Tile for vanity and bar sink counter? (granite, laminate, corian)

[equinox1]

I am about to finish the basement in an older "mountain" cabin/small house. The upstairs has a wall of windows and big beams. Fair amount of wood.

I'm trying to keep the costs down since the price of real estate here has dropped like a rocket and I'll never get my $ back, but I also wanted it to be nice and cozy.

Questions:
Bath will be medium size with about a 6-8 foot vanity. Granite is too much $.

Have any of you used ceramic tile? Did you use large 12 in to minimize grout lines?
I want to keep resale in mind (in a few years) and am using white tub, sink, etc.
Are beige/tan tiles for tub surround, floor AND a vanity too much beige. The floor tiles has some other, still neutral, colors. I was thinking of a darker one for floor and lighter warmer for surround and vanity.

What about tile for the bar sink counter?

I'll post in real estate, too.

Thanks

[BirdieBelle]

Tile on a bathroom counter is such a pain. Between cosmetic stains and chemicals from hair products, it is hard to maintain no matter what size tiles you use.

I would consider Corian and even an upgraded laminate before I would tile a bathroom countertop.

You could consider granite tiles. It is cheaper than a granite slab and has smaller grout lines than ceramic tile.

[Jukesgrrl]

Originally Posted by Wmsn4Life

Tile on a bathroom counter is such a pain. Between cosmetic stains and chemicals from hair products, it is hard to maintain no matter what size tiles you use.

I would consider Corian and even an upgraded laminate before I would tile a bathroom countertop.

You could consider granite tiles. It is cheaper than a granite slab and has smaller grout lines than ceramic tile.

I agree. I HATE grout. Especially in a bathroom where there's water on it all the time.

Is it crucial to get something immediately? My local big box hardwares both have open-box or returned vanities for sale cheap that often have tops and even sinks that come-with. I saw one the other day that was a wood vanity with a brown granite top and a white undermount sink for what I would have expected to pay for a good faucet.

[equinox1]

The problem with the HD vanities is that they are too small. It's a large bath.

I have thought of granite tiles, but will have to see if builder can do them. They need special saws.

[golfgal]

Having a tile vanity in a bathroom would be a real turnoff for me. I HATE tile on countertops. Glasses and such don't sit level on them, if you drop something on them it will break, etc. You might be able to find a scrap piece of granite for a reasonable price but I would just go with a high def laminate or a preformed countertop vs tile.

[fallingwater]

I agree with the others, tile counters are a pain however I do actually like the looks of them. I would go with formica etc. Granite is the rage but I have seen too many people not like the color and want to tear it out etc. You can't please everyone.

I have seen large nice vanities with granite tops (with sinks built in) at odd ball places like overstock.com and even at Sam's Club for cheap.

[Ohiogirl81]

I like tile counters. Everyone's gotta be different!

[K'ledgeBldr]

Originally Posted by equinox1

I am about to finish the basement in an older "mountain" cabin/small house. The upstairs has a wall of windows and big beams. Fair amount of wood.
And this has what to do with a tile counter or bar sink?
I'm trying to keep the costs down since the price of real estate here has dropped like a rocket and I'll never get my $ back, but I also wanted it to be nice and cozy.

I believe the answer goes without saying...




















... OK if you insist, just do a laminate counter top! They're cheap, inexpensive, economical, value rated. Come in a myriad of colors and styles. Are easy to maintain and quite durable if not abused.