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Considerations When Selecting A Vanity Top For Your Bathroom

16 June 2020

Avery Shaw

A natural stone vanity top will create a beautiful surface that you can admire and enjoy for many years—providing you select the right option when undergoing bathroom renovations. Here are several considerations when mulling over what's on offer.

Select a Stone That Suits Bathroom Usage

While all varieties of natural stone are porous and require care and sealing, some are more resilient than others, and you need to keep this practicality at the forefront of your mind and not let a stone's beauty hijack you. In a high-traffic bathroom with multiple users, you'll fare better with more robust rocks such as granite or engineered quartz. Once sealed, granite can resist scratches and water staining. Engineered stone also copes well in tough situations because of its protective resin content. 

On the other hand, you might be sourcing a stone counter for a powder room or a quieter bathroom that one or two people use, in which case you could splash out with a luxurious stone such as marble. Just make sure to regularly seal the counter in line with recommendations to prevent damage and staining.

Pick a Finish Appropriate for Traffic

The aesthetics of your lovely vanity top is dependent on not only the particular stone you select but also its finish. Again, consider practicalities when doing your research. A highly reflective polish might show off the patterns within the rock; however, this shine can also emphasise scratches. For busy bathrooms, you might want to bypass such a beautiful finish; otherwise, you may become frustrated with how your counter endures daily life. 

Different to a smooth polish, a leathered finish with fissures and grooves will give the countertop a natural rustic appeal. Such textured surfaces tend to disguise scratches and fingerprints, but they can be challenging to clean because of the leather-like scores. Overall, for a busy bathroom, this finish is ideal. 

You could imbue your new counter, though, with a slight satiny sheen that sits somewhere between a high polish and a matte surface—a honed finish. While these surfaces resist scratching, they do tend to highlight smudges and so might be better for lower-traffic bathrooms. 

While you may confront many beautiful stones and finishes when looking for a stone vanity top, make sure to maintain a practical focus and not become derailed by looks only. A rock and finish that can handle its environment and use will retain its beauty much better and keep you happier in the long run. 

Contact a bathroom renovation contractor to learn more.

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