One of the first impulses when choosing a vanity top is to get something that looks good, and that’s natural because they play a big role in the overall look and feel of the bathroom. Looks aren’t the whole picture because your countertops also serve a functional role. That’s why it’s important to stop and think about a few things such as

How many people will be using it?

Will those people include children?

Does the top need to be custom made?

Is this your dream bathroom or for selling?

Am i clean person?

These are all important to consider during the design process of picking the bathroom vanity top. Below I will break down the 4 most common vanity tops we use in bathroom renovations throughout Perth, Western Australia.

Natural Stone

Cons

Some stones (unless very dense) are porous and need to be sealed for stain protection

Stones that are calcite-based (like marble)  are prone to damage from acid substances

The price can often be high and the range very limited.

Pros

Adds a level of class to your bathroom renovation feel

Offers a natural beauty that’s hard to duplicate

Stone is durable and won’t easily scratch or mark, particularly in a bathroom environment

Why you should use it.

Natural stone such as marble and granite create a classy feel to a bathroom. For those doing a more traditional bathroom the surface has warmth to it that cant be archived by many bathroom tops. Due to the cost and high level of maintenance for a top such as this, i would only recommend for your dream bathroom.

Engineered Stone

Cons

Can be damaged by highly alkaline or acidic chemicals like drain-clog dissolvers as well as solvents, bleach and abrasive cleansers (the latter can dull the shiny surface)

Lack the really natural feel that marbles and granite have

Requires professional installation or will break during the installation process

Pros

Hard and durable like stone but without the porosity and need for sealing

Styles are available that mimic the look of real stone

Wide range of colors/patterns including ‘non-earth tone’ colors like bright colours

Available in pre-made vanity top configurations

Why you should use it.

Engineered vanity tops are the second most common vanity top we use. Due to its low maintenance and colour selection, the tops are cost-effective and add a wow factor to the bathroom renovation.

China/Ceramic

Cons

Due to its high use in hardware stores such as Bunnings has lower cost feel to it

Only generally comes in white

Limited in basin configuration

Pros

Best for cleaning and children

The surface is very resilient and non-porous

Comes in wide variety of sizes and is cost effective

Why you should use it.

Ceramic vanities are great for clean freaks, rental property or anyone who hates silicon. They are low maintenance and very cost effective.

What to do next.

Now Honourable mentions not on this list, laminate and glass both can be used for vanity tops they are just rarely used in Perth. Laminate every person has bad experiences with and glass shows marks like you wouldn’t believe so they often get overlooked.

If you are going to do the dream bathroom do the solid surface, if you want to add a wow without breaking the bank do the engineered stone but if cleaning is your jam then the ceramic top is for you. Look at the pictures and take on the advice to decide whats right for you.

It’s important to note that all our advice is general in nature and all bathrooms are unique so always speak to your local qualified tradesman for the best advice. If you are looking for a bathroom renovation quote and live in Perth, Western Australia just email us at smallbathroomrenovations@gmail.com

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