Bathroom countertops function very differently than kitchen countertops. Rather than food prep and cooking, they are used for personal care and grooming. If the bathroom is used heavily by children, the countertop has to be able to take a beating as well. For these reasons, Chicago bathroom remodeling companies are seeing a trend towards ultra-durable countertops that are stylish but also low-maintenance.
Bathroom Countertop Trends for Chicago Bathroom Remodeling Projects
In addition to durability and function, of course, Chicago homeowners also want countertops that look amazing in their newly remodeled bathrooms. And, with aesthetics continuing to trend towards that "spa-like" atmosphere, this calls for countertops that lend a luxurious feel to the bathroom space.
Here are some of our favorites:
Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops are pretty fantastic. Made with 93% quartz (one of the hardest and most prolific minerals on the planet) they often look just like a natural stone countertop. However, quartz countertops are engineered, using a resin bonded with pigments and post-consumer recycled products (typically glass), which also give them the ability to have colors and designs that would never be found in nature.
The addition of post-consumer recycled content, and minimal off-gasing (the release of chemicals into the home after installation) have given quartz countertops an eco-friendly distinction, and they qualify for LEED points. They are non-porous, which means they are impervious to staining and etching and will never succumb to infestations of mold or bacteria, which can creep into other natural stone options if they aren't sealed semi-annually. Another bonus of going with quartz countertops - they have the shiny finish of polished granite but you never have to seal them.
Recycled Glass Countertops
Like their quartz counterparts, recycled glass countertops are becoming more popular because of their eco-friendly attributes. Pre- and post-consumer glass products are broken down or ground (depending on the pattern) and added to an ultra-durable resin to produce nearly indestructible countertops in a seemingly infinite array of colors and patterns. Recycled glass countertops are also non-porous, which means no staining or etching and a hearty resistance to mold and bacteria. They do not need to be sealed and are very easy to clean. Your recycled glass countertops will also give you points if you're qualifying for a green building designation.
Granite Countertops
Granite countertops are still the most popular, but 2015 could be the year the tide changes. The advent of engineered countertops, many of which are made here in the USA, that are more durable and require less maintenance may begin to steer clients away from granite. In the meantime, granite is a beautiful and durable countertop choice. It is porous, though, and that means your granite countertop has to be sealed semi-annually in order to keep those pores protected and free of the moisture, chemicals and bacteria that can begin to eat away at the stone.
Not sure which bathroom countertop trend is right for your Chicago bathroom remodeling project? Schedule a consultation with the design team at Kitchens & Baths Unlimited.
