We used a remnant piece of quartzite (sort of between granite and marble) and I love it. I got sample pieces of a few stones and tested them out with various bathroom products first, to make sure I would be happy with it's upkeep. So far it's pretty bulletproof.

Try using Google Images and search "white beadboard bathroom" for isnpiration pictures. Most seem to have ceramic/porcelain tops (or pedestal sinks) or white marble. Some wood. Some darker tops, like soapstone. But it sounds like you are looking for no/low-maintenance? (What exactly was the issue with your Absolute Black in the kitchen?)

Other ideas:
-how about finding a full porcelain top that fits your vanity? That would be the most classic, and seuper easy to take care of, too.
-manufactured quartz like Caesarstone. There are some that look a bit like Cararra marble, which might be nice with your other materials.
-varnished wood (would look scrumptious with your other materials) with semi-recessed or drop in porcelain sink.

My quartzite ("Vermont White"):

wood:

Hi and thank you so much for the pics and suggestions. I love your quartzite. I am going to call a local stone place to see if they have any. I would be thrilled with that top. Bullet proof is what I need. Basically we did our kitchen island over and purchased absolute black granite and the first night we had it, my son left a can of soda on it and it left a white ring. It wS the first of many white/ghost marks on the counter. Basically we don't use it. If the kids do sit there they use placemats. We have a stove in the center so I am always stressed about wiping up immediately and even though I do, more grayish white spots appear. I don't want to worry about another countertop. Thank you so much for your reply.

Well, I recommend getting a small chunk of whatever stone you're considering (quartzite, etc) and taking it home to test it. My quartzite is polished and well-sealed. it has so much movement and variation in it that one probably wouldn't see stains/marks anyway, but in my tests the only thing that etched it was acne cream (salycitic acid.) I put lots of stuff on it and let sit for several hours: nail polish, sharpie marker, wine, ketchup, lemon juice, etc. I have carrara (honed) in my kitchen so I know all about etching. I wanted to know what I was in for with the quartzite. That said, not all slabs behave the same. Definitely test yours if you're concerned.

Exactly what staceyneil said: bring home a sample and test it. Also, consider searching this site (try the kitchen forum) on bullet proof granites. Not all granites are the same. Depending on the porousity of the material, some are more or less likely to stain. Some do not even require sealing. I recall that blue pearl is supposed to be one of the granites that does not require sealing and is supposed to be very forgiving.

I found a piece if quartzite and put a deposit on it. The remnant is just big enough for the job. This was the only piece I was able to find. I asked for a sample to test and they were reluctant to break any off.

The bathroom will be mainly for the kids (daily lav, and hand washing) Possible brushing their teeth. I hope I didn't jump the gun. It's just seemed like everywhere I called they either didn't know what I was talking about or didn't have any. I was going to post a picture but can't seem to figure out how to do it.

I just this morning picked a remnant of soapstone for our tiny bathroom reno; it's the bathroom used by my two teenage kids. We have soapstone in our kitchen and love it. I'd definitely consider it bulletproof (it is softer than granite and we have chipped the edge around the undermount sink but those can easily be sanded out).

If you like the look of the absolute black but not the way it is to use you might like soapstone. But I do have to say that that quartzite is lovely!

Good luck.

we are using a wood top that was made from reclaimed myrtle, which is a pretty hard wood. Our cabinet maker finished it with 5 coats of waterlox which is highly recommended. It is sanded so smooth that it almost looks and feels like laminate, but its 100% wood. I'll be posting finished pics hopefully by the end of the month, buy here's a link to another post with some grainy pics of it from my camera phone.

Here is a link that might be useful: wood countertop

abd1, I looked at your pictures and that is a beautiful vanity and top. I wish I lived closer to Oregon. We are on the East Coast. Beautiful bath..

Beautiful quartzite! That looks a lot like our "Vermont White". I hope you'll be very happy with it :)

staceyneil: Thank you so much. I didn't even know it existed until I saw your reply to me. I do love it. Thanks again for your input. :)