How To Get Replacement Countertops For Your Bathroom Vanity
If you’re looking into replacement countertops options for your bathroom vanity, you are in good company.
Right now I have two vanities in my own home that have needed a new tops to update the countertops that have lived a good life in my bathrooms for years.
As I was dreaming, planning, and searching, I realized that many of you are probably in the same boat.
For myself, I have done the process of finding new vanity countertops numerous times for clients over the years, but I know that experience is not common for most people.
Swapping out a vanity countertop is a great way to give a dated space new life, sometimes for much less than replacing the whole vanity.
Our clients will often be unsure about how to proceed when updating their vanities, so I thought I would share with all of you what I share with them!
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How To Get Replacement Countertops For A Vanity:
Let’s start with the big question you probably have on your mind. How do you even get a replacement countertop for your vanity?
There are three common ways you can get a replacement countertop for a bathroom vanity:
Hire A Countertop Fabricator -
A countertop fabricator is the professional you need to create a custom bathroom vanity top for you! You will need to select the type of top you would like, typically fabricators will work with solid surface, quartz, and natural stone products. Once you select your chosen material, they will measure the installed vanity, then fabricate a new vanity top for you out of your selected countertop material and install it.
Buy A Premade Countertop -
You can find a wide variety of premade countertop options online that will fit the dimensions needed for your vanity and then install it yourself or hire someone else to install it for you. Looking for ideas where to find premade vanity countertops online? Scroll down to the bottom of the article for a list of suggestions!
Make A New Countertop Yourself -
If you’re an experienced DIYer or handy person, you could likely make your own new vanity countertop out of materials you are comfortable working with like wood or concrete.
Types Of Replacement Countertops For A Bathroom Vanity:
Vitreous China Replacement Countertops For A Vanity -
Vitreous china is a ceramic material that is coated with an enamel to make it stronger and more resistant to stains. Often comes in a white color but can come in other color variations as well. This type of vanity top usually comes with an integrated seamless sink and is easily found in many home improvement stores. Vitreous china tops tend to be slightly more expensive than cultured marble or solid surface options, but are still very affordable.
Cultured Marble Replacement Countertops For A Vanity -
Cultured marble is manmade from natural stone being ground up into a powder and then mixed with resin materials and coated with a strong finish. Cultured marble tops are less expensive than natural stone options and relatively durable because they are not porous, so they are less likely to stain or mildew than a natural stone. These are one of the most common types of vanity tops that you can buy off the shelf at a home improvement store at a great price. They also have options for molded sinks and backsplashes if you don’t want to have to opt for installing separate pieces.
Solid Surface Replacement Countertops For A Vanity -
Solid surface vanity countertops are similar to cultured marble in that they are created from natural stone dust mixed with plastic resins and colors. They can be made to look like natural stone but typically will have a flat or matte finish and are more durable and porous that natural stone which makes them stain resistant. Solid surface vanity tops are usually more expensive than cultured marble, but still quite affordable. Just like cultured marble, they also have options for molded sinks and backsplashes.
Laminate Replacement Countertops For A Vanity -
Laminate countertops are a pressed wood product that have a laminate coating to make them durable and water resistant. The laminate coating can be printed to look like stone, wood, or other materials. The laminate countertops often come with coordinating backsplashes that can be installed with them, if desired. The countertops come in different size pieces, and need to be cut down to the appropriate size for the vanity. A hole then needs to be cutout for the sink - a drop in sink if recommended to be used to avoid water penetration into the wood layers. Once installed, end cap pieces are placed over the cut edges to give it a finished look. Laminate is a pretty inexpensive product, but the sink needs to be purchased separately which adds to the cost and the installation requires more work and skill than installing a one piece top.
Quartz Replacement Countertops For A Vanity -
Quartz vanity tops are similar to solid surface in how they are made, but quartz is made from more natural stone material than solid surface tops, consisting of about 95% natural stone material and only 5% resins. They can mimic the look of real stone or come in solid colors, depending on the style chosen. Quartz countertops are more expensive than other options previously discussed because they are a higher end product due to their engineering. Quartz vanity tops are durable and resist stains and scratches. Quartz vanity tops can be found at home improvement stores, or can be custom made by a countertop fabricator. Quartz typically do not have integrated sinks, although it is possible to find some options that come with coordinating backsplashes that can be installed with the top.
Natural Stone (Granite & Marble) Replacement Countertops For A Vanity -
Natural stone like marble and granite is a high end countertop material. It comes in a variety of finishes from polished, to honed, and even leathered. Natural stone tops are porous and require some maintenance and sealing, but are a beautiful choice that many people love in their space. Natural stone countertops can be found at home improvement stores or you can select the actual slab of stone you want and work with a countertop installer to fabricate and install the stone top.
