Whether you have a master suite renovation in mind or planning an addition that takes up half of your bathroom, the option you choose from the bathroom countertops offered on the market will have a big impact on the final look of the space.

There are a variety of high-quality countertop materials and finishes to help you determine the style you want for your bathroom. Fine tile, solid wood, or the beautiful quartz countertops chosen by Merrillville residents are examples of materials that allow you to achieve a functional space that will fit perfectly in your home.

Choosing The Right Countertop

When looking for the perfect countertops, whether it’s new construction or a bathroom renovation project, consider the following factors.

Durability

Bathroom countertops aren’t just an aesthetic element, they’re also a work surface that’s exposed to daily drops of toothpaste or a dropped hair dryer. You want a surface that is easy to clean and compatible with regular cleaning products. If you’re looking for a solid, durable option that can stand up to daily use, consider stone bathroom countertops.

Cost

The variety of bathroom countertops that residents have access to can cover a variety of budget ranges. Keep in mind both the price of the material and installation fees.

Availability

Stay in touch with trusted countertop suppliers to ensure yours will be ready in time for installation. Delayed delivery may require additional steps, such as installing a temporary countertop.

Do you have any problems with your bathroom countertops? Granite Countertops Company has solutions and countertop options for you. Contact us today!

As a rule, granite is non-porous, which means it doesn’t need sealing. However, most fabricators recommend sealing and applying a sealer as extra protection to the natural stone during the fabrication process. During the granite countertop fabrication, a resin coating is applied to the stone countertop which fills and seals any natural fissures and veins on the stone surface. How often a granite countertop needs sealing depends upon certain factors.

1. How often the countertop is used.
2. ​How often the granite is cleaned.
3. ​How porous the natural stone is.
4. ​The type and quality of the previous sealer used.

Many sealers that are applied when stone countertops are fabricated last between 10 and 20 years. Store-bought sealers may only last for up to a year, so it is important to know if and which sealer has been previously applied in order to know when your granite countertop will need resealing

Using a simple water test to see how long it takes for water to be absorbed will tell you if the sealer is needed. Pour a quarter cup of water at a few different places on the granite countertop. If the water is absorbed into the stone within 5 minutes, then the stone needs sealing. If no water is absorbed in thirty minutes, then the stone doesn’t need any sealing. If the water is absorbed between 5 and 30 minutes then it may benefit it to use a sealer as extra protection.

QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS

Quartz countertops are an excellent choice for kitchen countertops or bathroom countertops. Quartz is made by combining ground-up rocks and resin together and is known as engineered stone. It has one large advantage over marble and granite countertops, it is non-porous and so doesn’t need to be sealed and won’t stain. So quartz countertops require minimal maintenance. This engineered stone is comparable in price to granite.

SOAPSTONE COUNTERTOPS

Soapstone is a natural rock that is very dense, even more so than granite, which means that it is naturally non-porous. So it doesn’t need to be sealed, like granite or marble. No liquid can permeate into the rock so it is impervious to staining. The stone has a milky appearance which gives it a more rustic look compared to modern granite. It needs minimal maintenance and it is extremely heat resistant, so it is excellent as a stone kitchen countertop.

GRANITE COUNTERTOPS

Granite countertops are a high end option, they are a very popular choice for kitchen countertops. Granite is extremely hard and durable, it has a high heat resistance and is extremely difficult to crack or chip. It does, however, need annual sealing to make it resistant to liquid and stains. Other than that there is no additional maintenance.

There is no countertop material that doesn’t need any maintenance, but natural stones offer more advantages, long life and value, compared to their non-stone counterparts. Stone countertops are durable, last a lifetime and need minimal maintenance and look fantastic.

Quartz is a natural stone, quartz countertops however are known as engineered stone. This is because they are made from ground-up pieces of quartz mixed with other stone materials and resin. Around 90% of the countertops are actually pure quartz. Quartz countertops by the naked eye are difficult to tell apart from natural stone.

The properties of quartz make it an excellent choice for bathroom countertops. It is as durable and strong as granite and needs minimum maintenance. Another benefit is the uniformity of the slabs, there is no need to try and match up slabs when installing it, unlike slabs of granite. Quartz has a more modern aesthetic, in comparison to granite and marble, because it is engineered there is a wide variety of color options that can’t be found with natural stone countertops. Whatever the style or color of your bathroom it will be complemented by quartz countertops.

