New bathroom countertops have the potential to add beauty and personality to your space. But you need to select an option that fits your budget and your lifestyle. Here are the best options on the market.
Laminate
With improvements in technology, laminate countertops have come a long way. Although they are made of plastic layers bonded by MDF particleboard, you can find quality laminate products that look like other materials on the market at a fraction of the price. At the lowest price tag, in the average market, laminate costs $35-$60/sq ft to have installed.
| Pros | Cons |
| Inexpensive to make and install | Less durable than other countertop choices |
| Wide variety of colors and patterns available | Lacks “wow” factor |
| DIY friendly choice |
Ceramic/Porcelain Tile
Ceramic, porcelain, and even glass tiles have been a popular choice for countertops because of their versatility in decor. They can mimic other materials or bring in unique designs to give your countertops a customized look. The tile you choose will determine the price significantly. But on average, tile is comparable to laminate at $40-$70/sq ft.
| Pros | Cons |
| Tile is a relatively simple DIY project | If tile cracks, it can be frustrating to replace |
| Countertops are affordable compared to high end countertops | Grout lines have to be sealed and cleaned regularly |
| Designs are customizable with thousands of options on the market |
Solid Surface
This countertop variety has become popular among homeowners as a way to breathe life into their countertops without breaking their budget. As a blend of acrylic and polyester bonded together with resins, these countertops are customizable in the same way quartz is, for a fraction of the cost. For solid surface countertops, you can expect a range of $50-$150/sq ft.
| Pros | Cons |
| Can be shaped into one seamless material, also including the sink basins | DIY options may be limited for homeowners |
| Low maintenance and easy to repair | Need to use caution when using curling irons or other heat producing hair care products |
| Customizable to resemble stone surfaces |
Glass
When you think of glass, you may think of a fragile object. This could not be further from the truth with glass countertops. Glass lends itself to a variety of patterns, shapes, and textures, making it an incredibly versatile material. Depending on the style you select, they can range anywhere from $50-$150/sq ft.
| Pros | Cons |
| Most varieties are made from recycled glass, making them an eco-friendly option | Not a DIY project |
| Extremely durable and doesn’t age over time | Expensive to repair if it suffers chips and dents |
| Low maintenance and nonporous surface |
Concrete
When you think of concrete countertops, don’t immediately let your mind go to the drab, gravel type stuff you walk on in your neighborhood or city park. These countertops are highly polished, stained, and often texturized to make a statement. For concrete countertops, you can expect to pay $70-$160/sq ft.
| Pros | Cons |
| Trendy and eye-catching, especially when selling a home | One of the more pricey options in countertops on the market |
| Solid and highly durable material | If major damage occurs, a full replacement is likely required |
| Customizable | Requires pro installation, not DIY friendly |
Natural Stone
Natural stone countertops consist of a variety of materials, including marble, granite, slate, soapstone, travertine, and onyx. They are usually cut as one thick slab with holes cut for sinks and faucets. The material you choose will determine your price. Natural stone can come anywhere from $50-$200/sq ft.
| Pros | Cons |
| Instantly adds beauty to your space | Stone requires sealing and proper maintenance |
| Stone materials with veining are completely unique, no two are the same | Much higher cost of material and installation |
| Highly durable | Not recommended for DIY |
Quartz
Not truly made of 100% quartz, these countertops are more commonly known as “engineered stone.” They comprise mostly of ground quartz and other minerals (70-90%) bound with resins and pigments. The finished product gives a similar look to natural stone. Quartz comes with a higher price tag of $100-$200/sq ft.
| Pros | Cons |
| Customizable product that can mimic the look of granite and marble | They come at a higher price tag |
| Wide variety of colors and styles available | Can have visible seams since it is not one solid slab |
| Less porous and stain resistant surface |
For countertop installers in Kansas City, make sure your installers have plenty of experience in the business to handle your needs. Many installers can even fabricate your countertops, so your product isn’t constantly changing hands from start to finish.
