Vanity Top Buying Guide

Considering the number of options available, selecting a vanity top can be difficult. It is important to have a thorough understanding of the different vanity top materials to ensure that your selection will address the needs and style of your home.

In this article, you'll find detailed descriptions of each vanity top material to give you a better idea of their looks, qualities, and differences. Read on to learn about the various types of bathroom countertops to help find the perfect surface for your space.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Bathroom Vanity Top

The perfect vanity top helps complete the look you are trying to achieve. If you are undergoing a bathroom remodel, it’s important to make sure you do your research on each countertop type to make the right choice for your home, especially when installing your own vanity cabinet and vanity top.

Signature Hardware offers bathroom vanity tops in an array of materials, and it helps to know each option. With different choices, you can customize the perfect bath to fit your budget and style. When it's time to update or upgrade your bathroom vanity top, things like size, sink shape, and color are significant factors to consider. Keep the following elements top of mind when looking for the best vanity top, and you’ll be on the right track to redesigning the ideal powder room.

	Size
	One of the first steps before purchasing a new bathroom vanity top should be measuring your current one, along with the accompanying bathroom vanity. To accurately measure, take the width of the front and back of the vanity top and measure from the front edge to the back to find the depth. To learn more about measuring your bathroom vanity, read our Bathroom Vanity Buying Guide for additional information.

	Style
	Style is another important aspect when choosing a bathroom countertop for your vanity cabinet. Choose one that complements your vanity and your home's aesthetic.

	Shape
	Searching for the right vanity top entails making sure it will fit your sink, whether it’s a single or double. Another point to think about is if you will have an undermount, drop-in or vessel sink, as the type will also play into the sizing for the vanity top.

	Additional Upgrades
	There are several other renovations to make alongside a new vanity top, such as a new faucet or backsplash. Creating a plan for these changes will help, as it is always a good idea to have the vanity top installed before putting in a backsplash. Along with that, most vanity tops come with pre-drilled holes for faucets. Decide if you want a widespread, waterfall, or single-hole style, and always check the drillings on your current bathroom countertop since switching out the faucet can be more costly and requires extra work.

Granite Vanity Tops

Featuring a high-end look, granite is the most popular natural stone used for vanity countertops. Each granite top has distinctive traits including color variation, veining, and flecks of minerals such as copper, silver, or gold. Granite forms as a molten rock that cools deep underground. During the cooling process, crystals develop to create speckles, flecks, and flakes that bring character and uniqueness to each vanity top. It comes in a variety of colors, and no two granite vanities are the same, making granite vanity tops a popular choice for modern bathroom renovations.

Since granite is extremely durable, it’s often the first choice for a natural stone countertop due to its resilience. Its anti-bacterial and heat-resistant properties make it an ideal material for bathrooms.

	Pros
	• Superior durability • Heat and humidity-resistant • Scratch-resistant • Easy to clean

	Cons
	• Needs to be sealed on a routine basis

	How to Care for Granite Countertops
	To clean a granite vanity top, simply wipe with a soft cloth and warm water. Mild household cleansers can be used occasionally for deeper cleaning. It is important to note that most natural granite requires annual resealing, and any damage to the edges or corners of the top will need to be repaired by a professional. Shop All Granite Vanity Tops

Marble Vanity Tops

Marble vanity tops are classic because they add sophistication to any space. Like granite, marble is full of natural veining and markings. Because it is a result of the metamorphosis of limestone, the swirls and vein patterns you see are caused by minerals that were originally grains or layers in the stone. Marble bathroom vanity tops offer unmatched elegance to complete the look of any bathroom design.

	Pros
	• Superior longevity and durability • Heat-resistant

	Cons
	• Not as durable as granite or quartz • Shades vary from stone to stone • Susceptible to stains and scratches if not regularly sealed and cleaned

	How to Care for Marble Countertops
	Marble is maintained much like granite; wipe your marble vanity top with a soft cloth and warm water daily with the occasional use of mild household cleaner. Because of the porous nature of natural stone, marble should be sealed periodically to protect it from staining. Shop All Marble Vanity Tops

Quartz Vanity Tops

Quartz is an engineered solid-surface material that is used to manufacture vanity tops. Quartz countertops are made up of 93 percent crushed quartz mixed with 7 percent resin to create a solid surface.

