If you’re worried about longevity, focus on keeping water where it belongs, not on the vanity finish itself. That’s where I’ve always seen the real issues start.
Couldn’t agree more—my last “budget” remodel turned into a money pit thanks to a sneaky leak behind the vanity. Here’s what I learned (the hard way):
- Poly holds up, but caulk is the real MVP. Skimp there and you’re toast.
- Water-based poly = less yellow, less regret.
- Marine varnish? Only if your kids treat the bathroom like a splash pad.
Honestly, my biggest expense was fixing what water ruined, not picking out fancy finishes. Keep a towel handy and check those pipes... your wallet will thank you.
Had a similar experience, though I went the “eco” route and used recycled materials for my vanity. The finish held up fine, but a tiny gap in the caulk let water seep behind the wall. Ended up spending more on mold remediation than on the entire vanity itself. Lesson learned: I’d rather reapply caulk every year than deal with hidden leaks again. Poly’s great, but if water gets in, it doesn’t matter what you used on top.
