Improving the appearance of your bathroom with a new bathroom countertop is a relatively quick project once you have made a selection among the many possibilities that are available.
The selection process may be the most time consuming as there are many choices each having their own pros and cons depending on your lifestyle.
What you select for a countertop depends on your needs, your budget, the degree of wear and usage the countertop will undergo, as well as your own taste and style.
Tile is the one option that will not be completed in a single day because of the steps needed to install it and the time each step requires to cure.
Ceramic tile is durable, and considering that this is a small project in terms of material needed, it can also be very cost effective especially if you watch for special sales that are often available when a line of tile is being closed out. Buying at a good price and installing the tile yourself will make for a very economical improvement to your bath.
When installing tile for any home project always buy a few extra to set aside in case some are broken during installation, or cracked during later use. Though they wear well, tile may be broken when something heavy gets dropped.
Solid surface counter top materials such as granite, natural marble and corian are often sought after as a choice for a bathroom countertop. These materials wear very well over the years, and will add additional value and appeal to a bath. Each has is own care requirements and following manufacturer suggestions in this area is necessary in maintaining them. Granite and natural marble for instance should never be cleaned with vinegar or general cleaning products.
Know the warranty requirements when you consider a purchase. Solid surface materials often require professional installation.
If you have your heart set on a granite countertop, but your budget won't stretch that far, a granite tile countertop may be a good solution. Granite tiles will be easier to self-install, and the price tag will be much less.
Some less expensive options are synthetic marble and laminate. Synthetic marble and laminate tops can be purchased in standard sizes at your local home improvement center. These are pretty much ready to go and a good choice for a DIY project. Backsplashes are usually a part of the unit, but in some cases are available separately to match.
When you have selected and purchased your countertop it is time to shut off the water and get started.
Generally countertops are secured underneath with screws. Remove screws and carefully remove old countertop without damaging the base cabinet. Old backsplash may have been secured to wall with caulking. Remove slowly to minimize damage to drywall. If new backsplash does not cover entire area, some minimal touch up may be necessary.
Put your new bathroom countertop in place assuring that it is level side to side and front to back. Cut opening for bathroom basin if necessary.
If you have chosen to add a new updated bathroom faucet to give a little more punch to your new addition, this is the time. Reconnect plumbing and admire your work. Your new bathroom countertop will dress up your vanity and give it new life.
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Discover ideas for Refurbishing a Bath , and helpful pointers on Bathroom Remodeling and Maintaining an Updated Look.
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