Vanity Countertops

If you're considering updating the look of your bathroom and are looking to create the greatest impact with the least amount spent, you should consider simply changing your vanity countertops. Many homeowners with older bathrooms and tight budgets have discovered that they can update their bathrooms by simply changing out their old counters. The best part of the project is that you do not need to hire a contractor and can perform the project on your own. There are important steps to consider when planning this project.

First, you should evaluate the condition of your vanity cabinet. Some of the new vanity countertops are made of stone and are considerably heavier than their older outdated variations. As a result, it's important to determine that your cabinet has proper structure to potentially hold materials such as granite or quartz. Additionally, older cabinets in bathrooms are potentially subjected to water damage.

If the original cabinet is made of particle board or a lesser material, it would be too risky to consider replacing the countertop with a stone top. If this is the case, there are also lighter materials in the marketplace that can be considered. As you look at the condition of your cabinet, it is also important to note if there are any obstructions underneath the cabinet that may create a problem.

Most homeowners opt to use under mount sinks with their new tops. It is important that there is ample clearance in the cabinet to accommodate an under mount styled sink. It's important to pay particular attention to working drawers and the way the doors are situated in the closed position. You want to avoid bringing home a new countertop and sink that will not sit flush in the cabinet.

You are now ready to consider the different materials available for vanity countertops. Listed from least expensive to most expensive are the following options: cultured marble counter tops, solid surface countertops, granite counter tops, marble, quartz, and concrete. Cultured marble is a perfectly acceptable material, yet it is limited in terms of the size and color options available. Solid surface countertops offer the greatest number of choices in terms of color and size variations. Effectively, solid surface offers the most for the amount of dollars spent and is a very common choice. Granite and marble can be categorized together. Granite is a great material for consideration in that it works with traditional, transitional, and even contemporary settings. Finally, quartz is the premium material to consider when replacing your vanity countertops. It is stain resistant, chemical resistant, and bacterial resistant since it is a non-porous material. If your primary consideration is color, solid surface and quartz will offer the greatest diversity and even custom capabilities.

Before heading to your local store, it is important that you properly measure the countertop space. The key measurements required for replacing your vanity countertops are the width and depth of your current countertops. Additionally, you'll want to measure the distance from the left edge and right edit to the center of your sink bowl or vessel. The next consideration will be the faucet hole drilling. A good understanding of single hole, 4 inch spread, and 8 inch spread faucets will be important.

Finally, you should consider whether a back splash or side splash will be required. It is strongly recommended that a back splash or side splash be ordered at the same time of ordering so that you don't have color matching issues with your new vanity countertops.

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