What Kind of Tile Is Used on Vanity Tops?

Ceramic and Porcelain

• Glazed ceramic and porcelain tiles, made from clay, are ideally suited for a bathroom vanity countertop. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are impervious to heat and water and have a hard surface that resists stains. Ceramic and porcelain are easy to clean, and their surfaces do not collect mold, mildew or odors. Ceramic tile comes in many colors, and its surface can vary from shiny, high gloss to a matte finish that helps hide fingerprints and water spots.

Glass Tile

• Glass tile is not as strong as other types of tile. It can scratch and break, and it is usually recommended for vertical surfaces such as backsplashes and walls. Nevertheless, it is sometimes used on vanity tops because of its attractive translucent properties. If you use glass tile for a vanity top, it is best suited for use in a powder room or a guest bathroom that is seldom used.

Stone

• Polished granite tile is ideal for use on a vanity top. Granite is a natural stone that is available in many colors and patterns, from uniform grain patterns to one-of-a-kind patterns full of contrast and variations. Granite is waterproof, heat-resistant and easy to clean. Some granite surfaces must be sealed periodically, but sealers are readily available, and sealing a bathroom vanity top is an easy process that takes just a few minutes. Homeowners can also use marble tile on a bathroom vanity, but marble is softer than granite, and the surface is easy to scratch.

Edge Finishes

• A variety of edge options are available for ceramic, porcelain, glass and stone tiles. Bullnose tiles create a decorative edge, but other edge finishes are functional and attractive. For a vanity top, homeowners should consider a drip-resistant edge that retains water that gets splashed or spilled onto the vanity. Instead of dripping onto the cabinet or floor, water remains on the surface of the countertop, contained by the raised edge, until it can be cleaned up with a towel or sponge.