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Bathroom vanity material suggestions please

7 years ago

I am really struggling with material type for the bathroom vanities in our new home. We are a family of five and will have 3 baths to cover. My designer has consistenly suggested that I consider quartz or granite. I don't really like the underside lip that occurs when you use quartz or granite. I've considered a cultured marble product but its just that "cultured marble" and nothing with a wow factor. Corian was initially an option for me but I have somewhat eliminated it from consideration for two reasons. 1. Both my sister and SIL have it in their kitchens. The scratches are horrible. I don't think I would be happy looking at this on a daily basis. 2. Corian is the most expensive option in my area. Are there any other options that are beautiful but won't break the bank?

Comments (15)

  • 7 years ago

    I thought Corian could be sanded back to its original finish. That's one of its selling points.

    Do you mean the counter lip that overhangs the sink? That's called a negative reveal. You should be able to get a zero reveal. My fabricator told me that oval sinks are never a perfect oval so he prefers a negative reveal because he can cut a perfect oval. On a rectangular sink it shouldn't be a problem to do a zero reveal. This looks like the Kohler Ladena sink.

    Ranch Mom thanked User
  • Ranch Mom thanked beckysharp Reinstate SW Unconditionally
  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    Perfect does not exist. Pick your personal set of drawbacks that you can live with.

    Ranch Mom thanked User
  • 7 years ago

    Thank you all for such quick responses.

    Becky, I will look into what Ikea has to offer. A porcelain top might work for one of our bathrooms style wise but maybe not all 3. I am aware that Corian can be sanded again. I am just afraid I would need it done on an annual basis! Thank you for the link

    Mayflowers, I will ask about the reveal. I just assumed a negative reveal was the only choice available if I went with granite.

    Sophie, definitely not looking for perfect. You are right....I just can't seem to pick what I can live with! LOL

    Thanks again

  • PRO
    7 years ago
    IMO granite is the best, durable option and talk with fabricator to get edge done that would meet your desires. Just not a fan of other choices. But kind of personal choice.
    Ranch Mom thanked Flo Mangan
  • PRO
    7 years ago

    With slabs, you can also use a surface mounted sink. Some are subtle, some bold giving a little style while saving the cost of undermount polish.

    I prefer lower end quartz or prefab slabs for the kids, save the fancy stuff (brand names) for the person(s) paying the mortgage.


    Those kiddos... (#3&4 still at home) are so cute when they're young but now that the last one is almost a teen if I could build a waterproof room with a drain in the floor that would be great!

    Ranch Mom thanked Jeffrey R. Grenz, General Contractor
  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    Amen, Jeffrey! My oldest is getting ready to head to college and it astounds me how hard teens are on a house!

    I used granite for my kids’ vanities, and honestly would have actually preferred something like a white porcelain top with an integrated sink. I just didn’t realize that was an option when we built 7 years ago. I’m already a little over granite (thank God I put marble in the master and kitchen!) and plain white appeals to me aesthetically.

    ETA: The granite has held up to considerable abuse, though. Nail polish, even, has come right off with no apparent damage.

    Ranch Mom thanked nini804
  • 7 years ago

    Jeffrey, if I go the route of granite I would definitely be choosing from the remnants for this reason. The undermount crud is what I would want to avoid.

    Porcelain does look intriguing to me for the children's bathrooms. I have found this online and at the big box stores. Is this a material that my local shop would have access to or is big box the way to go?

    For reference, I requested pricing for a 48" vanity top. Corian was $1463.68. Synthetic Marble $345.15 and a granite remnant that I chose for pricing purposes only was $650. This does not include installation. I was a little taken about at the Corian pricing. Is this in line? Let me know if so and I will take some time to accept it (0r not).

    I appreciate everyone's help!

  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    I agree that the porcelain tops with integrated sinks are super easy to clean/care for. We have both a single and a double vanity top purchased from Ikea and are very happy with them. I have six kids and have found that it's much easier and less stressful to get the wow factor from items that are either indestructible or easily replaceable like Becky Sharp mentioned above (like a really fabulous mirror).

    My contractor had no problems installing our purchased vanities and tops, but I'm sure that depends on who you're working with.

  • 7 years ago

    Fabrication of granite and quartz typically doubles the price.

    Kohler makes beautiful ceramic countertops but they come in standard sizes. I have a thread on them and I'll bump it for you.

  • PRO
    7 years ago

    I haven't used any porcelain or ceramic tops but would consider. Remember the price includes the sink ("lav"). Corian is usually factory licensed/certified installers only. Granite can be purchased as a prefab with edges done from most big box stores often starting around $200 for a limited but usable selection for kids baths. Your remnant price is a raw piece that needs to be cut and edged... more custom, more $$. Some custom shops will install as long as they have a custom kitchen already, otherwise punt.


    Ranch Mom thanked Jeffrey R. Grenz, General Contractor
  • 7 years ago

    We also have an Ikea vanity with the porcelain top/integrated sink in my daughter's bathroom. We though it would just be a temporary solutions but we've LOVED it for a kids' bath. So easy to clean up messes, and to just plain clean. We're putting the same in our new build for her bathroom and the guest bathroom.


    Ranch Mom thanked Kristin S
  • 7 years ago

    Don't think that Corian is the only choice you have for a Solid Surface that can be sanded and had the color all the way through. There are a multitude of brands out there and Corian may be the most expensive. Run over to Lowes and ask about the brand(s) they carry, see if you like any, get an estimate. Swanstone is also available at kitchen and bath stores.

    Ranch Mom thanked Nancy in Mich
  • 7 years ago

    Thank you everyone! I will be searching around a little more for the bathrooms. I appreciate your input.