What is the most durable worktop for bathrooms?
When most of us plan a new bathroom, we easily get preoccupied with how to create a stylish and relaxing space. Durability probably comes as an afterthought. That’s understandable. It’s important to get a bathroom right for you. What if we told you, though, that one of the most durable countertop materials for bathrooms is also the most stylish? We look at quartz worktops and how they work so well in any space.
Durable Bathrooms
Let’s first understand why bathroom materials need to be durable. While bathrooms try to pass themselves off as a calming sanctuary, they work pretty hard for us. In a family household, bathrooms are high-traffic areas that require frequent cleaning and constant water contact. That’s why choosing a durable worktop for bathrooms is essential, as lower-quality materials quickly show wear and tear in these demanding conditions.
High-End Materials
As the most hard-wearing of natural-based stones, this surface is one that we recommend for bathroom countertops. It’s made using 93-94% natural quartz and 6-7% polymer resin. This means that it retains that natural quality while benefiting from the additional durability that the manufacturing process gives it. So why do we love it so much?
Eternally Stylish
Quartz worktops have been popular for years. And this is showing no signs of changing – for good reason! Quartz is available in various options that range from whites, through neutral greys and beiges, to black. It’s a material rich in features, from marble-like veining to sparkling stone speckles.
Low Maintenance
All natural stone is hard-wearing. However, because a quartz worktop is manufactured with resin, it does not possess the same porosity that other natural stones have. This means that it’s durable without a sealing process, making it the lowest maintenance product of all-natural-based stones. Just a wipe with warm water and a mild dish soap is sufficient, so you can do away with abrasive cleaning products!
Bathroom Storage
Do you need a worktop in the bathroom at all, though? Bathroom storage is crucial to keeping the space relaxing and clutter-free, and this extends to the worktop. We’d advise maximising your bathroom storage within a layout. You’ll be amazed at how much stuff you do need to store away when you start using a bathroom! Whether it’s a sink surround or a full countertop over cupboard storage, your choice is important for the overall look of your bathroom.
Countertop Considerations
So, what do you need to consider for your bathroom countertop? Before you choose, you should consider design, upkeep, and layout principles.
Aesthetics
We immediately notice the appearance of a bathroom worktop. Quartz worktops are timeless in style and serve as durable worktops for bathrooms, ensuring that even if you change your bathroom’s superficial scheme, you can still retain this elegant feature. The brightness, sparkle, and gloss of various quartz finishes work wonders in diffusing natural light, making even smaller, darker spaces feel lighter and airier.
High/Low Design
If you’re working to a budget, it’s worth employing the principle of high/low design. This is commonly used by interior designers and means allocating budget to high-use, prominent items to lift the overall elegance of a room. Quartz worktops fit this principle as they are a key feature that you will both look at and touch in the bathroom.
Maintenance
Cleaning the bathroom is not on anyone’s list of fun things to do! Frankly, whatever you can do to minimise this chore is a benefit. Quartz is non-porous and dense, so it does not scratch, stain, or chip with wear and tear. Daily cleaning is a breeze with just a wipe down to keep it looking fresh.
Accessories
To make a bathroom stylish and homely, you’ll want to accessorise the space. You might prefer candles, reed diffusers, or greenery. All stone surfaces are a wonderful foil to these kinds of accessories, giving a relaxed spa feel to the space. We love the clarity of quartz when positioning those finishing touches to a bathroom design.
Alternative Options
Of course, there are other natural stones available that you may want to consider for your bathroom countertop. These materials have their advantages and benefits, too.
Marble worktop
This may be the most porous of natural stones, but if you are looking for an original and natural elegance, marble is ideal. Each slab is cut individually, so every countertop is uniquely veined. Although there are quartz ranges that are veined similarly, for some people, there is no beating classic marble.
Granite worktop
Again, this naturally mined stone gives a one-off finish. Granite has a bold look that works wonderfully in contemporary designs. This stone is available in so many different colours, it’s a great material for anyone who wants to inject some colour into the bathroom scheme.
With so many different varieties of stone worktops available, it can be hard to know where to start for your bathroom worktop. It’s always worth seeing and touching examples in the flesh. Get in touch or visit our showroom to see for yourself.