Homework: Choosing bathroom countertops
Whether choosing granite, manufactured quartz, tile or solid surface materials when choosing a bathroom countertop, remember to get the facts on how to maintain your selection properly for future care. Credit: iStock
Long-lasting, stain-resistant and beautiful, granite is the Rolls-Royce of countertops. It is the most durable and easiest to care for of any of the natural stone materials. While relatively expensive, it provides an elegant look that is incomparable.
Manufactured quartz imitates the look of limestone, granite or marble, but is more resistant to scratches and stains. Made up of 90 percent quartz particles, this synthetic composite comes in a wide variety of colors and thicknesses.
Tile has always been a popular material for bathroom countertops, but homeowners often complain about the need to clean the grout. These days, however, tiles are coming out in much larger sizes, which eliminates the need for so many grout lines. Through-body (unglazed) porcelain tiles are stronger than granite and about a third of the price.
Designed to look like natural stone, solid-surface is one of the most popular countertop options available. Known by brand names such as Corian, Staron, Gibraltar and Avonite, this easy-to-maintain synthetic product can be molded to fit any design specification.