Since quartz vanity tops are dense, non-porous, and have a glossy sheen, they are a very low-maintenance option. They are very heavy, but they have more flexibility than natural stone tops, making them easier for the installer to work with. While durable, they are not indestructible, so professional handling and installation are necessary due to their weight. Most quartz has a clean, contemporary look that can transform any bathroom space, making it a popular choice for solid surface vanity tops.

	Pros
	• Solid and nonporous • Heat-resistant • Scratch and stain-resistant

	Cons
	• Not a natural stone • Can fade when placed in prolonged, direct sunlight

	How to Care for Quartz Countertops
	Quartz vanity tops require no sealing, are naturally stain-resistant, and can be cleaned using mild soap, hot water, and a soft cloth. Although extremely durable, quartz is a bit sensitive to direct sunlight. If your bathroom vanity is near a window, consider window treatments that will protect your quartz countertop from fading or discoloration. Shop All Quartz Vanity Tops

Wood Vanity Tops

If your desire is a warm, cozy bathroom space, a wood vanity top may be what you're looking for. Although not used as much today, natural wood countertops have been around much longer than stone and quartz, and have recently begun a resurgence in popularity.

Wood bathroom vanity tops are typically made of specific wood species and feature a smooth, finished look. They are easier to install, as they are usually lighter in weight, resistant to breaking if dropped or carried incorrectly, and much easier to cut if trimming is necessary. A wood vanity top is perfect for keeping the bathroom functional while also maintaining style and design.

	Pros
	• Natural material • Variety of design options • Eco friendly and affordable costs

	Cons
	• Higher maintenance costs • Prone to moisture damage if not properly maintained • Prone to scratches and stains

	How to Care for Wood Countertops
	Wood vanity tops can be cleaned with soap, warm water, and a cloth. Do not use harsh bathroom cleaners on these tops. Maintenance is another benefit of wood countertops, as wood can easily be sanded and refinished in the event of a scratch, gouge, or burn to its surface. Shop All Wood Vanity Tops


	Bamboo
	Falling into the wood category but technically not wood, Bamboo is one of the most durable types of natural grasses. Similar to other natural products, the bamboo used to construct our vanity tops may vary in color, therefore no two will look exactly alike. Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants in the world. It replenishes itself much faster than other types of trees, making it an extremely eco-friendly building material. Bamboo vanity tops should be cleaned with a gentle soap and a soft cloth or bush. Avoiding any kind of abrasive is recommended, whether it be the cleaning tool or product. Although bamboo is very strong, it is a natural material and will be affected by harsh chemicals and maintenance neglect.


	Teak
	Teak is a type of tropical hardwood tree that has been used in shipbuilding for hundreds of years. This type of wood contains natural oil that makes it resistant to water and keeps it from warping, cracking, or becoming brittle. Teak wood is naturally resistant to fungi, mold, and mildew, making it an ideal choice for the environment of a bathroom which is prone to moisture. Teak should be cleaned with a gentle soap and a soft cloth or brush. Avoid any kind of abrasive, whether in the cleaning tool or product. A teak vanity top will complete a simple bathroom design with a minimalist look.

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Vanity Top Buying Guide

Things to Consider When Choosing a Bathroom Vanity Top

Size

Style

Shape

Additional Upgrades

Granite Vanity Tops

Pros

Cons

How to Care for Granite Countertops

Marble Vanity Tops

Pros

Cons

How to Care for Marble Countertops

Quartz Vanity Tops

Pros

Cons

How to Care for Quartz Countertops

Wood Vanity Tops

Pros

Cons

How to Care for Wood Countertops

Bamboo

Teak