Bathroom countertops do not have take the same wear and tear that your kitchen countertops do. Therefore you can make a statement and still be practical, while choosing your Asheville bathroom countertop. Choosing a particular material can set the tone of the room.  Aside from appearance, one should also consider price, maintenance and compatibility when investing in a bathroom countertop. Below are some of the more popular ideas worth investigating.

Granite Long lasting, stain resistant and beautiful, granite is the Rolls-Royce of countertops. Once the surface of choice for high-end bathrooms, granite is gaining in popularity for a broad spectrum of home styles. It is the most durable and easiest to care for of any of the natural stone materials. While relatively expensive, it provides an elegant look that is incomparable.

Maintenance:Granite countertops need to be sealed every six months to a year. Clean countertops with warm water and a liquid detergent. Avoid abrasive cleaners; they'll scratch and dull the finish. Small chips and scratches can be fixed by a professional.

Manufactured Quartz

Manufactured quartz imitates the look of limestone, granite or marble, but is even more resistant to scratches and stains. Made up of 90 percent quartz particles, this synthetic composite comes in a wide variety of colors and thicknesses. In fact, four companies — Silestone, Okite, CaesarStone and DuPont's Zodiaq — make more than 130 manufactured quartz countertops.

Tip: Quartz is the material to use if you're considering a countertop with a specialized edging. Maintenance: Practical for the bathroom, quartz is durable, easy to clean and doesn't require sealing.

Tile Tile has always been a popular material for bathroom countertops, but homeowners often complain about the need to clean the grout. These days, however, tiles are coming out in much larger sizes, which eliminate the need for numerous grout lines. Through-body (unglazed) porcelain tiles are stronger than granite and about a third of the price. Plus, the myriad types of ceramic and porcelain tiles, including ones that have a metallic look, allow for fabulous designs. Tiles also work well with other materials such as glass or concrete.

Tip: Use a colored grout that doesn't show dirt as easily and which plays off the color of the tile. For a striking contrast, try a terra-cotta tile with a dark gray grout. Maintenance: Grout lines need regular maintenance and cleaning. The tiles can be easily cleaned with any household detergent.

Solid-Surface Materials Designed to look like natural stone, solid surface is one of the most popular countertop options available. Known by its brand names such as Corian, Staron, Gilbraltar and Avonite, this easy-to-maintain synthetic product can be molded to fit any design specification.

Tip: Use a solid-surface material if you're concerned about mold or mildew. The nonporous, hypoallergenic surface discourages the growth of these allergens. Maintenance: Being nonporous, it's easy to clean.

See all these countertop choices and more at the HomeSource Design Center located at 172 Charlotte Street in Downtown Asheville, NC.