Laminate is one of the most cost-effective bathroom vanity material types. These countertops are made from layers of plastic attached to a particle board. The good news is that laminate is notably effective at resisting stains, heat, chips, and cracks.
Which is the best countertop material for my bathroom vanity? Fortunately, most countertop surfaces work well in the demanding environment of a regularly used bathroom. For bathroom vanities, some of the top choices for countertops include acrylic, granite, marble, and quartz.
Acrylic vanity tops are also long-lasting, more resistant to chipping than ceramic vanity tops, and bacteria-resistant which ensures that they're easy to keep clean and hygienic. Solid surface vanity tops are constructed from natural minerals and high performance acrylic with a matte finish.
Cheap: Basic Ceramic or Glass Mosaic Tile
Simple ceramic or glass tile is less expensive than natural stone and provides a water-resistant, easy-to-clean countertop surface. This vessel sink sits on a countertop of mosaic glass tiles.
Generally, quartz is less expensive than granite, but many factors influence the total price of a project. In this article, we'll look at the differences between natural granite stone and engineered quartz stone and the factors that affect pricing so you can determine which material is best for your design project.
MDF Bathroom Cabinets
The MDF is a cost-effective option for those on a tight budget. This material is made up of composite fibers and small bits of wood that have been bonded together with resin or wax. MDF cabinets do not compress or expand as much as solid wood cabinets.
Although acrylic countertops are praised for being extremely hard and durable surfaces, there are inevitably instances where accidents can cause visible damage. Fortunately, scratches or dents of all sizes can quickly, and easily, be buffed out by a professional in minutes.
Due to the nature of how they are constructed, porcelain bathtubs are generally more expensive than acrylic. This cost also takes into consideration that porcelain tubs require more maintenance than acrylic and are generally more expensive to install as well.
For a single vanity, the most popular widths are 24", 30", 36", 48", and for double vanities the most popular widths are 60" and 72", but start at 48". The standard depth of a vanity is typically around 20", but narrower options are available. The standard vanity height is 32", but ranges from 30" – 36".
Painted Furniture Creates a High-End Custom Bathroom Style
Choose a paint color for your vanity project that you can repeat around the room in linens and accessories. A rich gray or greige paint color will give your bathroom vanity an expensive look while keeping it neutral.
It's usually less expensive to purchase a vanity that already includes the top and sink. Vanities with tops come pre-drilled and assembled, so it's a relatively easy do-it-yourself project. Not having to use a contractor saves you money that could be used elsewhere in the renovation.
White has been the most popular bathroom vanity color for years.
Warm Tones
Speaking of warmth, color schemes shifted from cool colors to warmer colors at the end of 2021, throughout 2022, and will continue into 2023. Gray is still one of the hottest colors, especially for a bathroom vanity, but be sure to pick a warm gray or greige instead of a cool one.
According to a HomeAdvisor comparison of quartz vs. granite, quartz is the better material for bathroom countertops due to its non-porous qualities. Granite needs regular resealing and is susceptible to harboring stains and bacteria, especially from moisture.
Costs. The costs of quartz countertops and porcelain countertops are quite different. The average cost of porcelain lies between $55 to $120 for every square foot. On the other hand, the average cost of a quartz countertop ranges from $45 to $200 for every square foot.
Overall, ceramic tile costs less than porcelain by about 60 to 70 percent. The exception is when you get to the higher end of the ceramic price range, where there is less of a cost difference for porcelain vs ceramic tile.
Durability: The density of porcelain tile makes it more durable than ceramic tile while being less subject to wear and tear. This makes it more suitable for commercial use as well as in the home. Water Resistance: Porcelain tile is almost impervious to water compared to ceramic tile.
Quartz countertops are more durable, scratch-resistant. and heat-safe, scoring a 6 in the Mohs hardness scale. INSTALLATION: Acrylic countertops are a risky option in case of cracks.
Generally speaking, quartz worktops are in a higher price bracket than acrylic. But while quartz is a bit more costly, it's durability is worth it. Acrylic worktops are much more likely to become damaged with normal day-to-day use when compared to quartz.
Acrylic Bathroom Vanities are a very smart choice for your bathroom. Acrylic as a material for vanities is very solid, scratch and chip resistant, easy to clean and most importantly has a beautiful finish and look.
The strength and durability of solid wood is why many choose to go with wood bath vanities, so it really depends on what you find most important. By keeping humidity in control, most homeowners won't have any problems with this beautiful material. It works best with a natural or stained finish, as opposed to paint.
Bathroom vanities can be made of various different materials. Some of the most common types of vanity materials include various types of wood, MDF fiberboard, glass and stone. As long as the materials in question are solidly used in high quality vanities, they can last up to 60 years.
The most common materials used for bathroom vanities are solid wood, particle board, MDF (medium density fiberboard), and plywood.