Enter your ZIP to find local pros.
Please enter a valid 5 digit zip code

Bathroom Remodel

Best Types of Bathroom Countertops

On this page:
  • Bathroom Countertop Comparison Table
  • What Is the Best Bathroom Countertop Material?
  • Inexpensive Bathroom Countertop Options

Find the best bathroom-remodel pros in your area.

The Modernize Mission

We help homeowners make confident decisions through our reliable, up-to-date, and unbiased information and average project costs. All of our content is thoroughly reviewed and fact-checked by our team of home improvement experts. Learn more about how we maintain these values.

What Are the Best Countertops for Bathrooms?

The best bathroom countertop for your home balances style, durability, maintenance, and budget. Common choices include marble, granite, quartz, soapstone, tile, laminate, concrete, tempered glass, and solid surface. Most countertop prices are calculated per square foot. In the U.S., average bathroom countertop materials run $81 to $148 per square foot, and professional installation averages $111 to $204 per square foot. Your total cost depends on the size of your vanity or built-in cabinets, material, and customization level.

Bathroom Countertop Types
MaterialMaterials Cost (per sq. ft.)
Marble$107 to $196
Granite$181 to $332
Quartz (Engineered)$50 to $150
Soapstone$85 to $150
Tile$2 to $30
Laminate$46 to $84
Concrete$65 to $135+
Tempered Glass$75 to $175
Solid Surface (e.g., Corian)$40 to $60

Before you buy, measure your vanity. Single-sink vanities are typically 24 to 48 inches wide, doubles are 60 to 72 inches, and standard depth is about 20 inches. Most bathrooms need 2 to 12 square feet of countertop, with 6 square feet as an average. A local pro can confirm square footage, talk through material options, and provide a precise quote.

What Is the Best Bathroom Countertop Material?

Different homes and budgets call for different choices. Use this quick list to match each material to your needs.

Marblemarble bathroom countertops

  • Best For: Classic, high-end bathrooms.
  • Materials Cost: $107 to $196 per square foot.
  • Pros: Unique colors and natural patterns, durable against heat and moisture.
  • Cons: Prone to etching and staining, needs periodic sealing.
  • Lifespan: 100+ years.

Your marble countertop buying guide

GraniteA close-up image of detail in granite

  • Best For: Heavy-use bathrooms that need natural stone durability.
  • Materials Cost: $181 to $332 per square foot.
  • Pros: Impervious to water damage, resistant to staining and scratching, many textured colors.
  • Cons: Very heavy to transport and install, sealing recommended for lighter slabs.
  • Lifespan: 100+ years.

Your granite countertop buying guide

Quartz quartz countertops

  • Best For: Low-maintenance stone look on a moderate budget.
  • Materials Cost: $50 to $150 per square foot.
  • Pros: Easy to clean, good scratch resistance, many colors and styles.
  • Cons: Less heat-resistant than granite.
  • Lifespan: Up to 100 years.

Your quartz countertop buying guide

Soapstonesoapstone countertops

  • Best For: Matte, dark, non-porous surfaces with subtle veining.
  • Materials Cost: $85 to $150 per square foot.
  • Pros: Naturally stain-resistant, no sealing required, easy to maintain.
  • Cons: Less scratch-resistant than other stones, limited color range.
  • Lifespan: 20 to 80 years.

Tiletile countertops

  • Best For: Creative designs and tight budgets.
  • Materials Cost: $2 to $30 per square foot.
  • Pros: Widest selection of materials, colors, and finishes, easy spot repairs.
  • Cons: Grout can stain and needs regular sealing.
  • Lifespan: 75 to 100 years.

Laminatelaminate bathroom countertops

  • Best For: Affordable updates with many design options.
  • Materials Cost: $46 to $84 per square foot.
  • Pros: Budget-friendly, non-porous and easy to clean, stone-look patterns available.
  • Cons: Less durable than stone, lower resale value.
  • Lifespan: 20 to 30+ years.

Concreteconcrete countertops

  • Best For: Modern, custom shapes and integrated designs.
  • Materials Cost: $65 to $135 per square foot.
  • Pros: Durable and long-lasting, many color and texture options.
  • Cons: Needs routine sealing, can scratch or develop hairline cracks.
  • Lifespan: 50 to 100 years.

Tempered Glasstempered glass countertop swatch

  • Best For: Sleek, contemporary spaces or statement vanities.
  • Materials Cost: $75 to $175 per square foot.
  • Pros: Extremely durable, will not stain or discolor, very easy to clean.
  • Cons: Repairs can be difficult, requires experienced installers.
  • Lifespan: Up to 100 years.