An important advantage over marble and granite countertops is that quartz countertops are non-porous, therefore they won’t become stained. This also means that quartz kitchen countertops and bathroom countertops don’t need to be treated and sealed before installation, unlike granite. Its non-porous nature makes quartz ideal for both kitchen and bathroom countertops. The only property where granite and marble are ahead is heat resistance. Quartz does have a good heat resistance but is not in the same range as natural stones. For example, you can’t leave a hot iron or other hot objects on the countertops for long periods of time.

Quartz bathroom countertops are high end products, very popular and desired, they are less expensive in comparison to marble and similar in price to granite. Installation of quartz countertops will improve the value of your home. They have all the properties you need in your bathroom and they look fantastic!

Granite is one of the most popular high end materials for bathroom countertops. It has many strengths to recommend it and many advantages compared to other materials. Strength and durability are big advantages of granite, it is the 2nd most hard natural material, diamond is the only material harder than it. It is difficult to chip, scratch and crack and is heat resistant. After it has been installed, it will not need replacing and will probably last as long as the house stands!  Another advantage of granite is that it needs low, if any maintenance, it is usually sealed to protect it from harsh chemicals before it is installed. After it is installed it doesn’t need coating or sealing, it literally just needs a regular clean with soap and water. Finally, it is a great long-term investment. Having granite installed adds value to your house, it also helps sell your house. 

Some homeowners buy granite worktops, not because of all the important properties it has, but because it looks so good! Granite gives a beautiful aesthetic, each slab has its own unique patterns and there are 20 different colors that can be chosen from and matched to complement your bathroom.

Marble is a natural rock that has been formed over hunched of years by heat and pressure, under the Earth’s crust. Its luxurious appearance, with its unique patterns and veins of color, signifies elegance and beauty. Marble countertops purchased, will bring a timelessly elegant, stylish aesthetic to any bathroom. This is why they make a popular choice that never goes out of fashion. Marble is one of the most chosen options for bathroom countertops, over other stone countertops, year after year.

Marble has been used in buildings and sculptures for thousands of years, its durability is one of the many advantages it has. It is strong, and difficult to crack or chip, as well as being stain resistant. The only material stronger is quartz or granite countertops. Many people choose it for its beauty, each slab has its own patterns and veins of color, no two pieces are the same, the color veins depend upon which minerals are trapped within the stone itself.

Marble can be found in mansions and castles across the world, it has always been classed as a luxurious material and was a sign of wealth and prosperity. Nowadays marble countertops and tiles are almost always the choice for bathrooms.

Marble does have one disadvantage: it is porous, which is why it is not recommended for use as kitchen countertops. It needs to be sealed annually, once sealed there is little risk of damage to the stone. If there are any spills on the marble, especially of acidic substances it is important to clean the marble as acids and harsh chemicals can cause stains. It is worth investing in marble, it will last a long time, keep its beauty and actually add value to your home. as iIt is sought after by homeowners.

When remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, one of the important choices you need to make is the type of countertop you should choose. There are many materials available, each with different properties. Many kitchen and bathroom countertops companies stock a wide range of countertops. The countless options can make this decision difficult. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages.

One material that has gained in popularity over the years is Quartz. Quartz Is the second most abundant naturally occuring mineral in the Earth’s crust. Quartz kitchen countertops businesses stock, consist of ground up quartz rock, bound by 5 to 10 percent of plastic resin. These countertops are known as engineered stone. They can be created from local and recycled materials, making them more environmentally friendly in comparison to 100% rock countertops that have to be mined and transported.

Quartz countertops are very strong with a hard, shiny surface that resists cracks and chips. It’s surface is non-porous, meaning that substances cannot be absorbed into the pores. This means it is resistant to stains and has antimicrobial properties. Bacteria and other microorganisms are unable to grow into the quartz as it does not possess any pores, or tiny holes. So cleaning the countertop only needs a mild soap and no harsh chemicals.

The countertop does not need to be sealed, consequently there Is no need to spend effort, time and money on maintaining the countertops.
Quartz Is available in a wide spectrum of colours and distinct patterns. No two pieces are the same pattern, making each quartz countertop an original piece.

Countertops made from quartz are very easily cleaned, requiring only mild soap and water. Strong chemical cleaners containing ammonia or bleach should be avoided as they will react with the quartz and damage it.

