Top Surface Materials: Pros and Cons

January 5, 2016

Choosing the perfect surface materials for the bathroom can be a bit of a brain teaser, but exist an abundant and quite attractive options! But because bathroom surfaces typically don’t face the same abuse as those in the kitchen, the decisions most buyers wrestle with are usually more about style Fortunately, the top bathroom countertop materials on the market combine beauty and brawn in equal measure.

Today we give to you the pros and cons of the TOP surface materials for bathroom!

Granite:

Granite remains the premier choice among the varieties of natural stone.

Pros:

With patterns from subtle to bold and a rainbow of hues, you’re sure to find a slab that speaks your language.
Granite is hard and scratch resistant, and requires minimal upkeep when properly sealed.
It’s impervious to humidity or damage from a hot curling iron.
It lasts just about forever.
Because granite is so desirable, it’s likely to add resale value to your home.

Cons

Granite is still one of the most expensive countertop choices.
Because there’s a real chance of damaging the slab if it isn’t handled properly, it’s best to hire a professional to do the job.
Though granite is recyclable, its transport and mining require extensive energy resources.

Quartz

Quartz is one of the nature hardest and most abundant minerals.

Pros:

Quartz is tougher than granite and doesn’t require sealing.
It’s naturally resistant to moisture, stains and bacteria.
It has a variety of edge treatments and installation options

Cons:

Quartz can rival high-end granite and marble in cost.
Honed and textured finishes will show fingerprints and smudges, so frequent wipe-downs may be necessary.

Solid Surface

Solid-surface materials are made of acrylic resin and crushed stone. You’ll find a wide range of solid colors and subtle patterns that pair especially well with contemporary decor.

Pros:

Extremely durable and naturally resistant to water, bacteria and stains.
Realistic flecked or streaked styles can rival natural stone.
Virtually seamless.
Minor damage can be buffed out.
Available with integral sink and backsplash options, as well as custom color inlays and lighting effects.

Cons:

Requires professional installation.
Wear and scratches are more visible on darker colors.
Can be damaged by intense heat or dropped objects.

Marble

For centuries marble’s cool elegance has been synonymous with wealth and privilege.

Pros:

Long lasting and strong enough to resist most chips or dents.
Can be polished for a high shine or honed for a casual, matte finish.
Adaptable to nearly every style.

Cons:

It’s expensive.
Marble’s porous nature makes it prone to stains, scratches and etching from acidic substances.
Requires periodic sealing to maintain the finish.

Concrete

No longer exclusively an industrial material, concrete has miraculous shape-shifting abilities that allow an endless array of looks. Most concrete countertops are manufactured offsite for maximum quality control.

Pros:

It’s an appealing organic material that can mimic the look of natural stone.
A vast range of customized colors, textures and decorative inlays.
Can be cast in the exact shape, dimensions and edge style desired.
Extremely durable.
Reasonably ecofriendly, especially when recycled content is added.

Cons:

Professional design and installation are recommended.
Because concrete is naturally porous, countertops need to be waxed and sealed regularly.
Visible seam lines, although their appearance can be minimized with a colored filler.