Selecting a Bathroom Countertop
Email To Friend | share this article | Posted by Dean on February 1st in Bathroom Remodel.
Most bathroom countertops are custom, so you can get creative. Not all materials work well in the bathroom where water and condensation are a constant concern, so you might want to consider the following:
Laminated Surfaces
Plastic Laminate is the most common and least expensive countertop material, and comes in just about any color and texture. For a few extra bucks you can custom design your plastic laminate to your own color, texture and style. It�s a breeze to clean thanks to its smooth surface, and costs $30-$60 per linear foot, installed.
Ceramic and Porcelain Countertops
Ceramic & Porcelain Tile is probably the most versatile countertop material for creating a specific style or look. Grout lines are the only drawback because they are difficult to clean, especially in the bathroom, and don�t be fooled: tile grout requires regular maintenance and lots of elbow grease. On the flip side, the tile itself is easy to clean. Installed it costs $50-$80 per linear foot; plain-colored tiles run from $2 to $40 per tile with hand-painted tiles running from $5-$75.
Solid Surfaces
Solid Surfacing is made of either pure acrylic or a polyester-acrylic mix. Some of the materials are solid colors, but most have flecks that offer a textured look resembling real stone and cost more. Installed the price is $75-$150 a linear foot.
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Granite Countertops
Granite slabs are the most expensive countertop surfaces, but this product holds its weight. The expense of granite will vary greatly, depending on the type, quality, and availability of granite you select, as well as its finished edge. If you can�t resist the look of granite and your purse is stretched, try granite tiles. Installed the cost runs $75-$200 a linear foot.
Composite Stone Countertops
Composite Stone has become a big rival to granite. Some look like natural stone, but not one that you could identify. Others are so close to granite that you’re left wondering if it�s real or not. Since the composites are man-made materials, they do not have the unexpected variation of granite or marble and they do not need to be sealed. Installed, the cost runs $110-$250 a linear foot.
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:37 am
Dean - Interesting post. I might update the prices per square ft. though. In our area at least those numbers have gone down quite significantly.