Vanity top specifics -- appreciate any help

10 years ago

last modified: 10 years ago

I am doing an <$2500 upgrade of my guest bath which also serves as my personal 'vanity' area. I feel comfy with my choice of Amercan Woodmark 36" base & matching wall "valet" cabinet from HD in butterscotch glaze. However I am torn about the vanity top because I want to shave some $s off the project cost but also want this to be a long-term look. My current options are: a precut Travertine (bevel edge) with the basin, a nice looking 'empress gold' granite that I can get on craiglist cheap with a rounded edge and no basin... or keep looking for some pre-fab or semi-custom?

I do love the 'manufactured' quartz options. Used Vicostone for a kitchen project, and was very happy.

Expert and DYI thoughts? Photo is the travertine which I can get at HD or on Amazon for about $320.00

Featured Answer

PRO

Skydell Contracting Inc.

10 years ago

If you go to your local fabricator you can often get great buys on high end guartz or granite that are in their remnant pile. Often they are a fraction of the original cost and you pay just for the fabrication. They made their money on the large job that the remnant came from and anything they get out of the scraps is found money. I have rarely found anything of quality at Home Depot or Lowes. Hold out for what you want, "Do it once and do it right".

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Comments (6)

PRO
Belltown Design LLC
10 years ago
Quartz has my vote. Nice solid colors and the cost can be significantly less if you find a remnant.
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Karen D'Or
Original Author
10 years ago
Great advice from the Pros. I can do some remnant scouting this weekend.
Karen D'Or
Original Author
10 years ago
Considering this quartz remnant once I see fabrication estimate. Anyone familiar with the supplier REM?
PRO
Skydell Contracting Inc.
10 years ago
I think the REM refers to "rem"nant. From my research White River is a granite not a quartz. Keep in mind that quartz is a type of granite but when looking for quartz counter tops it means you want a manmade product. From the picture you sent I can just about guarantee that you have a quarried product. Not a bad selection but keep in mind it can stain and will have to be periodically sealed.
Karen D'Or
Original Author
10 years ago
Here is my final photo from today. Yes, Skydell, you were so right -- it IS granite and I did not find this out until my fabricators picked it up. [The guys at North Coast Tile & Stone should have told me since I asked for quartz?] I didn't see your reply before I picked it up....but I like it right off the bat, and am so so happy with it. Will re-seal periodically.

Here is "after" photo for the refresh of my guest/vanity bathroom. My original contractor fell off a roof (ouch!), so I had to go with some other local guys but they were great, super happy with the fabrication of the countertop!

The blush maple cabinetry is from Jensen, remnant from N. Coast Tile & Stone, the TP holder and the mirror is from Home Depot. The Moen sink fixtures and the overhead lamp/light (not pictured) via Amazon and the light fixtures via ATG (Lowes) clearance. Labor and materials including re-wire, re-plumb, drywall patching painting and full install under $3,500.

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