7 Countertops for Bathrooms

Bathroom countertops need to be waterproof, easy to clean, affordable, durable, and of course, visually appealing. Several options meet these criteria, including laminate, quartz, solid surface, tile, and stone. Additionally, concrete and crushed glass offer unique, eye-catching alternatives if you’re seeking something different.

Laminate

Pros

• Inexpensive

• Lightweight

• DIY-Friendly

Cons

• Can't be refinished

• Possible delamination

• Lower resale value

Laminate countertops are crafted from layers of plastic bonded to a particleboard (MDF) core, creating a solid surface. Pre-made countertops can be easily cut and fitted by anyone.

For a more customized look, fabricators can create laminate countertops to your specifications, incorporating designer edges and other unique features.

Laminate is perfect for guest bathrooms or powder rooms, and it's an excellent quick-fix option if you're staging your home for sale.

Quartz

Pros

• Doesn't crack

• Stain-resistant

• High resale value

Cons

• Expensive

• Heavy

• Susceptible to scorching

Quartz countertops consist of 70-90% ground quartz and other stone minerals, combined with resins and pigments, then shaped into slabs.

Available in various styles, some quartz countertops look almost identical to natural stone. They often come with integrated sink basins. Major brands include Corian and Cambria. 

Well-regarded as a premium countertop material, quartz enhances both appearance and home value. However, its high cost, typically between $50 and $200 per square foot, may deter some buyers. Although quartz doesn't crack like stone, it can scorch under high heat.

Ceramic or Porcelain Tile

Pros

• Cost-effective

• DIY-friendly

• Lots of design options

Cons

• Can crack

• Grout lines can stain

• Lower resale value

Ceramic tiles are made of clay with a glaze coating, fired to harden them. Porcelain, a type of ceramic, is made from finer clays and fired at higher temperatures, making it denser and more water-resistant.

Porcelain is better suited for countertops due to its waterproof nature versus ceramic. Both are viable options, but porcelain has a slight edge.

DIY installation costs range from $2 to $15 per square foot, while professional installation can cost between $16 and $65 per square foot.

Ceramic and porcelain tiles are budget-friendly choices that can deliver quality countertops, especially if installed yourself. However, grout lines can stain and require periodic cleaning and sealing.

Solid Surface

Pros

• No seams with sink basins

• Resistant to stains

• Easy to repair scratches

Cons

• Feels artificial

• Scratches easily

• Can scorch

Made from acrylic and polyester particles bonded with resins, solid surface countertops mimic stone and can be molded into various shapes, including integrated sink basins.

Solid surfaces are ideal for high-traffic bathrooms due to their easy maintenance. Scratches can be sanded out using fine-grit sandpaper, and do-it-yourselfers can buff the countertops to a shine.

Natural Stone

Pros

• High-end product

• Visual depth

• Variety of stone options

Cons

• Requires sealing

• Expensive

• Can crack

Natural stone countertops are thick slabs with openings cut for sinks and faucets, though some are designed with tiles like ceramic countertops. Each stone type has its own pros and cons.

• Slate: Stain-resistant once sealed, available in gray, black, or green hues.
• Soapstone: Naturally waterproof with subtle veining.
• Marble: Soft and porous, requiring sealing every year or two.
• Granite: Popular for its availability and variety.

Most natural stones need regular sealing and more upkeep compared to ceramic tiles or engineered stones.

Concrete

Pros

• Unique appearance

• Durable and strong

• Seamless

Cons

• Hard to repair cracks

• Not DIY-friendly for premium options

• Heavy

Concrete countertops, polished to a high shine, sometimes feature embedded tiles, stones, or glass pieces.

Concrete is a pricey option, costing between $58 and $140 per square foot installed. They make a bold design statement and are great for high-use family bathrooms.

Simple DIY concrete countertops are feasible using MDF and quick-set concrete. However, high-end countertops molded on-site should be crafted by professionals.

Crushed Glass

Pros

• Durable

• Easy to clean

• Many design options

Cons

• Some types are brittle

• Hard to repair

• Requires sealing

Crushed glass countertops are becoming more popular, featuring recycled glass embedded in acrylic or concrete.

These unique countertops give a bathroom a designer appeal, with each one being one-of-a-kind. They range from traditional to ultra-modern, depending on the glass used.

Costing $65 to $140 per square foot installed, crushed glass countertops are best for high-end bathrooms focused on style.

FAQ

What are the top deciding factors for choosing a bathroom countertop?

Think about durability, stain resistance, ease of cleaning, and whether it matches your decor. Avoid porous surfaces and those prone to cracking, scratching, or staining.

Which is better for bathroom countertops: quartz or granite?

Quartz is preferred for bathroom vanities because it’s engineered, often cheaper than marble or granite, eco-friendly, nonporous, and more resistant to bacteria, mold, and damage.

What is better: quartz or quartzite?

Quartz is more versatile and durable than quartzite, offering a broader color range and better waterproofing for countertops.