Putting stylish vanities in a prefab bathroom is my go-to space saver tip, giving me a sink and a practical storage in one. Aside from that, it can conceal the exposed pipes in my bathroom.
But a bathroom vanity comes with a price depending on its top material and customization. A word of advice: don't waste your money by buying the first thing you see. Instead, inspect the types of countertop materials according to industry experts.
Begin your research by knowing about the trusted vanity top materials for a prefabricated bathroom below!
Experts Recommend These Types of Materials for Vanity Tops
Bathroom specialists recommend using these materials for vanity tops as a starting point:
- Quartz
- Marble
- Glass
- Granite
- Laminate
- Ceramic
To be honest, there are many contributing factors on why vanities increase in prices. These factors include design, customization, brand name, innovative features, environmental sustainability, and construction materials.
But let's focus on the construction materials used for vanity tops. These mediums determine the overall look and durability of the product. Plus, the top area is most susceptible to water damage because it mainly holds the sink.
According to General Contractors, replacing a vanity top alone would cost you up to $4,300! It's such a waste to buy a new vanity for your bathroom unit just to replace it after 5 years due to unexpected damage.
That's why it's important to only buy vanities recommended by specialists. You can read the list below to discover critical information on each top material for your vanity.
Top 6 High-Quality Materials for Bathroom Pod Vanity Tops
Knowing which type of vanity top material to use helps create the all-in-one bathroom of your dream. Get started with reading this list of top 6 most reliable countertop materials below:
#1 Quartz
A 2020 Consumer Reports study states that quartz is the most resistant to heat, stains, abrasions among all countertop materials. So it's easy to conclude that quartz vanity tops are long-lasting and easy to maintain.
Quartz vanity tops are also open to many design opportunities. This type of material has a great capacity to maintain dyes and any patterns.
Furthermore, a quartz top is also open to personal customization whether you like stark solid colors or marble-like flecks. It's not a hidden fact that consumers often choose this medium because of its unparalleled style and durability.
From our observation, The greatest advantage of using Quartz vanity tops is its non-absorbent surface. If it's non-porous, then you can make sure that it's resistant to bacteria or water damage!
Quartz can be costly because it's an engineered stone. The usual price for a quartz vanity top in square foot can cost from $55 up to $200 depending on the quality.
#2 Marble
You cannot deny the beauty of marble tops. How unfortunate that marbles can get to the edge of your patience when it comes to maintenance!
For many homeowners, the demands of maintaining a marble top is time-consuming. For instance, you need to wipe up spills from time to time to make sure your vanity top sits in perfect condition.
Natural stone, including marbles, have a reputation for being pricey. But the recent Consumer Reports don't recommend marble tops for the reasons that they're more prone to chips and scratches.
However, using marble vanity tops can add a luxurious appeal to your modular bathroom. The elegant look springs from the notion that each marble carries with them unique veining patterns and colors.
The price of marble tops depends on the specific style of marble you're planning to use.
Makrana marbles can be as low as $12 per sq. ft. Meanwhile, Calacatta is the most expensive with $250 per sq. ft.
#3 Glass
Glass is one of the most contemporary and elegant materials you use for vanities in a prefab bathroom. Glass vanity tops are made from tempered glass to increase its life-span and safety.
Besides, glass surfaces can reflect light to areas around them. So you can notice that modular bathrooms appear lighter and wider because of glass vanities.
You can now also say goodbye to any stains and bacteria build-up on glass vanity tops. The secret is its non-porous surface making it easier to clean.
What I also like about glass vanity tops is their variety of designs. They come in different styles, including clear, textured, frosted, and patterned choices.
A basic clear glass may cost $50-$100 per square foot. On the higher end, thicker and customized options may range from $150-$300.
#4 Granite
Oh, beautiful granite. This material is kind of special because of its natural aesthetic. And it's not just pleasant in the eyes, but competitive in terms of strength too.
Its durability vows that you don't have to be anxious when it comes to heat and hard impacts. Plus, you can choose from the many colors and speckled patterns this material entails.
But as far as I know, granite vanity tops still need sealing to keep stains and moisture at bay. Experts advise homeowners to use periodic sealing for optimal safe keeping.
The periodic resealing contributes to the cleanliness of granite vanity tops. For this reason, maintenance of granites becomes undemanding.
One of our favorite things about using granites for vanity tops is that it's cheap. You can achieve granite tops for only $40-$100 per square foot!
#5 Laminate
Let me tell you this: laminate countertops will be one of your favorites. It's very affordable yet it still stands durable when you properly take care of it.
In addition, laminated bathroom vanity tops can offer you a wide selection of colors and textures. Builders also allow customization to fit your preferred bathroom aesthetic.
The only downside of laminate materials is its durability compared to other vanity top mediums. But you can still rely on a laminated top with regards to its resistance to scratch and impact.
The cost for most laminate vanity tops are $46-84 per square foot only. Surprise!
#6 Ceramic
The last budget-friendly yet trusted material on this list is ceramic. This material is also lightweight as opposed to other types of mediums for bathroom vanities.
Homeowners choose ceramic materials because of their surprising strength that can withstand the daily wear-and-tear of bathrooms. But make sure to still perform your duties to maintain it from time to time.
If you're curious about the cost of ceramic materials, know that it's $40-$100 per square foot, anyway.
In The End: Only Choose Trusted Vanity Top Materials For Durability
In summary, bathroom specialists only suggest using six trusted materials for your vanity top, including quartz, marble, glass, granite, laminate, and ceramic. Honestly, the choice really depends on your budget and preferred aesthetic.
No matter what you choose, remember to pick a vanity top material closest to your heart and to your personality. Make it yours, and make it worth your time, budget, and effort.
