertop materials. It’s also very durable and resists scratches and stains well.
Bamboo comes in a variety of colors, from light blond to rich caramel, and it can be finished with either a matte or glossy finish. One downside to bamboo is that it’s not heat-resistant, so you’ll need to use caution when placing hot items on the surface.
Bamboo countertops typically cost up to $95 per square foot.
Solid Surface
Solid surface countertops are made from acrylic resin mixed with fillers like quartz or granite chips. The material is nonporous and resists scratches and stains well—plus, it can be repaired if it does become damaged.
Solid surface comes in hundreds of colors and patterns, including options that mimic the look of more expensive materials like marble or granite. It can also be molded into custom shapes and designs. The only downside to solid surface is that it’s not heat-resistant, so you’ll need to use trivets or cutting boards when placing hot items on the surface.
Solid surface countertops typically cost up to $85 per square foot.
Recycled Paper Composite
Recycled paper composite countertops are made from—you guessed it—recycled paper combined with resins and pigments. The material is environmentally friendly and very affordable, with prices only going up to $70 per square foot for basic colors and patterns.
Recycled paper composite comes in a limited selection of colors but can be customized with special order edging strips or inserts made from glass or metal. One downside to recycled paper composite is that it’s not as durable as some other materials; scratches and burns can mar the surface, making it less than ideal for busy families.
Slate
Slate is a natural stone that comes in various colors and textures. It is durable and scratch-resistant but requires regular sealing to protect it from water damage and staining.
If properly sealed and maintained, slate can last for decades, which makes it worth the costs that range up to $65 per square foot. It may need to be professionally installed.
Laminate
Laminate offers a wide range of colors and patterns as well as easy installation; however, it is not very durable and will show scratches easily. It also has limited heat resistance, so hot pots or pans should not be placed directly on it without protective padding.
Laminate countertops can cost up to $40 per square foot.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is a popular choice for bathrooms due to its affordability (up to $35 per square foot) and variety of colors and styles available; however, grout lines are difficult to keep clean, so extra effort must be taken in order for the surface to remain pristine.
Ceramic tile countertops are also susceptible to cracking if something heavy falls on them or if too much weight is concentrated in one area over time.
Acrylic
Acrylic countertops offer great versatility as they come in many colors, including solid colors as well as different patterns such as marble or granite-like designs. They are resistant to bacteria growth but can easily scratch or stain if not properly cared for—although most minor scratches can be buffed out with special cleaning solutions available at most home improvement stores.
Acrylic tends to cost up to $30 per square foot, although some higher-quality products may cost more.
Cost Factors For Bathroom Countertops
Material
There is a wide range of materials available on the market, from natural stones like granite and marble to man-made options like quartz and solid surface.
The material you choose will largely be determined by your budget and personal preferences. For example, natural stone countertops tend to be more expensive than man-made options, but they also offer a luxurious look and feel that you just can’t get with synthetic materials.
Size
The larger your countertop, the more material you’ll need, and the higher the price tag will be. That said, if you’re working with a limited budget, you can always opt for a smaller countertop or choose a material that doesn’t require as much square footage (like tile).
Contractor Tier
When it comes time to install your new countertops, you’ll need to hire a professional contractor. The cost of labor will vary depending on the contractor you choose.
This is when it’s critical to look at their website, reviews, and social media. Contractors with great websites, incredible reviews, and an active social media page tend to be of a greater caliber than ones who don’t have those. This usually means they’re on the pricier side.
However, it’s important to remember that cheaper isn’t always better—you’ll want to make sure that whoever you hire is reputable and has experience installing bathroom countertops.
Edges
There are a variety of edge profiles available, from basic square edges to more elaborate designs like waterfall edges. Generally speaking, the more complex the edge profile, the higher the price tag will be.
Corner Treatments
If you want something other than 90-degree corners (like rounded corners), this will add to the overall price tag of your project.
Labor
Better craftsmen and installers will cost more, but what you’re paying for is their ability to make everything look pristine. Cheaper labor tends to be less experienced, or they take shortcuts that can affect the look and durability of your bathroom.
Your Home’s Location
Last but not least, one final cost factor to keep in mind is your home’s location. If you live in an urban area where labor costs are high or in a remote location where materials need to be shipped in from far away, this will impact the overall price tag of your project.
Other Potential Cost Fees
- Delivery fees: If you’re having your countertops shipped from out of state or sourced from a quarry, there may be delivery fees associated with your purchase.
- Demolition fees: If your old countertops need to be removed as part of the installation process, there may be demolition fees associated with that work.
- Plumbing fees: Depending on your sink type and installation location, you may need to have new plumbing installed or existing plumbing relocated.
- Backsplash fees: Many people choose to install backsplashes as part of their bathroom renovation projects—and while backsplashes are a great way to add style and personality to your space, they will also add to the overall cost of your project.
Cost For Bathroom Countertop Edges And Corner Treatments
Cost Of Edging
Edging refers to the way that the edges are finished on your countertop. There are several different edging options available, including ogee, bullnose, and beveled.
The type of edging you choose will influence your total cost, but generally speaking, edging can range from $5 to $20 per linear foot (lin. ft.). This means that if you have a 10-foot countertop, your total cost for edging could range from $50 up to $200.
Cost Of Corner Treatments
Corner treatments come in a variety of styles and materials and typically cost between $55 and $135 each. That said, on average, corner treatments usually cost around $60 each.
So if you wanted to add corner treatments to all four corners of an 8-foot countertop, that would be an additional cost of around $240 for your project.
Other Bathroom Countertop Cost Considerations
Countertop Removal
This process can vary greatly depending on what kind of countertop you currently have installed and how much labor is required to remove it.
For example, if you’re replacing an older laminate countertop with a granite slab, chances are you’ll need some sort of professional help to get the job done safely and efficiently. On the other hand, if you’re switching out one quartz slab for another, it may not require as much work or expense.
Plumbing Connections
Depending on how many sinks and/or faucets you plan on installing in your new vanity or sink, this could involve additional materials such as PVC pipes or water-supply lines that need to be purchased separately from your actual countertops (and typically require professional installation).
Additionally, if you plan on upgrading any existing fixtures with newer models (such as a tall vessel sink), these may also need their own parts.
Sink
Getting a new sink adds both time and money to the project since sinks come in various sizes and shapes and require different levels of installation depending on their type (e.g., undermount vs drop-in).
Sink Installation
Some people may choose to install their own sink rather than hiring someone else for the job—but again, there are pros and cons involved here.
An experienced installer might have access to tools and techniques that could save time and money over attempting this task without proper knowledge or experience.
Backsplash
One last thing worth mentioning when discussing bathroom countertop costs is whether or not backsplash tilework will be included in the project as well. Sometimes this service can be added to an existing order at no extra charge, but other times it requires separate purchasing decisions.
Remodel Your Bathroom With Brucksch & Sons
Overall, costs for new bathroom countertops vary based on the materials used, installation fees, and other factors. However, by working with a reputable company like Brucksch & Sons, you can be confident that you’re getting quality materials and workmanship at a fair price.
So if you’re thinking about giving your bathroom a makeover, be sure to give us a call or fill out our contact form today!
