One of the first impulses when choosing a vanity top is to get something that looks good, and that’s natural because they play big role in the overall look and feel of the bathroom. Looks though aren’t the whole picture as the bathroom counter-top also serve a very functional role. That’s why it’s so important to stop and ask yourself the questions below.

• 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?

Now you have asked yourself the hard questions below I will do my best to break down the 4 most common vanity tops we use in bathroom renovations throughout Perth, Western Australia.
 

Natural Stone

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

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.

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 a 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

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 colours/patterns including ‘non-earth tone’ colours like bright colours
• Available in pre-made vanity top configurations

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)
• Lacks the really natural feel that marbles and granite have
• Requires professional installation or will break during the installation process

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

Pros

• Best for cleaning and children
• The surface is very resilient and non porous
• Comes in wide variety of sizes and is cost effective

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

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 what’s 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. At on the ball bathrooms we love feedback so let us know what you think with a comment below or if you are looking for a bathroom renovation quote and live in Perth, Western Australia contact us on 0419964678 or email us at info@ontheballbathrooms.com.au

 
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