Wood Replacement Countertops For A Vanity -
Wood countertops can vary from pressed woods, to solid wood, to butcher block, or whatever other wood material someone might choose to use. Wood is not naturally water or stain resistant and does need additional coatings of polyurethane or other waterproof substances to help it hold up in a moisture-rich environment like a bathroom. Wood tops are typically used with drop in or vessel sinks so there is not an exposed wood edge along the inside of the sink. Wood vanity tops sometimes come premade, otherwise they can be cut, stained, sealed and installed by a carpenter or skilled DIYer. Depending on route chosen, wood vanity tops can be very cost-effective and affordable.
Concrete Replacement Countertops For A Vanity -
Concrete is a material made up of rocks, sand and other similar materials, water, and a cement powder which makes it harden. Concrete on its own can easily stain and does need to be sealed to help prevent that issue. Concrete vanity tops can come in a variety of colors if tinted or stained. Concrete tops are a popular choice among DIYers as the material itself is inexpensive to buy, but the skill and labor involved in creating a nice looking vanity top can make it somewhat tricky to work with for the average person.
Measuring For Replacement Countertops For A Bathroom Vanity
When measuring your current vanity for a new top, make sure to measure the dimensions of the actual cabinet as well as the current vanity top. A vanity top will usually overhang the cabinet edge on any sides not touching a wall. A typical overhang for a vanity top is about 1 inch, although it could be okay to be slightly less or more, depending on the top.
It is also important to pay attention to where the sinks are located on the vanity and measure those locations as well. You’ll want to make sure the new sink/s will line up with the existing plumbing locations and not interfere with any drawer stacks.
Choosing A Faucet To Go With Replacement Countertops For A Bathroom Vanity:
If you decide to make your own replacement countertops or have custom countertops cut for your vanity, then you will be able to choose which style of faucet you most prefer.
When selecting a premade replacement vanity countertop, often the top will come with predrilled faucet holes. These holes will determine the type of faucet you will need to purchase for your new replacement countertop.
Types Of Bathroom Faucets For Replacement Countertops For A Vanity:
Single Hole Faucet -
Single hole faucets are common for both standard sink and vessel sink applications. They require a one piece faucet, typically with an attached handle that is turned on by pushing up and back, and can adjust to hot and cold depending on the direction it is moved from side to side.
4 Inch Centerset Faucet -
4 inch centerset faucets typically have three holes drilled in a span of 4 inches. These faucets have a center spout and two handles on either side, one for hot and the other for cold water. They usually come as one piece, with all three parts mounted on a base.
8 Inch Widespread Faucet -
8 inch widespread bathroom faucets will have three holes drilled at 8 inches apart. Similar to the 4” centerset faucet, they will have a center spout and hot and cold handles on either side. They come as three separate pieces, one for each individual hole drilled.
Tips When Looking For Replacement Countertops For A Bathroom Vanity:
Consider The Total Cost And Your Budget -
Replacement countertops for a vanity that have an integrated sink and backsplash are a more cost-effective option than choosing a custom stone top that also requires you to purchase a sink. Installation cost is another important thing to factor in if you are not comfortable with connecting a sink and faucet yourself.
Think About Maintenance And How You Use Your Space -
Overall need for maintenance is an important factor to consider when selecting your bathroom vanity top. Materials like cultured marble, solid surface and quartz require the least maintenance and upkeep to keep them looking good long-term as well as being some of the most cost-effective options. Other natural materials such as stone and wood have the possibility of scratching, staining, and needing maintenance like sealing them to keep them looking their best. Make sure to think about how you use your space, because you might not want to worry about staining a marble top with makeup in your master bathroom, but if you’re replacing a countertop in a space like a powder room that doesn’t get as much use, it might not be a concern.
Sites To Shop Online When Looking For Replacement Countertops For Your Bathroom Vanity
When you’re looking for the most efficient way to find a replacement countertop for your vanity, often ordering it online is a great place to start! Here are a few places we recommend checking out when looking to order a replacement countertop for your bathroom vanity:
Home Depot -
It is no surprise that Home Depot has a great selection of bathroom vanity tops to shop online! There are literally thousands of options to choose from in every size and material you could imagine. You can even narrow your search down to what is in a store near you if you are in a rush to get it quickly - then just order online and stop by to pick it up!
Walmart -
Walmart always impresses with their selection of bathroom vanity tops at exceptionally good prices! Many of these tops are simple styles and durable materials, which is a great choice for many people who want a countertop option that won’t break the bank.
Modern Bathroom offers a selection of classic styles of vanity tops in marble and cultured marble. They also sell a selection of matching back and side splash pieces to make sure you have what you need to complete the job.
Conclusion
Replacing a bathroom vanity countertop is a great cost-effective way to create a whole new look in your bathroom! When you’re looking for the perfect replacement option, taking time to consider your budget, skill level, and how you’ll use the space can help direct you to the right countertop material option. Whether you’re excited to DIY the project, or you get professional installation, making this change is something you’ll appreciate each day you use the space!
Now I want to hear from you - Are you planning to replace a bathroom vanity countertop? What time of replacement top most appeals to you and why? Let me know in the comments below!
