7 Types of Bathroom Countertop Materials to Upgrade Your Space

Choosing the countertops for your bathroom is a huge part of your remodel. The material you choose will have a big visual impact and can help tie in all the other elements of the room. Whether you have a small budget, are willing to splurge, want something easy to deal with, or are open to anything as long as it has the right look — here are eight types you should definitely consider.

 1. Laminate

Laminate countertops are made with layers of paper, medium-density fiberboard, and a melamine resin layer on top. All the layers are fused under high heat which makes for a durable and long-lasting material. No matter your vision for your kitchen, you’re likely to find your perfect laminate match from solid colors to designs inspired by natural stones.

Typical cost: $10–$40 per square foot

Pros:

• Great price point

• Long lifespan of 20 to 30 years

• Easy to clean and maintain

Cons:

• Hard to repair

• Damage is easily visible

• Seams are unavoidable

2. Ceramic or Porcelain Tile

Porcelain tiles are made from natural clay and fired at 2,192 degrees Fahrenheit (phew, that’s hot!). Ceramic tiles, on the other hand, are made from clay mixed with water, quartz, and sand. 

Porcelain and ceramic tiles are a classic choice for bathroom countertops. They’re visually pleasing and are available in a wide range of designs including ones that look like natural stone or wood. You can also get tiles with funky or intricate patterns, or stick with something simple with solid colors.

Typical cost: $0.50 to $40 per square foot

Pros

• Durable and work well for countertops

• Porcelain is water-resistant

• Many DIYers can tackle tile installation

• Both materials are easy to clean

Cons

• Ceramic tile absorbs water

• Grout requires regular cleaning

• Porcelain is hard to cut and hard to DIY

• Sealant is required

3. Solid Surface 

Solid surface countertops are engineered stones made with acrylic polymers and minerals. This can be a great alternative to more expensive options like natural marble and granite countertops. This is because solid surface bathroom countertops look very luxurious without the maintenance requirements of natural stone.

Typical cost: $40 per square foot

Pros 

• Non-porous and stain-resistant

• Easy to repair

• Hard to see seams

Cons

• Not as heat-resistant as natural stone

• More costly than laminate

• A trained eye can distinguish between solid surface and real stone

4. Natural Stone 

Potentially the most classic, luxe option on this list, natural stone countertops add the wow factor to any bathroom. The most common natural stone countertop options are marble, granite, slate, soapstone, limestone, and travertine. These stones require high maintenance but provide a level of class that’s unmatched. It’s also not a material that’s good for DIY projects—hire a bathroom vanity installer near you instead.

Typical cost: $20–$190 per square foot

Pros 

• Beautiful appearance

• May increase home value

• Long lifespan

Cons

• Regular maintenance required

• Porous

• Can be easily scratched or damaged

• Cost is typically higher than other countertops

5. Quartz

Quartz countertops are made with engineered stone. Usually, the quartz content is around 10% while the rest is crushed or recycled natural stone, ceramic, glass, and more. Like solid surface countertops, quartz is an attractive alternative to natural stone. However, quartz countertops tend to have a higher price tag (but with some great pros).

Typical cost: $50–$200 per square foot

Pros

• Durable and not easily damaged

• Non-porous and stain-resistant

• Easy to maintain

Cons

• High price point compared to other options

• Weak against heat

• Labor-intensive installation

6. Concrete

Concrete bathroom countertops are sleek and modern, and you can customize your countertop to fit your needs. You might go with an unstained and unpolished counter if you’re looking for an industrial look, or you can get it stained for something more chic. You can also get the counters colored so it matches the rest of your bathroom.

Typical cost: $50–$150 per square foot

Pros

• Durable

• Cracks are repairable (but hard to DIY)

• Customizable

Cons

• Can stain and scratch

• On higher end of price scale

• Requires regular sealing

7. Wood

If you’re looking for bathroom remodel ideas thats off the beaten path, check out wood bathroom countertops. This material gives you the chance to bring nature into the space in a classy and down-to-earth way. There are lots of different wood types to choose from, like maple, birch, teak, and oak. You’ll want to make sure to conduct proper maintenance to avoid water damage.

Typical cost: $60–$100 per square foot

Pros 

• Beautiful appearance

• Unique and memorable

• Adds warmth

Cons

• Can scratch and dent

• Proper installation and sealing is required to avoid water damage issues

• Can require refinishing every 10 to 20 years.

Other Considerations for Bathroom Countertops

Here are other considerations to keep in mind when planning your bathroom remodel costs and other details.

• Aesthetics: Think about what style you want your bathroom to be. Is it more modern, minimalist, traditional, or natural? Once you’ve established a look, think of the colors and accessories that you will be combining with your vanity.

• Finish: Whether you want a matte or glossy finish really depends on what other materials you’ll be using in your bathroom. Matte countertops are great for concealing stains and better suited for on-the-go families that require low-maintenance cleaning. If you have gold or copper accents, matte finishes will make them stand out nicely. High-gloss finishes give your bathroom a modern and sleek feel and work well on granite and marble. 

• Durability: Make sure you choose something that will withstand elements such as soap, lotions, hairspray, and oils. Otherwise, you’ll be looking at repairing water damaged bathroom vanities.

• Variety: If you want to be able to choose from many different colors and styles, make sure you choose a material that will allow you to customize without going over your budget. Laminate and cultured marble are some of the more popular options.

• Maintenance: When looking at vanity installation costs, don’t forget to choose something you will have time for. While some can be easy to clean with just soap and water, other materials, such as wood and tile, will need a little extra work to last for years to come. 

Kitchen vs. Bathroom Countertop Materials 

Choosing a bathroom countertop is much different than choosing kitchen countertop materials. Elements that will be used in a bathroom, such as lotions, sprays and oils, tend to be less abrasive than heat, knife cuts, and food stains. 

Speak to someone at your local hardware store and do the research to see what the best bathroom countertop materials are for you and your home.