Countertop Materials That Do Not Belong In Your Bathroom, According To Our Expert

It can be easy to get caught up in the excitement of designing a new bathroom or planning a bathroom remodel, but it's important to choose surfaces and finishes that will maximize your bathroom's functionality and stand up to long-term use. In an exclusive interview with House Digest, we heard from Brad Smith, CEO, Interior Designer, and Creative Director of Omni Home Ideas. Smith cautions, "When selecting a countertop material, consider not only the aesthetic but also the functionality and long-term durability." 

Smith explains that some materials are definitely more practical than others when it comes to bathroom countertops. He states, "While design preferences are subjective, from a practical standpoint, I advise against using porous materials like marble in bathrooms." Here's why Smith believes marble and other materials are a poor choice for bathroom countertops, and we'll let you in on the surface that Smith recommends for those who still love marble's luxurious look. 

Dealing with a bathroom mid-renovation can make anyone feel impatient, but if you want your countertops to hold up to daily wear and tear, Brad Smith warns that you shouldn't rush through the selection process. "A bathroom is a place of frequent use and varying humidity levels. Therefore, choosing a material that withstands these conditions while maintaining its beauty is crucial. Beyond the material, the finish and edge design also play a significant role in both style and safety." It may be a trendy material, but marble surprisingly doesn't make the cut. 

In his exclusive interview with House Digest, Brad Smith explained, "Marble, while visually stunning, is susceptible to staining and etching, especially in a moisture-rich environment like a bathroom. Its maintenance can be demanding, requiring regular sealing and careful cleaning to prevent damage from acidic substances." Sealants won't always prevent your marble from staining, either; they simply give you more time to spot the spill before it soaks into the porous marble. If you diligently clean and polish your marble countertops, they may last for a while, but the luxury material simply isn't realistic for most people's lifestyles, especially in kids' bathrooms or shared family bathrooms, where messes often go unnoticed. 

So, what can you do to achieve that marble-like feel without all the upkeep? Brad Smith suggests, in his interview with House Digest, "For those who admire the elegance of marble, quartz is an excellent alternative." He continues, "In my professional opinion, the best material for a bathroom countertop is quartz. It combines resilience with beauty, offering a diverse range of colors and patterns, including options that mimic natural stone." Because quartz countertops are usually made to order, they can accommodate a wide range of colors and styles and be easily cut to fit any odd shapes or corners.  

Quartz isn't just beautiful and unique; it's also one of the easiest bathroom countertop materials to maintain. "Quartz countertops offer the aesthetic appeal of natural stone but are engineered for greater durability and easier maintenance. They are non-porous, resisting stains and moisture, making them ideal for bathrooms." Quartz is also a smarter countertop choice than marble for busy households. As Smith explains, "Quartz requires minimal upkeep, making it a practical choice for both high-traffic family bathrooms and luxurious en-suite settings."