We bet you didn’t know that bathrooms are the second most remodeled room in the home. But you can see why – because there is nothing worse than an outdated bathroom that is also no longer functional.

The remodeling process can be very exciting, but it can also be a very stressful time. There are so many design choices that will need to be made during your bathroom remodel, and you want to make the right choices because remodeling a bathroom is very expensive. We think one of the most important choices you will make is what type of bathroom countertop you will want to use.

Your countertop choice will impact the look and feel of your new bathroom. There are a lot of stone countertop options available, so you should know your budget and take your time narrowing them down, so you get what you want.

Marble Countertops Add Elegance.

Marble countertops can bring a feeling of luxury to your bathroom. With marble you will have an abundance of patterns and colors to choose from. From subtle understated choices to dramatic veining options or even bold color choices, you will have many options to select from.

However, you need to be careful choosing marble for the bathroom, it may not be the most practical countertop choice for a bathroom renovation for the following reasons:

• Marble is vulnerable to staining. Hair products like hair dye can stain your marble countertop and the stains could be impossible to get out.
• Discoloration and changes in the finish are also possible with marble, so you need to be prepared for imperfections to develop over time.
• You also need to consider the upkeep with marble countertops, so be prepared to reseal them regularly.
• Harsh cleaning products need to be avoided.

If you like marble and some of these are not a huge concern for you, then no worries, go with marble for your remodel. However, if you want your countertop to look like new years from now, then you may want to consider granite or quartz instead.

Granite is Worth Considering.

Granite was popular for years, then it became less trendy, but its popularity is on the rise again, so we say consider granite countertops for your bathroom renovation ideas.

Granite is less expensive than marble, and you will still be using natural stone. It also comes in a wide array of patterns and colors.

Granite is also more durable and resistant to watermarks and stains. This is because it is less porous than marble which makes it a practical choice for your bathroom remodel.

Quartz is Very Affordable.

If you love marble but you don’t have the budget for marble in your bathroom, a more affordable option for you to consider are quartz countertops. Quartz gives you the look of natural stone but is less expensive.

Quartz offers the beautiful colors, patterns, and veining you get with natural stone, but the design is more consistent because each slab is the same. So, if you order a slab, you can be sure that what you are getting is the same as the sample or photograph you are seeing. Also, because quartz comes in a wide variety of designs, you can get faux marble or even terrazzo-style designs.

And, unlike natural stone, quartz does not need to be sealed, it is very durable and is resistant to staining and watermarks.

Newcomer, Slab Porcelain Makes a Statement.

Slab Porcelain is virtually maintenance-free and is one of the most versatile products available. Slab porcelain has low porosity and incredible durability, a perfect combination for bathrooms.

Slab porcelain comes in several styles, it offers stunning visuals and seamless design with no boundaries. Once installed, porcelain slab countertops are resistant to chips, heat, stains, and scratches.

Slab porcelain comes in a variety of patterns. Pick one that creates drama with striking vein patterns or infuse tranquility with subtle marbling designs. You can add an urban chic feel with slabs that closely mimic poured concrete.

Regular, basic cleaning with warm water and mild soap keeps porcelain looking gorgeous. You can also use a gentle, everyday multipurpose cleaner to remove soap scum, water deposits, and mildew. You should avoid products that contain acids or ammonia as they could damage the glossy surfaces of the tile. And you should dry your porcelain thoroughly and avoid leaving puddles.

Need Help Selecting Your Bathroom Countertop?

Deciding what type of countertop you want for your bathroom renovation is both exciting and scary. At C & C Stoneworks we know how difficult the choices can be, which is why we’re available to help.

One of the best ways to help you decide what countertop material is right for you, is to look at samples and compare all your options. We have a designer available to help you and a showroom filled with samples.

Give us a call to schedule a consultation or visit our showroom at 6144 NC 43 S in Greenville, North Carolina today. We’re ready to help with your bathroom remodel.

Nothing says “classy” like marble countertops. Marble allows your kitchen to have a clean, timeless look. But before you decide to upgrade your kitchen with marble, here’s everything you need to know about marble countertops.

Marble is High-Maintenance.

Can your countertops be high maintenance? Yes, especially if they are marble. Marble is very porous, making it vulnerable to stains (I’m looking at you, red wine). But even oil and juice can damage your marble countertops. The liquid sinks deep into the countertops, making it hard to remove.

But never fear! There is a solution to having your red wine and your marble countertops. Getting your counter sealed every six months to a year (professionally, or you will risk damaging the marble), prevents liquids from damaging your counters.

Marble Scratches Easily.

Every counter gets scratched, but marble is a softer stone. Your marble countertops are far more likely to get scratched than granite counters. This leaves your marble vulnerable to scratches and chips you may not have seen on your granite. To avoid scratches, avoid wearing belts and long necklaces when at your counter, and always cut acidic things on a cutting board. Exposure to acid can also wear down marble’s finish and your sealant.

It Can Be More Cost-Effective – Depending on the Marble.

Did you know that there are different types of marble? If you are looking for an aesthetically pleasing kitchen with the crisp white marble holding the dramatic veins throughout it, you are searching for Calacatta marble – a rare and luxurious stone with a hefty price tag. However, if you are looking for a soft gray marble with more subtle veins, you are searching for Carrara marble (appropriately named, as it is from Carrara, Italy), one of the most affordable, natural countertop materials.

Marble is Heat-Resistant but Proceed with Caution.

That’s right! Marble countertops can help you beat the heat in summer by staying cool to the touch. The stone is heat resistant and can help you to stay cool. But that doesn’t mean they can’t get burnt. Though marble can withstand high temperatures, hot pots tend to burn marble (and other stones) and cause discoloration. It is recommended to use a potholder – even if your countertops are heat-resistant.

Cleaning is More Than a Simple Wipe Down.

To properly clean your marble, you need to apply a couple of drops of mild dish soap to a sponge (on the soft side) and scrub vigorously until you have a nice lather. After you scrub, you buff your counters dry using a rag or a rinsed-off sponge. Remember – marble is porous, so you want to make sure that you take the time to do a good job when you clean your marble.

If you are interested in new countertops and are considering marble, contact C and C Stoneworks at (252) 902-5535 today! We are happy to show you options and help you get the countertops of your dreams.