How to Add a Bathroom Countertop to Your Home & Workplace
Whether you have a growing family or simply want to improve the functionality of one of the highest traffic areas in your workplace, the time has come to add a bathroom countertop.
Installing a bathroom countertop creates considerable more space to store towels and toiletries.
It also enhances the ambiance of the bathroom, which typically translates into a higher value for the home or workplace.
The question about whether you should add a bathroom countertop has been answered.
The question now is to decide if you should use natural stone to be the material for your new bathroom countertop.
Natural stones such as granite and marble produce an aesthetically appealing appearance, as well as handle frequent use on a daily basis.
However, natural stones have earned the reputation for not doing a good job of repelling moisture.
Unlike the kitchen where the primary concern of a countertop is the ability to handle strong impacts, bathroom countertops must be able to withstand prolonged exposure to damp condition.
In other words, you need to select a natural stone that is water-resistant.
How to Shop for a Natural Stone Bathroom Countertop
Let’s look at four important factors for buying a natural stone countertop.
» The Sink is the Epicenter
Like all earthquakes begin at the epicenter, installing a bathroom countertop involves starting with the sink as the epicenter.
Most natural stone countertops work well with the addition of a sink, but under-mount sinks need to be constructed with waterproof materials such as engineered quartz or stainless steel.
» Measurements Done by Manufacturer
The manufacturer should perform every measurement and create any templates used to build a bathroom countertop, especially one that includes a sink and a faucet.
You no longer have to assume responsibility for any design errors.
» Look for Sales
Because of the smaller size, a bathroom countertop will typically cost less to install than the cost of a kitchen countertop.
Nonetheless, you should be on alert for sales that will help you save money on your home improvement budget.
» Water Resistance is Key
If you want to enhance the appearance of your bathroom by installing a natural stone countertop, you have to make sure any natural stone used is highly resistant to extended exposure to water.
Know the Best Water-Resistant Natural Stones
Unlike engineered stones like quartz, natural stones vary in appearance from one slab to the next slab. Grain and veining can differ within the same slab as well.
When you find one of the most water-resistant natural stones, make sure you put a deposit on it because you might not find another slab that looks the same.
Here are a few of the best water-resistant natural stones:
» Granite
As one of the costlier natural stones, granite is a tough to crack rock that volcanic activity forms. The highly durable surface resists the damage caused by strong impacts.
More important for consideration as the stone for a bathroom countertop, granite is able to withstand daily exposure to moist conditions.
With the right amount of sealing, granite is also stain resistant.
» Marble
Super polished marble exudes elegant panache. With a wide variety of color options, you can find a slab of marble to match your bathroom décor.
Marble is another natural stone that improves its water resistant capability by the addition of a littler sealant.
» Soapstone
Softer than most natural stones, soapstone is a dense natural stone that does not need much maintenance to prevent the damage caused by water.
All you need to do for soapstone is apply a light coat of mineral oil, which changes the appearance of the natural stone to a darker gray.
For more information concerning the best water-resistant natural stones, please spend some time reading the information presented at slab market.
How to Seal a Natural Stone Countertop
Installing the right natural stone countertop can reduce the likelihood of water damage.
However, by applying a high quality sealant, you can strengthen the water resistant properties of the right natural stone bathroom countertop.
» First, Consider a Natural Stone that is Already Sealed
Numerous natural stone bathroom countertops feature natural stones that have already been sealed.
The sealant is applied in a factory to fill cracks of all sizes.
Manufacturers offer pre-sealed natural stone bathroom countertops to prevent dirt and moisture from getting a head start on breaking down the natural stone material.
» Do Not Sacrifice Quality for Price
When applied according to the manufacturer’s directions, most bathroom countertop sealants last for as long as 15 years.
The highest quality sealants, which usually run at the high end of the cost spectrum, are called impregnating natural stone sealants.
Impregnating natural stone sealants penetrate deeper into the interior of a natural stone countertop.
The highest quality sealants cost more, but you should pay the extra dollars to ensure you enjoy a 100% water-resistant countertop.
» Wipe the Countertop to Remove Dirt and Debris
Before you read the instructions about how to seal a natural stone countertop, you must wipe the surface of the bathroom countertop clean.
All you need is a clean rag or towel and a small amount of disinfectant.
Make sure to let the countertop surface dry for three or four hours, before you apply the sealant.
» Applying the Sealant
Buying the highest quality sealant and wiping the surface of a natural stone bathroom countertop clean are important steps.
Applying the sealant can be the easiest part of the job to create a water-resistant natural stone countertop.
The key is to follow the directions the manufacturer has provided word for word.
Any deviation from the manufacturer’s directions can lead to an incorrect application of a natural stone sealant.
You can brush on the sealant, wipe it on the surface of the countertop with a rag, or use a spray bottle to apply a uniform amount of a natural stone sealant.
Regardless of the method used to apply the sealant, make sure you apply it according to how the manufacturer says to apply it.
Most sealant application directions recommend applying a sealant to one section at a time measuring around four feet.
It takes about four minutes for most sealants to absorb into the deepest crevices of a natural stone.