Solid Surface (e.g., Corian)solid surface countertop swatch

  • Best For: Seamless, mid-range projects and integrated sinks.
  • Materials Cost: $40 to $60 per square foot.
  • Pros: Non-porous, many colors and patterns, no sealing required.
  • Cons: Can etch or discolor with heat and harsh chemicals.
  • Lifespan: 20 to 40 years.

Best Bathroom Countertop According to Reddit

  • Quartz for Everyday Life: Easy to wipe clean, consistent in color and pattern, and no regular sealing to worry about.
  • Granite for Long-Term Durability: Handles water, makeup, and daily use with ease. Seal it now and then, and it keeps looking great.
  • Marble for the Look, With Care: Timeless and beautiful. Use gentle cleaners and wipe spills quickly to prevent etching and stains.
  • Laminate and Tile for Tight Budgets: Stretch your dollars. Laminate installs fast and cleans easily, while tile can be very affordable if the layout is simple and the grout is sealed.
  • Solid Surface for Seamless Sinks: One smooth piece with an integrated bowl. Minor scuffs can often be buffed out for a fresh look.

Bathroom Remodel Cost Calculator

Take Me There

Inexpensive Bathroom Countertop Options

Keeping costs down starts with materials that look good, install quickly, and do not demand constant upkeep. These options deliver the best value for most bathroom remodels without stretching your budget.

  • Laminate: $46 to $84 per square foot. A true budget pick with lots of stone-look patterns. It’s non-porous, easy to clean, and usually faster to install than stone.
  • Ceramic or Porcelain Tile: $2 to $30 per square foot. Mix sizes and finishes for a custom look on a small budget. Seal grout regularly to keep stains at bay. Note that tile’s labor costs can add up quickly as it’s more time-consuming to install. While the upfront price looks good compared to other options, you could end up paying more.
  • Entry-Level Solid Surface (Cultured Marble or Corian): $40 to $60 per square foot. A mid-range price with budget-friendly benefits in the bathroom, including a seamless, non-porous surface that is easy to wipe clean.

For most homeowners, starting with laminate or tile keeps the project affordable while still refreshing the space. If you want a sleeker, seamless look without jumping to natural stone, entry-level solid surface is a smart middle ground.

symmetrical bathroom mirror

Conclusion: Best Countertops for Bathrooms

We covered nine popular bathroom countertop options: marble, granite, quartz, soapstone, tile, laminate, concrete, tempered glass, and solid surface. The best choice for your home comes down to budget, maintenance, and the look you love.

Not sure which material is right for your vanity? Let Modernize connect you with a trusted bathroom professional to compare costs and timelines.

FAQ

What is the cheapest type of bathroom countertop?

Laminate and solid surface are two of the least expensive countertop materials in terms of cost per square foot. Keep in mind that because bathroom vanity tops are often small in square footage, many homeowners will find that higher end materials like granite, marble, or quartz actually fit within their remodeling budget.


What countertop material is best for bathroom vanity and cabinet tops?

While fairly expensive, granite and marble provide an excellent mix of appeal, functionality and resale value. These countertop materials can also last an upwards of 100 years, which means homeowners will likely never have to replace their bathroom countertops again.


Can my contractor install a sink at the same time as the countertop?

Yes, it is common for homeowners to install countertops, vanities, and sinks all at the same time. If your bathroom remodel contractor doesn’t do plumbing, he or she will likely have working relationships with plumbing subcontractors that can install a new bathroom sink.


Do bathroom countertops come with warranties?

Yes. Countertop manufacturers typically offer product warranties, while reputable bathroom remodel contractors typically warranty their installation work. Be sure to talk to your local contractor about available warranties during the installation process.


How can I save on my bathroom countertop project?

There are several ways you can shave costs on your bathroom countertop remodel. You can shop for slabs of granite with slight imperfections that will lower their cost, or choose a less-expensive countertop material than natural or engineered stone. Some bathroom remodel contractors may allow you to remove your old vanity and countertop yourself, provided you have decent carpentry skills and an understanding of the demolition requirements.


Can I repair my damaged or broken bathroom countertop?

Yes, but it depends on the type of damage. Epoxy can fill chips and cracks in laminate and granite, and fingernail polish works well to add some matching color. If you have an extensive crack or broken corner in a natural stone countertop, consider hiring a professional to do the repair or replacement job for you.


Share this article