What Are the Bathroom Vanity Countertop Materials to Choose From?

There are several types of countertop material options to choose from. Here are eight of the most popular ones. Granite Granite tends to have flecks of varying colors but less veining than materials like marble. Granite is highly available. This stone evokes a feeling of luxury. Pros Multiple options Hard; scratch-resistant; needs little upkeep when sealed properly Not bothered by humidity Lasts virtually forever Likely to add resale value to the house Cons Mining requires extensive energy resources Transport requires vast energy resources

Since 2005

Customer Service Order Status Categories

Questions? Call(866) 526-1843

Bathroom Vanity Counter Top Choices

Q: How to Choose the Best Bathroom Vanity Countertop Material for You?

Budget: Ensure that the cost of the countertop, as well as the cost of installation, fit within your budget. With so many options, you should be able to find something that fits the look you want and still fits within your budget. Size: Measure, measure, measure! It probably seems like an obvious factor, but you need to measure the size of your vanity to be able to choose an appropriate countertop. Shape of Sink: The shape of the sink you plan to use affects the kind of countertop you can use for your vanity. Faucet: Many countertops come with holes already drilled for faucets. However, some don’t. Make sure the holes work for the kind of faucet you want to use. Style: Consider the style of your vanity when choosing your countertop. A modern vanity will look great with some materials and cheap with others. The same is true for a classic style. Choose a style that will complement your entire home. Durability: Your bathroom countertop needs to be able to withstand a variety of issues. You want something easy to clean, and that can handle your favorite cleaning products. It should be able to take anything from dropped toothpaste to a dropped hairdryer. Installation: Is the countertop easy to install yourself? Remember that installing countertops will usually take more than one person because they are bulky and difficult to manage. If you do plan to install the counter yourself, it’s a good idea to have the manufacturer cut the holes for the sink and faucet. Availability: Ensure your countertop will be available when you are ready to install it. Any delay can cause you headaches with scheduling the installation of other components. Sustainability: Are you looking for Earth-friendly materials? Find out where the countertop materials are from and how they’re harvested. Locally harvested are best.

Countertops come in a variety of colors and textures. There are natural stone, synthetic stone, solid surface, and glass materials to choose from. Each style will nicely complement your vanity and the remainder of your home decor. We have provided you with some tips for choosing the right countertop for you and an overview of some of the available materials.

assorted sample bathroom materials

How to Choose the Best Bathroom Vanity Countertop Material for You

Are you trying to choose the correct countertop for your bathroom vanity? There are a variety of options available to you, and the choices may seem overwhelming. How should choose your countertops? Here are a few things to consider.

Budget: Ensure that the cost of the countertop, as well as the cost of installation, fit within your budget. With so many options, you should be able to find something that fits the look you want and still fits within your budget.
Size: Measure, measure, measure! It probably seems like an obvious factor, but you need to measure the size of your vanity to be able to choose an appropriate countertop.
Shape of Sink: The shape of the sink you plan to use affects the kind of countertop you can use for your vanity.
Faucet: Many countertops come with holes already drilled for faucets. However, some don’t. Make sure the holes work for the kind of faucet you want to use.
Style: Consider the style of your vanity when choosing your countertop. A modern vanity will look great with some materials and cheap with others. The same is true for a classic style. Choose a style that will complement your entire home.
Durability: Your bathroom countertop needs to be able to withstand a variety of issues. You want something easy to clean, and that can handle your favorite cleaning products. It should be able to take anything from dropped toothpaste to a dropped hairdryer.
Installation: Is the countertop easy to install yourself? Remember that installing countertops will usually take more than one person because they are bulky and difficult to manage. If you do plan to install the counter yourself, it’s a good idea to have the manufacturer cut the holes for the sink and faucet.
Availability: Ensure your countertop will be available when you are ready to install it. Any delay can cause you headaches with scheduling the installation of other components.
Sustainability: Are you looking for Earth-friendly materials? Find out where the countertop materials are from and how they’re harvested. Locally harvested are best.

sample stone marble colors

What Are the Materials to Choose From?

There are several types of countertop material options to choose from. Here are eight of the most popular ones.

Granite

Granite tends to have flecks of varying colors but less veining than materials like marble. Granite is highly available. This stone evokes a feeling of luxury.

Pros

Multiple options
Hard; scratch-resistant; needs little upkeep when sealed properly
Not bothered by humidity
Lasts virtually forever
Likely to add resale value to the house

Cons

Mining requires extensive energy resources
Transport requires vast energy resources

55 Inch Double Sink Vanity with Baltic Brown Top

Marble

Marble is considered to be an elegant material for countertops. Many people think of wealth and privilege when they think of marble. It is becoming more affordable. Marble is a hard form of limestone that is typically white with streaks of grays, but several color variations exist.

