Choosing the perfect countertop material for your bathroom can be overwhelming. There are so many different options available on the market, each with its pros and cons. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular bathroom countertop materials to help guide your decision.

Laminate

Laminate has come a long way in the last 50 years. Forget the garish pastels and metal edges in the 60s. Modern laminate looks luxurious and can even fool you into thinking it’s wood, marble or leather. Laminate is made from layers of plastic pressure bonded to a particleboard or plywood base and can be custom-made by fabricators to your specifications.

Pros:

• One of the most inexpensive countertop materials
• Durable, water-resistant and easy to clean
• Extensive range of colours and patterns, customizable
• Easy to install

Cons:

• Can dull or thin over time
• Any damages will require the entire countertop to be replaced

Tile

Ceramic, porcelain and glass tiles can be charming and trendy, especially in a beach cottage or Spanish colonial-style home. Ceramic tiles are made of hardened clay topped with a surface glaze. Porcelain is a type of ceramic and is made of finer clay fired at higher temperatures, making it a harder and denser material perfect for floors and countertops.

Pros:

• Heat-, stain-, scratch-, moisture-resistant
• Affordable, and each tile can be replaced if damaged
• Hundreds of design options available

Cons:

• Grouts can attract stain and be difficult to clean
• Tiles can crack under impact

Solid Surface

Solid surface countertops are made from a blend of acrylic, resin and stone. They can be moulded into any shape, including all-in-one countertops with integrated sinks. A wide range of solid colours and subtle patterns are available.

Pros:

• Can be shaped into seamless countertops
• Durable and resistant to water and stains
• Consistent colouring and patterns making matching pieces easy

Cons:

• Wear and scratches can be visible in darker colours
• Looks less natural and elegant than natural stone

Quartz

Quartz countertops are a blend of 90% quartz, resins, pigments and other stone materials. There are many designs available; some even look indistinguishable from natural stone.

Pros:

• Many colours and styles
• Tough and doesn’t require sealing
• Naturally resistant to moisture, stains and bacteria

Cons:

• A more expensive countertop material
• Not as heat-resistant as natural stone

Concrete

Concrete countertops have become a prevalent trend recently. Unlike what you find on the sidewalks, concrete countertops are stained and highly polished. Some manufacturers even embed tile, stone or polished glass into the surface to enhance its appearance.

Pros:

• Very on-trend
• Durable and very strong
• A vast range of colours and textures

Cons:

• Concrete is naturally porous. The countertop will need to be waxed and sealed regularly
• If cracks occur, the entire surface has to be replaced
• A more expensive option

Call JJ Cabinets today for your bathroom renovation in Winnipeg. For over 30 years, we have helped our customers bring their dream bathroom designs into life. Transform your space today with JJ Cabinets.