Vanity Tops

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Vanity tops are the surface of your bathroom vanity. They are one of the most visible aspects of any bathroom. A well designed vanity draws the eye into the room, and the top is integral to this effect. When considering buying a vanity top there are a few things you should know.

The first thing you’ll want is the dimensions of your vanity. Many hardware stores sell vanity top material by the square foot; and pricing your top will be much easier if you know what size you’re buying. Another thing to keep in mind is that a vanity top is not a sink. While the finished top will have holes cut out for a sink and faucet, you need to buy a sink yourself unless the top you buy specifically states that it comes with the sink. Vanity tops come in a variety of materials. Natural stone tops are made of such stones as granite, marble, or limestone. Glass, either clear or tinted can give an exotic look to your vanity. Man made materials can be used that simulate the natural qualities of stone.

Many of these materials are quartz based. Others are plastic, such as the Formica brand. You can also use tile or even concrete for a low-cost vanity top. Wood is occasionally used for vanities, but because of its tendency to warp in the presence of water, it is not favored as a surface material. Laminated wood is a common substitution for plain wood. Marble is the most expensive material to use in a counter top. In addition to that, marble is a relatively high maintenance material. It can stain, and requires re-sealing often. The next spot on the list varies depending on location and volume.

A cement top will cost a lot to install, but the material itself is not all that expensive, so for extremely large applications like a public restroom it may actually be cost effective. Granite and synthetic stone (presses quartz) run roughly equal depending on your supplier and installer.

Glass or solid surface tops come in next. Then the limestone and metal tops come in. Finally laminated wood and tile tops bring up the low budget end of the train. When buying a vanity top, you can choose to have a sink of the same material in some cases. This is particularly common in metal and solid state counters, although it can be done with just about any material. These sinks are usually under set and then welded, sanded, or otherwise sealed to create a seamless looking sink. If you don’t feel comfortable installing your own vanity top it is best to hire a contractor to do it for you.

An improperly set top can leak, wreaking havoc on the rest of your vanity. Improper installation can also cause warping in wood or plastic tops, and cracking in stone ones. The cost of a professional installation will be well below the cost of replacing a top that is ruined because of an improper installation.

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