Vanity Top Materials: What's The Difference?
There are many different kinds of vanity tops, but how do you know which one is best for you? We've created a handy guide to the different features and benefits of each type of vanity top to help you choose the right one for your bathroom.
Ceramic
Ceramic vanity tops use porcelain ceramic moulding techniques for a classic finish.
Why we love Ceramic tops:
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Integrated overflow on selected styles.
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Heat resistant and easy to maintain.
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Will not discolour.
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Very high scratch resistance.
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Maximum water temperature 65°C.
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5 Year warranty on ceramic tops.
Things to consider:
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Can be susceptible to chipping and cracking due to impact.
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Limited range of sizes.
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Cannot be repaired.
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Size variations, imperfections & warping is to be expected due to the 1200°C kiln vitrification process.
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Not recommended for between wall installation due to size variations.
Our top picks for vanities with Ceramic tops:
Cast Marble
Cast marble tops are moulded using a heavy polymer resin mixed with a crushed marble. They are then coated with a durable gloss or matte gel coat.
Why we love Cast Marble tops:
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Consistent surface with minimal warping or imperfections.
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Bright white colour.
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Durable.
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Easy to repair if scratched or chipped.
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Overflow available on selected styles.
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Less susceptible to chipping than ceramic.
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Maximum water temperature 70°C.
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7 Year warranty.
Things to consider:
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Limited range of sizes.
Our top picks for vanities with Cast Marble tops:
Acrylic
Acrylic tops are vacuum formed from a single sheet of sanitary grade acrylic using heat to mould it to the correct shape, and then it is back filled. The acrylic is durable and the end result is a very straight top.
Why we love Acrylic tops:
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Large range of sizes.
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Brilliant white finish.
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Consistent surface with no warping or imperfections.
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Durable and non porous.
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Easy to polish out light scratches.
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Chemical and stain resistant.
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More chip resistant than ceramic.
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Maximum water temperature 65°C.
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7 Year warranty.
Things to consider:
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No overflow.
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Susceptible to heat damage (e.g. hair straightener).
Our top picks for vanities with Acrylic tops:
Solid Surface
Solid Surface is made from a durable mix of high performance 100% acrylic resins.
Why we love Solid Surface tops:
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Matte White finish.
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Very easy to repair if scratched.
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Non porous and better stain resistance than natural stone.
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Crack and chip resistant.
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Can be drilled on site with a normal hole saw.
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Developed to withstand heat, chemicals, moisture and impact.
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Hygienic and easy to maintain. Does not require sealing or treating.
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Maximum water temperature 65°C.
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7 Year warranty.
Things to consider:
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Is not cold to touch like natural stone.
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May scratch easier than Quartz stone.
Our top picks for vanities with Solid Surface tops:
Cherry Pie Premium Solid Surface
Cherry Pie Premium Solid Surface is made from a durable mix of high performance 100% acrylic resins. It comes in a variety of colours and has a realistic natural stone appearance (where applicable).
Why we love Cherry Pie Solid Surface tops:
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Very easy to repair if scratched.
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Non porous and better stain resistance than natural stone.
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Crack and chip resistant.
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Can be drilled on site with a normal hole saw.
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Developed to withstand heat, chemicals, moisture and impact.
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Hygienic and easy to maintain. Does not require sealing or treating.
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Large range of colours.
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Can be made to any size, making it ideal for custom sizes.
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Pattern consistency may vary like natural stone.
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Maximum water temperature 65°C.
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10 Year warranty.
Things to consider:
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Is not cold to touch like natural stone.
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May scratch easier than Quartz stone.
Our top picks for vanities with Cherry Pie Solid Surface tops:
Friday Hybrid Quartz
Friday Hybrid Quartz is manufactured with 93% natural quartz and 7% high performance acrylic resin. It has a natural stone appearance with added strength and durability.
Why we love Friday Hybrid Quartz tops:
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Scratch, chip and crack resistant.
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Has the look & feel of stone/marble/granite but provides a much more consistent and solid colour.
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High heat resistance.
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Is cold to touch like natural stone.
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High edge impact resistance.
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Hygienic, non porous and easy to maintain.
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Can be drilled onsite using diamond-tipped tools.
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Large range of colours.
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Can be made to any size, making it ideal for custom sizes.
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Maximum water temperature 65°C.
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10 Year warranty.
Things to consider:
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May crack with high impact.
Our top picks for vanities with Friday Hybrid Quartz tops:
Caesarstone
One of Australia's most recognised brands of quartz surfaces. Register your Caesarstone benchtop for a 10 year limited warranty online to receive a free Caesarstone cleaning kit.
Why we love Caesarstone tops:
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Created from up to 93% natural quartz aggregates, organic pigments and enhanced polymer resins.
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Caesarstone® provides a surface with exceptional properties of heat, stain, scratch and chip resistance.
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Caesarstone® is one of Australia’s most recognised brands of quartz surfaces.
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Selection of 6 colours available at regular manufacturing time. Additional colours available upon request, expect extended manufacturing time of up to 4 weeks. (Excludes Supernatural Ultra finishes).
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Large range of colours.
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Maximum water temperature 65°C.
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10 Year warranty.
Things to consider:
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May crack with high impact.
Our top picks for vanities with Caesarstone tops:
Bamboo
Bamboo is recognised for its hardness & durability. Like true wood, bamboo is a natural composite material with a high strength-to-weight ratio. Bamboo has a higher compressive strength than wood, brick, or concrete & a tensile strength that rivals steel.
Why we love Bamboo tops:
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Incredibly durable.
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Water resistant.
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Antibacterial.
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Sustainable material.
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Maximum water temperature 65°C.
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7 Year warranty.
Things to consider:
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Bamboo needs to be kept dry, so be sure to wipe down any excess moisture and be mindful of ventilation.
Our top picks for vanities with Bamboo tops:
See the full range of ADP Cherry Pie, Friday Hybrid Quartz and Caesarstone benchtop finishes here.
