When shopping for bathroom vanity tops within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), you need to plan and consider your preferred style carefully. This surface serves both functional and aesthetic purposes, as it is a highly used area for grooming tasks and storing essentials.
This post outlines the key elements to assess when choosing a bathroom vanity top for your GTA-area home. We also recommend the most suitable materials for this element of your bathroom decor.
Let’s get started.
Key Things to Consider When Selecting a Bathroom Vanity Top
Here are a few key factors to consider when choosing a bathroom vanity top in the GTA.
Consider Your Budget
Before starting any home remodelling project, including a bathroom renovation, it is essential to consider your budget. The market offers a wide variety of bathroom vanity tops, so you should choose the look you desire at the most affordable price. If you want a luxurious appearance, marble or granite countertops are your best options, though they may be more expensive than other materials, such as porcelain.
Decide on the Size
Be sure to accurately measure your existing bathroom vanity top before choosing its replacement. Note that vanity tops do not come in standard sizes. Instead, they can be customized to fit any standard vanity.
To determine the required size, start by measuring the front and back portions of the existing vanity top. Then, measure the depth from the front to the back of the vanity. These measurements will guide you in selecting the appropriate size for the new vanity top, ensuring a perfect fit.
Consider the Shape of the Sink
When looking for the best vanity top for your bathroom, make sure you choose one that fits well with the sink. Whether you have an integrated or undermount sink, make your selection accordingly.
An integrated sink is seamlessly built into the vanity top, offering a sleek and unified look, while an undermount sink is mounted underneath, providing a clean and contemporary aesthetic. Quartz is a great option for undermount sinks because it does not require sealing to safeguard it against stains.
Style
Style plays a key role when selecting the best bathroom vanity top for your home. A sleek marble vanity top can elevate the look of a modern vanity design, while a classic porcelain top may more seamlessly complement traditional bathroom decor. Ensure that the vanity top fits the available space and harmonizes with the overall aesthetic of your home’s interior design.
What Are the Different Materials Used for Bathroom Vanity Tops?
Here are some popular materials widely used for bathroom vanity tops.
Granite
Granite is a highly sought-after natural stone among homeowners when it comes to bathroom vanity tops. Its unique appeal lies in the wide range of colours and patterns it offers, ensuring that no two granite slabs are identical. From bold and striking to subtly elegant designs, you can find the appropriate granite slab that aligns with your aesthetic preferences and complements your home’s decor.
One of the key benefits of granite vanity tops is their premium durability. This hard material is highly resistant to scratches, ensuring its longevity. Moreover, granite tops require minimal maintenance, making them a convenient choice for busy households.
Quartz
Quartz bathroom vanity tops are engineered from a composite material of approximately 95% ground quartz particles bound together with resins and pigments. This engineered stone is harder than natural granite, reducing the need for sealing. Quartz vanity tops are also highly resistant to bacteria and moisture, making them a practical choice for bathrooms.
One of the key advantages of quartz is its ability to withstand various types of stains. This includes those caused by common bathroom products, such as toothpaste and cosmetics.
Marble
This natural stone has been a symbol of elegance and luxury for decades. This hard crystalline limestone is available in various colours, with shades of grey and white being the most prominent.
One of the notable features of marble is its cool surface temperature, which makes it ideal for rolling out pastries. Also, marble is resistant to heat, although it is recommended to use trivets or heat-resistant surfaces to protect its finish when placing hot pans or dishes directly on the countertop.
Quartzite
Quartzite is a metamorphic rock that originates from sandstone and undergoes a remarkable transformation through intense heat and pressure. During this process, the quartz particles within the sandstone recrystallize, resulting in a highly durable and visually stunning natural stone with intricate patterns.
If you are seeking a long-lasting and stunning vanity top for your bathroom, quartzite is an excellent choice. Its unique formation process endows it with strength and beauty, making it an excellent option for those who prioritize longevity and elegance in bathroom design.
Signs That It’s Time to Elevate Your Bathroom Vanity
After years of use, your bathroom vanity may no longer look its best. Though stylish when purchased, it’s likely showing signs of wear and tear now.
Irrespective of the material—granite or otherwise—a vanity in your GTA home should be functional and complement the overall design. Minor issues can be fixed, but major problems may require replacing it with a new vanity.
Wear and Tear Concerns
Visible defects are among the most common signs that you need a new bathroom vanity. Moisture exposure and other stressors can wear down even the most durable materials over time. For example, hot straightening irons can leave burn marks on a granite vanity, while improper use may lead to cracks on the countertop and cabinets.
While specific areas might be repairable, there may come a point when the vanity is beyond fixing. In such cases, investing in a replacement can save you time and money in the long run.
But when is the damage severe enough to warrant replacement? Consider if the wear and tear affects everyday use or if no amount of repair can fix its unsightly appearance. If either is true, you may be better off purchasing a new vanity.
Storage Requirements
If your bathroom vanity fails to meet your family’s storage needs, it is time to upgrade.
Plumbing Problems
Clogged sinks or leaky pipes in shared bathrooms are significant issues. If repairs necessitate dismantling the vanity, replacing it might be the preferred course of action.
Home Resale
If you plan to sell your home soon, consider remodelling to include a bathroom vanity that complements your overall design scheme.
Mould and Mildew
Since your bathroom vanity is exposed to water daily, it can be susceptible to mould and mildew growth. This risk increases if there is a leaky pipe.
Your bathroom vanity top is more than just a functional surface; it is also a statement piece that ties your bathroom together. Consider your budget, size requirements, and preferred materials carefully. Whether you choose marble for its timeless elegance, granite for its durability, or quartz for its practicality, make sure your choice aligns with your aesthetic vision and practical needs. Signs of wear, inadequate storage, plumbing issues, and mould growth indicate it’s time for a new bathroom vanity in the GTA. A well-chosen top enhances your routine and adds value to your home.