Counter tops are typically associated with kitchens and wet bars, but are often installed in bathrooms as well, particularly when additional workspace is wanted. Wood is not frequently used because the moisture common to bathroom areas is destructive to natural fibers. Synthetic materials are generally impervious to water.

Styles and Types
Tops (as they are referred to) are usually custom-designed for each installation. There are hundreds of colors and patterns to choose from and they can be made in any size and shape, so they're impractical to stock in inventory. They are generally the last item chosen for a bathroom because they need to complement the major fixtures such as the whirlpool or shower.

Wood
Wood is not frequently used because the moisture common to bathroom areas is destructive to natural fibers. Synthetic materials on the other hand, are generally impervious to water.

Plastic Laminates
Made of melamine-impregnated decorative surface papers combined with phenolic-treated kraft paper and bonded under high pressures by companies such as Formica^® and Wilsonart.

The sheets are normally bonded to a substrate such as 45# density particleboard. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, and in high gloss, low luster, or metallic. Sinks are frequently recessed into them using self-rimming or under-mounted bowls.

Excessive heat can damage the surface, and sharp objects may slice or scratch them. Ceramic or abrasive objects can also damage their surface if dragged across them. They can be cleaned with a soft, non-abrasive cloth and a mild household cleaner. Do not use abrasive powders, steel wool, sandpaper, or scouring pads on them.

To remove stains, use full strength Fantastik^® , Formula 409^® , or other mild household cleaner and allow it to draw out the stain. Blot with a clean, damp cloth, and rinse with clean water.

Some materials and such as dyes and pharmaceutical products, will permanently stain laminate. Periodic application of a self-cleaning wax can help minimize future staining.

Laminates are economically priced and can give many years of dependable service, but attention should be given to seams and under sink edges to make sure water doesn't seep in and damage the substrate, which could cause the laminate to separate.

Cultured Marble
This is one of the more popular materials used in bathrooms countertops. It is both elegant and functional, and comes in a wide variety of colors and styles.

Cultured marble and cultured onyx are basically made of polyester binding resins, pigment and pulverized crushed marble, calcium carbonate or hydrated aluminum (onyx).

The mixture is poured into a mould coated with a thin polyester gel. A second pour (the underside of the bowl) completes the process and after curing, the product is trimmed, cleaned, ground and polished.

It is very rugged with a hard waterproof, stain resistant surface. If it should scratch or chip, the same shops that make them can repair it. Sometimes all that is needed is sanding and polishing.

Crazing, or the formation of hairline cracks around the drain, used to be a common problem of older models but newer materials have all but eliminated that problem.

The beauty of cultured marble is the ease with which it can be cleaned and polished. To preserve the finish you should apply a protective coat of wax. DO NOT use abrasives like scouring powders; they will take away the shine and dull the surface. Liquid cleaners like Mr. Clean^®, Dupont 409^®, or Dow^® Foaming Cleanser are also good for this product.

Corian^®
This is beginning to show up in more and more bathrooms.

It is fairly expensive but it offers many advantages over other products. DuPont created Corian more than 30 years ago. An advanced blend of natural materials and pure acrylic polymer, Corian^® is made in the form of sheets and sinks in a variety of colors.

This solid surface is smooth and nonporous. As a result, it discourages the growth of mold, mildew or bacteria. And because it's nonporous, liquids and stains can't penetrate the surface, so it's easy to clean and maintain. It is also nontoxic, chemically non-reactive and hypoallergenic.

There are three types of countertop finishes: matte, semi gloss and gloss, but all Corian^® sinks have the matte finish.

Soapy water or ammonia-based cleaners will remove most dirt and stains. However, slightly different techniques must be used to remove difficult surface stains, depending on the finish. Please visit Corian's website for more information.

Hot pans, as well as some heat-generating appliances like hair dryers or curling irons can damage the surface if a hot pad or trivet is not used. It's easy to restore Corian^® to its original state, using an ordinary abrasive cleanser and a cleansing pad such as green Scotch-Brite^®. (All see section on Sinks)

Granite
This is the often the surface of choice for high-end applications. It is very expensive but it provides a look that is incomparable for beauty and elegance.

Granite is igneous crystalline rock composed of feldspar and quartz, with a small amount of mica and minor accessory minerals, such as zircon, apatite, magnetite, ilmenite, and sphene.

It crystallizes from magma that cools slowly, deep below the earth's surface. Exceptionally slow rates of cooling give rise to a very coarse-grained variety called pegmatite. It has greater strength than sandstone, limestone, and marble and is correspondingly more difficult to quarry.

Granite is extremely durable and impervious to water but because it is a natural rock, it can be chipped and broken and is very difficult to repair.

Clean up can generally be completed using warm water and a liquid detergent. Abrasive cleaners must not be used since they will scratch and dull the finish. Dulled or lightly scratched areas can be restored by rubbing with a white automotive type polishing compound and waxing with liquid wax.

Acetone and lacquer thinner will damage the surface. Denatured alcohol will remove most adhesives and residue, and will not harm the finish.

Daily and weekly cleaning may be achieved by using a non-abrasive liquid or foam cleaner. NEVER use abrasive cleaners such as Comet^® or steel wool pads.

Pine Sol^®, Mr. Clean^®, and Turtle Wax^® Foam Spray are excellent to use. Stubborn spots may be taken off by an occasional use of Soft Scrub^®.

We recommend giving the entire surface area a good coat of an automotive type paste wax from time to time to restore luster and help maintain appearance.

Marble
While marble is a beautiful addition to any home, it is not highly recommended for use in the bathroom. Marble is more porous than granite, and certain marbles can stain quite readily. Common household liquids such as orange juice, nail polish remover, shampoo, hair dye, and even water can cause serious stains in certain marbles.

Glass
The new vessel bowls are often installed on a glass counter. These can be striking and modern looking, but they are a challenge to keep clean and free of fingerprints, and they are more easily broken. Any standard glass cleaner will keep them like new almost forever.

Ceramic Tile
These are always custom-built on site. All you have to do is select a suitable tile from a home improvement center and arrange for your contractor to install it. The surface of ceramic tile used for a counter is nearly indestructible and can be very attractive. The disadvantage is that the grout can crack or become dirty over time. It can also collect bacteria that will be very hard to remove, forming a potential health hazard. Still, properly sealed and maintained, these counters can provide a lifetime of reliable service.

Options to Consider
Counter tops are often not given the consideration they deserve for bathroom use, because of the tremendous variety of alternatives, including cultured marble and pedestal lavs, but they are very useful in powder rooms when combined with the new above counter vessels.

Here you have an opportunity to be really bold and creative. Be careful not to overpower the simple design of the vessel by too bold a color or pattern beneath it however. It's probably best to let your designer choose your options.

See Also:
Kitchen Countertops
Living With Your Selections - Care & Maintenance Considerations

Other Links to Related Websites:
Families of Marble an excellent resource for learning about marble.

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