What’s the Best Material for Bathroom Countertops?

If making your bathroom remodel ideas a reality is at the top of your homeowner to-do list, you’re not alone. According to HGTV, even a minor bathroom remodel can earn you a 102 percent average return on your investment when you sell your home. 

So, say you’ve finally saved up some money or gained enough DIY skills to start on this home renovation project—where exactly do you start? You may want to begin by considering some bathroom countertop options. Often, this is the first thing people notice when entering the bathroom. 

Now for the hard question—what’s the best countertop material? Let’s take a look at the types of bathroom countertops to choose from and how to figure out which one to choose for your home. 

Tile: The DIYer’s Favorite Option

Tile is a great choice when it comes to bathroom sink countertops. It’s an easy option if you’re looking for a DIY project, and the control over tile placement allows you to be creative. Just keep in mind that bold patterns may be a harder sell for potential buyers down the road. 

The price range for tile countertops in your bathroom is usually around $1,500, depending on how much space you need to cover. 

Pros:

•  Easy to install

•  Affordable 

•  Available in a variety of colors and finishes

•  Resistant to heat, stains, scratches, and moisture

•  Individual tiles can be replaced, if needed

Cons:

• Doesn’t hold resale value as well as other options

• Requires regular maintenance and cleaning (especially the grout lines)

• Can crack or chip

Laminate: The Economical Option

If you love the look of marble countertops but need to plan your budget around other projects in the house, laminate is a great, inexpensive bathroom countertop option. Laminate usually costs anywhere from $700 to $1,600. 

Pros:

•  Affordable

•  Durable

•  Easy to clean

•  Relatively easy to install

•  Available in several finishes

•  Stands up to water

•  Doesn’t stain

Cons:

•  Will burn, dull, and dent

•  Damages can’t be repaired; the entire counter will have to be replaced

•  Doesn’t last as long as other options

Solid Surface: The Added-Value Option

Solid surface bathroom countertops are considered by many to be the best of both worlds—it offers an elegant, high-class look without the high cost that other materials have. Solid surface countertops cost between $1,900 and $4,800 on average.

Pros:

•  Great for resale

•  Incredibly durable

•  Low maintenance

•  Can be molded to fit any design specification

•  Resistant to mold, mildew, and stains

•  Easy to clean

•  Can rival the look of natural stone

Cons:

• Can scorch and scratch easily

Granite/Marble: The Premier Option 

These options are an investment but may be worth it in the long run. Marble and granite bathroom countertops make a great impact in a space. Granite costs between $35 and $75 per square foot, while marble costs between $40 and $100 per square foot. You’ll also need to prepare for labor costs if you’re planning on hiring a bathroom remodeler.

Pros:

• Offers a unique, one-of-a-kind look

• Attractive to future buyers

• Long-lasting

• Available in a variety of colors and patterns

• Granite is scratch-resistant

• Impervious to heat and humidity

Cons:

• Expensive

• Requires periodic maintenance (i.e., sealing)

• Marble can stain, scratch, and etch easily due to its porous nature

Quartz: The Top-of-the-Line Option

Quartz bathroom countertops are very durable—once you install them, they can last forever. They come in various color options, require low maintenance, and are more environmentally friendly than other bathroom countertop materials. 

Quartz is one of the best materials for bathroom countertops, but it’s also the most expensive. It costs between $50 and $150 per square foot on average. 

Pros:

•  The unique look of granite without the maintenance

•  Ultra-resistant to scratches, moisture, bacteria, and stains

•  Available in a wide variety of colors and thicknesses

•  Perfect for specialized countertop edging

Cons:

•  Expensive

•  Can show fingerprints and smudges easily

Now that you’re armed with info on the best bathroom countertops, are you ready to move on to the next phase of your renovation? Read about how to avoid remodeling problems.

And don’t forget to sign up for an American Home Shield® home warranty, which can help you protect your home with plans that fit your budget. Choose the best plan for your household today.