Shopping for Bathroom Vanities Online – Buyer Beware!
More and more people, including my own customers, are turning to the internet to find the latest and greatest bargains. I advise my clients to be very careful and really do their homework with these purchases, especially with bathroom vanities. Most of the vanities sold on-line are package deals that will include several components, counter-top, sink, faucet and even a mirror. While it is possible to find a vanity to fit your renovation needs, it takes real effort to carefully scrutinize the product BEFORE you buy!
Of course, the style, functionality and storage capacity of the vanity cabinet itself is of major importance. But one of the elements that I find most people forget to pay attention to is the actual counter-top material itself. If you want this vanity to make a lasting impression and be a good investment it’s important to pay attention to a few major factors:
Pay close attention to the vanity counter-top material. Most bargain vanities will have White Carrera marble tops, but this is NOT the high-quality Carrerra that you’re hoping for. In most cases, even if you seal it properly, it just won’t hold up to moisture. Carrera marble is a natural stone and will be porous and thus soak up moisture whether it’s water or other liquids or chemicals commonly found in bathrooms. The only time I would consider marble is in a powder room area that won’t get the normal day-to-day usage like our main bathrooms would. Or, if it is sourced by a reputable fabricator that can offer high-quality material and sealants.
Some companies do offer other materials as their counter-tops, but again these will NOT be first quality materials. Recently a client came to me asking my opinion on a couple to vanities they found online. One option described their counter-top as “containing quartz.” Upon further investigation the manufacturer told me that their top contained only 3% - 5% quartz – well below the standard of 93% quartz found in high-quality quartz products. Take the time to do your homework look at the specs and read and ask questions.
Another issue I come across is the new modern wall-mount vanities that have integral sinks and are thicker than the normal 1.25” – 1.5” quartz or granite thickness. These light-weight counter-tops (because of the wall-mount design) are typically made of a lesser quality resin or “cultured marble” material which will stain and crack and even flake particularly at high moisture areas like around the drains.
When in doubt I suggest purchasing a vanity WITHOUT the counter-top and supply your own through a local fabricator using a remnant piece – usually at a reduced price.
Let’s face it – everyone wants a bargain these days – but if a deal looks too good to be true, it usually is! If you are looking for maximum storage, quality workmanship and the widest range of options I suggest putting together your own combination of vanity and counter-top – it’s all about the expectations!