Bathroom Vanity Countertops: Avoid These 5 Mistakes
The countertops are one of the most important elements of your bathroom. Not only do bathroom vanity countertops need to stand up to soap, toiletries, cleaners, and makeup without issue, but they also need to ward off damage from hot metal tools such as curling irons and straighteners, as well as longstanding exposure to water and moisture.
In short, strength and durability are perfect attributes for bathroom vanity countertops.
But countertops should also be beautiful, and if you’re considering a bathroom remodel, choosing the right ones need to take top priority.
Want to make sure to pick the best new bathroom countertops? Here are the five biggest mistakes to avoid in your upcoming bathroom remodeling project:
- Choosing the wrong material. The material that your bathroom countertops are made of can determine everything: their cost, how long they’ll last, what damage and use they can withstand, and even how much value they add to your home. To make sure you choose the right kind, know what your goals are from the start.
Do you want a long-lasting counter that will stand up to high use from kids or teens? Do you want a delicate, beautiful one that will help your home sell faster? Make sure to talk to a designer about your goals, as well as which materials fit into that.
Generally, you can choose from granite or marble (luxurious and durable, but easily stained), quartz or quartzite (durable and low maintenance, but easily scratched), laminate (cheap and stainproof, but easily burned or dented), tile (versatile and durable, but requires grout work), or wood (rustic and rich, but quite porous).
2. Choosing the wrong color. Once you decide on the material, you also have to choose the color, and picking incorrectly could throw off your entire aesthetic or render it vulnerable to ugly stains, scuffs, and mold over time.
If you’ll be using your countertops for stowing makeup, product or other items that might mark up the surface, your best bet is typically a dark color or something patterned.
Lighter tones are fine in master baths where only adults will be using the space responsibly. You should also consider how the color flows with other items in the room, like the flooring, tubs and other fixtures, hardware finishes, and cabinets.
3. Cutting corners. Although lower-cost products might save money up front, they’ll likely cost more in the long run. They’ll require heavier attention to maintenance and cleaning and may need repairs more often and replacement sooner than you intended.
The worst case scenario is that your countertops may even mean less in resale value when all is said and done. Consider the full picture before you choose a countertop on price.
4. Using a bad contractor (or DIYing it when you shouldn’t). With popular shows like “Fixer Upper,” many homeowners are trying to DIY major remodeling projects.
The truth is, when you’re dealing with something as important and impactful as your bathroom countertops, it really should be left to a pro. That means someone who is experienced in bathroom remodeling, instead of, say, a general contractor or handyman.
Errors made through DIY methods or by choosing a shoddy contractor can detract from the value of the home and make your space unsightly and sometimes dangerous.
Want your bathroom counters and double vanity tops to be both durable and beautiful? Let Criner Remodeling help.
With more than 45 years in the business, our team can help you make the perfect choices for your upcoming bathroom remodel. Contact us today to get started.