Take Your Bathroom to the Next Level With These 8 Countertops

While not usually the subject of much scrutiny, bathroom countertops can add rich textures to your home, as bathrooms become more prominent features.

A thoughtful layout coupled with an arresting design can add layers that will enrich your home experience, and it all begins with the material you choose.

Nothing comes close to the endurance and sublime good looks of granite. The psychedelic swirls can hypnotise anyone into a relaxed dreamscape.

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• With endless designs and patterns in any array of colours, it shouldn’t be too hard to find a material that speaks to you.
• This hard and scratch-resistant material is also impervious to water and heat.
• It can increase the resale value of your home and lasts just about forever.

• It costs a small fortune to buy and install good quality granite.
• Needs to be properly sealed to maintain its look. Poorly sealed granite can absorb stains that will be impossible to remove, on top of being a hotbed of bacteria and mould.

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An absolute winner if you’re looking for a look that works with any theme.

A much harder mineral than granite with the same sleek finish, quartz’s durability and versatility are what draw people to it.

Although man-made and readily available it’s still a costly option, like granite.

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• On top of being more durable, quartz doesn’t need to be sealed like granite does. This also means no upkeep!
• Non-porous, waterproof, and bacteria-resistant.

• Is just as pricy as, if not pricier than, granite.
• Needs to be wiped down often as certain surfaces may be prone to show fingerprints and smudges.

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Great for those looking for all the benefits of granite but without the upkeep.

Made with acrylic and polyester blend, solid surface countertops lend the bathroom a warmer and more inviting feel than granite and quartz. Its seamless look has a contemporary flair that is fairly easy to maintain with a daily wipe down.

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• Virtually available in any colour and design you could want.
• Non-porous and naturally does not require a sealant, while being resistant to water and bacteria.
• Minor scratches can be buffed away.

• Not as durable as quartz or granite.
• Wears and scratches can show up distinctly in darker colours.

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Charming and modern, solid surface countertops guarantee a hit in both the style and functionality front.

Slightly more laidback than stone materials, tiles offer a playful finish to bathroom countertops. Go bold with Mediterranean-inspired tiles or give it a contemporary take with sleek black and white tiles. It all depends on how you want to play with it.

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• Highly affordable and easy to repair in the case of a broken tile.
• Fully-customisable installation and patterns.
• Glazed ceramic tiles are resistant to heat, moisture, and scratches.

• It can be a chore keeping ahead of the mildew and mould that can form between grout.

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If you do not mind a weekly deep cleaning of your grouts, tiles can offer excellent flexibility in terms of design.

Industrial and raw is what comes to mind when faced with a concrete bathroom countertop. If your house has a modern feel, a smooth concrete countertop in your bathroom will look right at home.

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• Mimics the look of natural stone for a unique finish.
• Fully customisable in terms of textures and shapes.
• Durable and eco-friendly.

• Requires constant upkeep of waxing and sealing, as concrete is naturally porous.
• Creates visible seam lines that may not look as polished and sleek. Having said that, it is the rusticity of this material that is its charm.

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If you want a touch of that raw, industrial chicness with full control over the design, concrete is the way to go.

The epitome of luxury, marble countertops hold a certain prestige and elegance. While a lot more affordable these days, they’re still as dear as they come, exuding a sense of class and legacy.

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• Long-lasting and strong enough to resist most chips or dents.
• Can be customised to a high-shine or soft matte finish.
• Matches virtually any style.

• Very expensive.
• Naturally porous, and therefore susceptible to stain and acid corrosion.
• Needs regular sealing to maintain its finish.

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If you’re going for a timeless, luxurious feel and have the means, then do it. No regrets.

For the nature lover, wood can be a very appealing material for the home. While a tricky material to incorporate into rooms with as high humidity as bathrooms, it can really add character to your bathroom.

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• Offers a natural look and feel that can’t be achieved by most other materials. It’s also warmer to the touch.
• Wide variety of wood to work with to complement a range of styles and designs.

• It is crucial that your wood counters are properly sealed to prevent warping and staining. Wood that is not properly sealed is also a breeding ground for germs.
• Needs to be consistently and periodically treated with mineral oil or other protectants to prevent water stains.
• For longevity, wooden bathroom counters need to be wiped down after every use.

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Wood is a lot more work to maintain than most materials, but the payoff can be great if executed properly.

While a lot less common, glass bathroom countertops can still hold its own against more popular materials thanks to its stylish look and clean feel.

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• There are various types of glass available including tempered (for durability), float, slumped, and kiln-fired. Speak to your interior designer or contractor for more information on which would work best for your lifestyle.
• Distinct look that is fully customisable to include designs and patterns, or show off artwork.
• Can be shaped into any form and style.
• The non-porous surface is easy to clean on top of being very hygienic as it doesn’t allow bacteria and germs to flourish.

• Chips and cracks are non-salvageable. The entire slab of glass must be replaced.
• Requires regular wipe downs as it shows off fingerprints, handprints, and water spots easily.
• If left for too long, acidic and chemical substances can mar the surface of your glass.

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Glass counters can be a bit of a gamble, but with its distinct and unique qualities, it might be the one for you.

Cover image from johnsnow.bunsh.co