Posts Tagged ‘bathroom countertop’
Replace Your Bathroom Countertop For a Quick Update
Giving your bath a quick update can be as simple as selecting and replacing a worn bathroom countertop with a new one from the many attractive fashionable materials.
Making a selection may be the hardest part of this activity considering all the materials and styles on the market today.
What you select for a bathroom 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.
Most options can be installed in one short day, except tile which takes time to cure between steps.
Ceramic tile is a long time favorite because it will withstand heavy usage over a long period of time and still maintain good looks. If self-installed it is a very cost effective update.
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.
In the case of granite, a less costly options is granite tile which can be installed more easily, and done as a DIY project saving money both on the product and on the installation as well.
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.
Position your new countertop checking to see that it is level from the front to back and also from side to side. You may or may not need to cut an opening for the sink, depending on the application.
Unless your existing faucet is in excellent shape, this is the time to update with a new one to get the most from this upgrade. Once you are done you can step back and see what an improvement your updated bathroom countertop makes in the overall appearance of your bath. I’m sure you will agree that this short one day update was well worth the time and money invested.
Discover ideas for Refurbishing
a Bath, and helpful pointers on Remodeling and Maintaining an Updated Look.
