We get a lot of great questions from the customers who visit our showrooms throughout Utah. We love getting questions because asking them is the quickest way to learn. For example, is it okay to install identical countertops in both kitchen and bath?
The question is asked more frequently than you might think. Technically, the answer is ‘yes’. As a homeowner, you have the right to do with your property as you see fit. There is nothing legally, structurally, or practically wrong with identical countertops. But when people ask the question, they are really asking about interior design.
Customers are not worried about zoning laws or legal ramifications. What they want to know is whether identical countertops would seem tacky. They want to know if installing identical countertops would create some sort of design conflict. In the end, we cannot answer the question. Every homeowner needs to decide for themself.
Design Cohesion
We have had consumers make a particularly good case for installing matching countertops. Design cohesion is one of the points the customers have brought up. Think of it this way: if the kitchen and first-floor bath are fairly close together, identical countertops can create a sense of flow and coherence. Guests moving from the kitchen to the bath would experience a sense of familiarity even if they don’t realize it.
Design cohesion is less of a consideration when kitchen and bath are on separate floors. That brings up another question: even if the first-floor kitchen and bath have identical countertops, should the same countertop be installed in a second-floor bath?
Maintenance Consistency
One of the interesting benefits of installing matching countertops is maintenance consistency. The surfaces in both rooms will be cleaned the same way. If one countertop is susceptible to staining, the other one will be as well. The point is that you don’t have to learn how to take care of two separate surfaces. One surface in both rooms should make maintenance easier.
Material Suitability
Despite the convenience of maintenance consistency, there is something especially important to be cognizant of: material suitability. Granite and quartz are excellent choices for both kitchen and bath. The two materials are durable, stain resistant, and able to withstand temperature changes.
The thing to remember is that countertops in the bath may be exposed to a lot more water than those in the kitchen. Bathrooms also tend to retain moisture for longer. That could be a problem. So if you’re thinking of identical countertops, make sure the material you choose is suitable for both kitchens and baths.
Personal Preference Is the Deciding Factor
We have given you some things to think about in terms of design cohesion, maintenance, and material suitability. The truth is that most countertop materials work just fine in both kitchen and bath. So ultimately, you’re looking at a question of personal preference. What is it that you hope to achieve by replacing your countertops?
There are people who prefer design consistency throughout their entire homes. They wouldn’t even think twice about installing identical countertops. But there are also people for whom such a proposition is unthinkable.
There are also cost concerns. While it might be worth the extra money to purchase natural stone for the kitchen, is the bath really the right place for the same material? You might prefer a cheaper alternative for that particular space.
Is it okay to install identical countertops in both kitchen and bath? Legally, technically, and practically, yes. Whether or not doing so lines up with your personal preferences is something only you can decide.
