Hi Jaymie. I can't educate you on counters, but ours is marble. The specific type of marble we used is Carrarra. If you go to a stone yard or showroom that sells stone, you can ask to see their marble options. If you go with a marble you have to understand that there is a bit of upkeep (sealing every once in awhile) to keep it from staining and you can't use harsh cleansers on it. We use oxiclean powder mixed with water. Also, it will etch over time - this is inevitable and you have to be okay with the fact that it will develop a worn patina.

Be sure to pick out the exact piece of marble they will use. I have seen carrarra that is very dark grey and some that is very light. I wanted light and luckily they had a lovely piece that was just what I wanted.

Where I live we have a couple of places that sell tile and stone countertops and usually have some slabs in store that you can look at. Ours was small enough to use a remnant but was still pricey. I think I could have got a better deal elsewhere, but I loved the piece they showed me. I would start by looking for a tile/stone place in your area and ask them for a rough estimate in stone you like. There are also quartzite products like caesarstone that look much like stone but are more durable. If you have a small vanity you might also be able to get a remnant for a good price.

Good luck.

Thank you for all the information budge1. That is beautiful marble. I was just at a stone yard this morning looking at soapstone for the kitchen and the owner said they would give me a deal on remnants for my bathroom if bought the kitchen counters from them. They had a MILLION slabs, so that might just work out.

I'll also take a look at caesarstone as a back up. I appreciate the information and thank you for sharing your bathroom.

Jaymie