Remodeling a bathroom requires you to make a significant number of decisions about your personal preferences and needs. Bathroom vanities are key focal points that can enhance the space by providing a mix of functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Vanities are typically composed of two main parts: the base and the countertop.
Quartz and marble are popular countertop options that each have their own benefits and drawbacks; there’s no clear winner between the two. Instead, it’s a matter of taste and how you intend to use your vanity during daily life.
Quartz Bathroom Vanities
Browse our full quartz vanity collection.
Even though the quartz used in countertops is considered a form of stone, it’s actually a man-made material. These countertops are produced using approximately 90 percent natural quartz that is ground up and then mixed with a blend of resin and polymer.
Since the countertop is made with ground quartz, the final appearance depends on how the mineral was treated. The smoothest, most uniform countertops utilize quartz that has been ground as finely as possible.
Important Quartz Benefits
Unlike natural countertops, which can be porous and sensitive to stains, quartz is highly resilient. These countertops can be cleaned with warm water and soap, so there’s no need to apply expensive protectants or purchase specialty cleaners.
The durability may be especially appealing to consumers with young children, large families, or frequent guests.
Because quartz is a type of manufactured stone, pigments can be added to change the color to a more desirable shade. While most vanity countertops are available in traditional colors like white or beige, there are less conventional options like blue and green as well.
In terms of cost, quartz is a middle-of-the-road material that’s cheaper than marble and usually just slightly more expensive than granite. Quartz countertops can run as low as $30 per square foot or as high as $100, excluding the cost of installation.
The Taos Vanity: Quartz
The Taos Vanity is one of the best examples of a unit with high-quality quartz countertops. This model offers a variety of neutral colors that range from pure white to Calacatta Black quartz with white accents.
The quartz countertops dovetail nicely with the accompanying bases, which are available in tasteful shades such as navy blue and gray.
This freestanding vanity has a spacious cabinet and an open shelf at the bottom for ample storage. With sleek modern hardware, it’s perfect for both contemporary décor or classic styles with a twist.
The open back makes it easy to access pipes or even move the entire vanity to another bathroom without worrying about the configuration of your plumbing.
Marble Bathroom Vanities
Marble is an enduring favorite for bathroom countertops. It’s a completely natural material that’s first sourced from a quarry. The raw stone is then cut into smaller slabs and polished. This is where marble really shines—literally.
Thanks to advances in technology, suppliers are now able to polish marble into an even broader range of finishes. Because of its innate durability, marble can withstand polishing to a smooth mirror finish using the finest of abrasive grits.
If you’re more interested in a visually textured surface, marble can also be polished to look leathered, hammered, or brushed.
See our 25 inch marble bathroom vanities with drawers for marble countertop ideas.
Marble Maintenance
However, marble countertops can require extra maintenance since they’re made of natural stone. Sealants add a layer of protection, but they must be reapplied at least annually.
Cleaning the countertop with water and gentle soap is recommended daily to prevent staining or scratching the sealant. Therefore, marble may not be the best option for families with young children or consumers who are looking for a low-maintenance material.
Due to the cost of mining marble, it’s one of the most expensive countertop materials. While its stunning shine and timeless appeal contribute more to a home than just overall value, budget-minded shoppers should be prepared to pay more than granite or quartz. Marble can range from $40 to $200 per square foot.
The Vail Vanity: Marble
The Vail Vanity is a prime example of a stylish vanity that combines white marble with a range of bases for a crisp, minimalist look. This model is available in pure white with an optional backsplash.
The clean white marble matches wonderfully with the neutral white, gray, black, or navy-blue cabinets, ensuring that your bathroom color palette will remain fashionable no matter how design trends change.
This freestanding vanity has a single large cabinet with two doors, a pair of small side drawers, and a full-width upper drawer.
With finished interiors and fully covered storage areas, there’s no need to worry about dust, dirt, or pet hair getting onto your belongings from sitting out in the open.
For more information about bathroom vanities, please see our detailed comparison of the best material for a bathroom vanity top.