Pros

Long-lasting
Resists most chips and dents
Can be polished or honed depending on the level of shine you want
Adapts to virtually any style

Cons

Prone to stains, scratches, and etching
Requires periodic sealing

Available Colors

Carerra White—this marble has a white-gray background with veins throughout that are a soft gray color
Cream Marfil—this is a classic cream color with tan undertones

60 Inch Double Sink Bathroom Vanity in Driftwood Finish Carerra White Marble Top

Travertine

Travertine is a lot like marble. It is a form of limestone deposited by mineral springs. Travertine is a porous stone that in raw form has lots of veining and pits. When Travertine is used for sinks and countertops, it is honed, which means the pits are filled and sanded to create a smooth surface. You will find travertine in more of a beige color with some browns and creams.

Pros

Durable
Stands up against hot temperatures
Easy to replace

Cons

Can be expensive
Can be damaged by acidic foods and cleaners
More vulnerable to scratches and etching (water marks)
Recommended sealing every 3-6 months

29 Inch Modern Vessel Sink Vanity with Travertine

Quartz

Quartz is one of the hardest and most abundant minerals found in nature. Nearly every stone has a percentage of quartz in it. Newer countertops are manufactured with pigments, resins, and sometimes recycled contents incorporated with the stone.

Pros

Tougher than granite
Doesn’t require sealing
Naturally resistant to moisture, bacteria, and stains
Variety of edge treatments
Variety of installation options

Cons

Can be pricey
Can show fingerprints and smudges
Frequent wipe downs are necessary

Available Colors

Classic White—this quartz is white on white. There are subtle variations in the white veining.
Charcoal Soapstone—This quartz is blue-gray with gray highlights.
Eternal Serena—This smoky gray quartz has thin veins of bright white and cream-colored deposits.
Eternal Jasmine Pearl—Jasmine pearl quartz is white with gray veins throughout and gives a semblance of purity.
Eternal Marfil—Eternal Marfil is ivory quartz that brings neutral serenity to your room.
Gray Expo—If you’re looking for timeless quartz, this elegant gray has a soft finish.

84 Inch Double Sink Bathroom Vanity in White with Gray Quartz Top

Solid Surface

Solid surface countertops are a combination of acrylic resin and crushed stone. These countertops are available in a variety of solid colors as well as subtle patterns. These countertops go well with contemporary decor.

Pros

Extremely durable
Naturally resistant to water, stains, and bacteria
Realistic flecked or streaked styles look like natural stone
Virtually seamless
Minor damage can be buffed out
Available with a variety of options, including custom color inlays

Cons

Wear and scratches are visible on darker colors
Intense heat or dropped objects can damage it

Available Colors

Arctic Fall—Arctic Fall solid surface countertops are a mixture of white and gray. The non-porous surface mimics that of marble.
Glossy Dusk Gray—The medium gray tones of the glossy dusk gray solid surface countertops are beautiful neutral countertops.
Glossy White—These glossy white countertops have a bit of a shine to the all-white surface.

48 Inch Walnut Single Sink Bathroom Vanity with Arctic Fall Solid Surface Top

White Ceramic

White ceramic countertops are typically in the form of ceramic tile. They can look informal. In addition to countertops, these ceramic tiles make good backsplashes and tub surrounds.

Pros

Installing ceramic in tile form is a fairly easy project
Relatively affordable
Many design options are available

Cons

Tile is brittle and may crack easily under impact
Grout lines can stain and discolor easily
Poor to moderate resale value

36 Inch Single Sink Bathroom Vanity in Navy Blue with White Ceramic Top

Tempered Glass

Tempered glass is one of two kinds of safety glass regularly used in applications in which standard glass could pose a potential danger. Tempered glass is four to five times stronger than standard glass and does not break into sharp shards when it fails. Tempered glass is manufactured through a process of extreme heating and rapid cooling, making it harder than normal glass. It is an excellent material for bathroom countertops, and requires little maintenance.

Pros

Strong
Acrylic-based kinds are easy to clean
Wide variety of looks available

Cons

Kinds using concrete can be brittle
Cracks cannot be repaired
Can easily stain if not sealed periodically

29.5 Inch Modern Glass Bathroom Vanity with Frosted Edge Mirror

Black Limestone

Limestone is a relatively porous stone. These stones must be carefully and repeatedly sealed when they are used as a countertop material. Slabs can be bought, but typically limestone is sold in tiles for countertops.

Pros

Sends a message of luxury
Unique; no two countertops look alike

Cons

Requires periodic sealing
Requires more maintenance than ceramic or engineered stones
Considerably more expensive

48 Inch Single Sink Bathroom Vanity in Natural Oak with Black Limestone Top

Final Thoughts

Any of these countertops would look beautiful in your home. The colors mentioned here are neutrals that will look nice with virtually any decor. Vanity countertops are available in multiple materials and colors. Choosing the one that’s best for you depends on a few factors like your budget, the style of vanity you have, the size of your vanity, and durability, among others.