Getting a new kitchen renovation going is exciting but it takes planning. It’s important to choose your countertops, whether they will be marble, granite, or quartz countertops, before choosing your kitchen cabinets. The reason for this is that natural stone countertops, like granite, are unique and cannot be changed. But cabinetry can be altered through painting, staining, or simple replacement to get the best match. Selecting your cabinetry first can make it much more difficult to find the right granite countertops to blend well in your new kitchen. If you plan on keeping your existing cabinetry, the best way to handle your countertop selection is to take a door or drawer with you when choosing your granite countertops.

To make a good match, you can choose to go with a pairing that is complementary or contrasting to achieve the look you want between your countertops and your cabinetry.  To contrast, you can choose a classic white and black kitchen or a lighter grain of wood for the cabinetry with black stone countertops.  Or you can complement each with shades of white in the cabinets and the countertops that play off each other.

You may also delve into the color range offered by the granite countertops you have selected. Check the graining in the granite to see all the color variations in the single slab. This may lead you to an earthy tone that is well-suited for a wood-colored cabinet. So choosing a medium to dark granite slab might give you some lighter elements that match well with natural, finished woods, including maple, hickory, or oak.

Find a stone fabricator that has larger slabs to make your choice from, rather than small, hand-held samples. And make sure they are recognized for quality workmanship and variety, like Granite Countertops Company. We have over 80 different colors of granite slabs available at all times, allowing you to choose exactly the granite countertops you will love paired with your cabinetry. We have knowledgeable and dedicated staff that can offer excellent advice and answer your questions so you can be fully confident in your new granite countertops.

The key to keeping your countertops shiny and clean at all times is properly cleaning them daily. However, there are also other ways that you can do to achieve the shine that you want for your kitchen countertops or bathroom countertops in the Chicago area. The right cleaning method for a specific countertop will depend on the countertop material, such as marble countertops, quartz countertops, and granite countertops.

To keep the shine on your countertops, make sure that you avoid cleaning products that leave a residue. These cleaning materials are bleach or other harsh chemicals on laminate, as it will cause coloration. Another thing that you need to take note of is you should add a few drops of mild detergent mixed with warm water. It will do wonders on your kitchen or bathroom countertops.

When you are done cleaning, you have to make sure that you rinse and wipe the counters with a soft clean cloth before drying them off. Drying the surface plays a significant role in keeping your countertops shiny. You also need to prevent excess water from seeping into corners that can result in uneven countertops.

If you lost the shine that you had on your countertops, coating them with a thin layer of gentle car wax will return that shine. When you have granite countertops, it comes with a natural shine. Before you start cleaning, you need to check the level of dirt and remove dust with a microfiber cloth. Never use acidic cleaners on these types of countertops because it will ruin your beautiful granite tops.

You can create your homemade recipe cleaning product for granite countertops. All you need is a cup of alcohol, one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid, two cups of water, and 10 to 15 drops of your favorite essential oil. You need to make sure that it’s mixed well and wipe your countertops with a soft cloth to bring out that glow that you want.

When it comes to your stone countertops needs in Chicago, we are the ones that you can count on and trust. Countertops are our expertise!

Because of the diamond-like hardness of granite countertops, it is virtually impervious to stains, abrasions, and heat. That is why it is a popular choice as countertops by many homeowners in Chicago for their kitchen remodels, bathroom remodels, and new buildings. Another good thing about granite kitchen countertop and granite bathroom countertop is that it only requires minimal care to ensure the quality and maintain its form, including sealing, removing stains, and wiping down the surface.

Using warm water, mild dishwashing liquid, and soft clean cloth can maintain your granite countertops’ surface. Following the best preventive care will help your kitchen countertops or bathroom countertops last a lifetime while maintaining its brand-new appearance. It is imperative to avoid using cleaning products abrasive or have any acid that might cause de-colorations or scratches to your countertops. Granite countertops won’t stand temperature stress, so it is essential not to place hot pans or other hot objects directly to your granite kitchen countertops to avoid cracking. Instead, use a protective barrier between hot items and granite countertops. When using your kitchen countertop, always wipe any spills of citric acid, coffee, tea, or wine right away and don’t let the liquid sit on your granite countertop overnight.

Another essential thing to remember is granite is most prone to staining by oil. Always blot oil as soon as it spills, and clean with mild soap and warm water to avoid harm to your countertop. If the oil stains remain, use a general poultice with baking soda and water and dry.

Be careful when handling heavy pots and pans around your granite countertop because they are the common cause for chipping. If a chip occurs, hold onto it and try if it can be epoxied back into place. Last, it is essential to perform a series of tests like a paper towel test or a solvent test to determine if your granite countertops need sealing. The sealant will give your countertops additional protection against spills and will make it more moisture-resistant.