Interior Projects
    Fireplace Makeover
    Hardwood Flooring
    Staining Your Tile Grout
    Caulk & Caulking

  Bathroom Facelift
    Vanities & Sinks
    Vanity Tops
    Faucets
    Tub/Shower Doors
    Medicine Cabinets
    Floor Tile
    Electrical & Lighting
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  Basement Tips
    Lighting Techniques
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  Deck & Patio
    Cleaning & Stripping
    Power Washing
    Staining Your Deck
    Furnishing Your Patio

  Energy Related Tips
    Savings for the summer
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    Hot Water Savings
 
  Home Security
    General Security Tips
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  Storage Solutions
    Closet (Reach In)
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    Pantry
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  Out Of The Normal
    Hockey Centerpieces
    Winter Cat Shelter

VANITY TOPS - Tops today are available in many different materials, ranging from man-made composites to natural stone finishes. Granite tops have become quite affordable and are sold in many of the major home improvement centers like Lowes and Home Depot. Unlike the normal 1 1/4" thickness you see on kitchen granite countertops, vanity tops are only 3/4" in thickness. Other options include cultured marble, Quartz, Corian, Silestone, Staron, Terra Stone, Soapstone, and Mystera.

If you've ever watched shows like House Hunters, you know how buyers notice countertops and often comment on whether they like or dislike the top. The eye is drawn to the top so the choice is important to the overall appearance of the finished bathroom. Remember that your vanity top will be a focal point of your bathroom. If you can afford it, invest a little more into your vanity top and faucet.

You can buy your vanity top off the shelf or custom order a top. On average, a 37" top runs about $129.00 at many home centers. Granite tops are some home improvement centers can be purchased for $200 to 300. However, you are limited to only a few choices in granite. If you're looking for a large variety of natural stone tops, a countertop fabricator would be a wise choice.

Upscale home centers like Expo do have a large selection of natural stone tops. Depending on the granite chosen, a fabricated top might cost $100.00 per square foot. A 36" wide vanity top with sink could be $600.00 to $800.00.

Since you're installing a new top, you'll have the option to pick the faucet that you like. It's important to know what faucet you're using before purchasing your top so the holes will accommodate the style of faucet that you purchased.

Tops can be fabricated with several types of edges. Some edges are very ornate. Remember that the more ornate the edge, the more dust, toothpaste, and dirt is likely to accumulate in these edges. Something to think about especially if you have small children. Also, fancy edges are upgrades and cost more per linear foot.

If you're doing the project yourself, work with your countertop person to determine the proper measurements and placement for the undermount sink. Remember that special order items are generally not returnable.

Next Topic: Faucets