What Are the Best Materials for Bathroom Vanities?
In this what are the best materials for bathroom vanities guide, we look at the pros and cons of some of the most common materials for bathroom vanity tops: marble, granite, wood, porcelain and Dekton. We’ll also discuss how these materials stack up against each other so that you can make an informed decision.
New vanities could be just what you need to bring your bathroom’s style into the 21st century. However, given that bathrooms are prone to moisture, heat and spills from personal care products, you need to choose your vanity material wisely.
Marble
Marble has been synonymous with luxury for millennia, making it a popular choice for bathroom vanities. On top of being elegant and timelessly stylish, each marble worktop features its own distinctive veining. If you wish to install truly unique fixtures in your bathroom, marble might be a good option.
However, luxurious and stylish as it may be, marble comes with drawbacks on the practicality front. Because it’s a porous stone, marble needs to be resealed frequently to make it less susceptible to staining and discolouration. Without being correctly sealed, marble poses the risk of spurring the growth of mould and mildew when exposed to moisture.
Marble is also vulnerable to etching and scratching, especially when incorrectly sealed. So, while marble is undeniably attractive, it’s not the most practical choice for a bathroom, particularly if you’d prefer something that comes with easier maintenance requirements.
Porcelain
Unlike marble and granite, porcelain is a manufactured type of ceramic rather than a natural stone, made with materials such as kaolin (a pure white clay), silica and feldspar that form an extremely strong material when fired at high temperatures.
As it isn’t a natural material, porcelain isn’t as synonymous with luxury as the likes of marble and granite. However, nowadays, porcelain can be manufactured to appear almost identical to either of those materials, plus many more. In fact, style versatility is one of the key advantages of porcelain – it can be designed in a virtually limitless number of styles, patterns and colours. There’s bound to be the perfect design to complement your home’s appearance.
As a non-porous material, porcelain boasts excellent resistance to water damage, stains and spills. It also inhibits the growth of mould, mildew and other toxins, making it a hygienic option for bathroom vanities.
While porcelain can be brittle, its surface becomes virtually rock solid once installed by a team of experienced experts. However, it’s worth noting that the edges can be susceptible to chipping. The seams between the slabs may also be more noticeable than with options like marble and granite.
Porcelain also scores high when it comes to cost; although quality porcelain can be somewhat pricey, it’ll almost certainly amount to less than natural stones like marble and granite. It’s also easier to keep clean and requires less maintenance (it never needs resealing).
Granite
Similar to marble, granite is a natural but porous stone that requires periodic resealing in order to remain resistant to moisture penetration and the growth of mould, mildew and other potentially harmful toxins. However, in comparison to marble, granite is much tougher and therefore less susceptible to scratching and etching.
Granite is also highly resistant to heat, which is a useful characteristic in bathrooms where hot water splashes are the norm. All that toughness does come with a drawback though – granite is notoriously heavy. This not only makes it relatively pricey in comparison to alternative materials but can also make installation and repairs challenging. You’ll need strong and sturdy cabinets to support the weight of your granite bathroom worktops. They may not be the best choice if you like to switch things up and move things around from time to time.
Having said that, granite vanities are luxuriously and uniquely stylish – every vanity features distinctive patterns and veining. You might prefer the looks of marble, but granite is a slightly more practical option that’s likely to remain pristine for longer.
Wood
While it may sound counterintuitive, wood is actually a surprisingly common material used to make bathroom vanities. Some people simply love the warm and rustic aesthetics of wood vanities. They boast a natural look that can make just about any bathroom cosier and more inviting.
Wood vanities can also be cut, shaped and stained to meet the size and style demands of just about any home. You can also track down sustainably sourced wood if you’re planning an eco-conscious home revamp.
As you might expect, the main drawback with using wood for bathroom vanities is concerned with moisture. Wood vanities are highly susceptible to warping, cracking and discolouration when exposed to moisture. This risk can be mitigated by having your vanities correctly sealed, but this will need doing again relatively frequently.
All in all, while you might save money on the purchase and installation of wood vanities as opposed to stone counterparts, they’re unlikely to last as long.
Dekton
Manufactured using natural raw materials including quartz, porcelain and glass, Dekton sintered stone vanities are an extremely practical, stylish and high-value choice for bathroom vanities.
Sintered stone represents the next generation in engineered stone. If you want your bathroom to boast a natural appearance without the drawbacks of natural stone, Dekton is a fantastic choice.
These vanities are naturally non-porous, making them almost completely waterproof and resistant to staining from bathroom products. They also inhibit the growth of mould and mildew, scoring them top marks for hygiene.
Dekton can be more expensive than materials like wood and porcelain, though it’s still usually cheaper than natural stones like granite and marble. It’s also likely to survive far longer.
Overall, Dekton is one of the best choices for bathroom vanities. It’s incredibly stylish, easy to maintain, luxurious, practical and long-lasting. There are also countless designs and styles to choose from.
Which Material Is Best for Bathroom Vanities? Our Verdict
Which material is best for bathroom vanities largely comes down to personal preference. If you love the luxurious style of natural stones, granite or marble may be good options but beware of their high costs and maintenance requirements. For a rustic look, go for wood, but keep in mind that moisture can cause damage if it’s not sealed properly. Porcelain may be the right option if you want low costs and easy maintenance with plenty of design options. However, when it comes to value, longevity, style and upkeep, Dekton is hard to beat.
If you’re interested in discovering our range of Dekton vanities, don’t hesitate to call us. We’ll be glad to arrange a viewing at a time that works for you.
