Despite the small size of the room and limited functionality, a lot of space is required for placing various products and items of hygiene in bathrooms. For such purposes, bedside tables, racks, pencil cases, shelves - furniture for storage are equipped. But in the course of use, bottles and tubes have to be attached to the side of the sink. The countertop in the bathroom will help solve this problem.
Content
- 1 Types of countertops: a variety of shapes and installation methods
- 2 Practicality and elitism: bathroom countertop under a natural stone sink
- 2.1 Features of the countertop in the bathroom made of artificial stone
- 2.2 Advantages of glass bathroom countertops under the sink
- 2.3 Wooden countertop in the bathroom: durability with proper processing
- 2.4 Tile countertop in the bathroom: affordability and decorativeness
- 2.5 Originality and peculiarities of perception of countertops in a mosaic bathroom
- 2.6 Acrylic bathroom countertop: don't reject plastic
- 2.7 Plasterboard bathroom countertop: a minimum of funds and the embodiment of the most daring ideas
- 3 Bathroom countertops: stylish and reliable designs
- 4 Sink on the countertop in the bathroom: which bowl to prefer
- 5 Models of vanities under the sink with a countertop in the bathroom
- 6 Sink and washing machine under one countertop
- 7 Choosing dimensions: depth and height of the countertop in the bathroom
- 8 Different ways to install bathroom countertops
- 9 Do-it-yourself countertop under the sink in the bathroom
- 10 Bathroom countertops: tips for caring for different materials
Types of countertops: variety of forms and installation methods
Beauty and comfort are the basis of any successful interior. It is to enhance the feeling of comfort that many people prefer to have a countertop in the bathroom. A free horizontal surface allows you to place on it a mass of objects that are used during water procedures and other hygienic activities. Using a hair dryer, preparing cosmetic masks, medicinal compositions is much more convenient if there is a countertop in the bathroom.
Various materials can be used for the manufacture of this type of furniture:
- wood and wood-based panels;
- natural and artificial stone;
- plastic;
- glass;
- ceramic tile;
- drywall.
As for the interior, it is provided by a combination of material and shape of the structure. The standard countertop is a rectangular slab. It can have a bedside table or shelf at the bottom.Designers have developed many models of curved countertops, where a rounded part can protrude in the sink area or the entire line of the outer edge can be wavy. The countertop in the bathroom under the sink and washing machine can have several levels. The sink is more often "recessed", built in, but it can also be located on top of the countertop.
By the method of installation, the following types of structures are distinguished:
- floor - installed on the floor;
- wall-mounted - mounted on brackets to the walls.
As for the placement, mainly countertops are mounted along walls, in niches or in an angular position. Less often they can be insular. This method significantly complicates the laying of communications: providing a slope and sealing pipes requires a significant rise in the floor level.
Practicality and elitism: bathroom countertop under a natural stone sink
The bathroom is the most problematic room due to the high level of humidity. That is why all interior elements should be moisture resistant, and parts in contact with water should be as waterproof as possible.
Natural stone possesses the necessary physical and technical qualities. To its positive characteristics, it is worth adding environmental friendliness and presentable appearance. The stone countertop in the bathroom most often forms the basis of the interior.
The following types of stone are used as material for the manufacture:
- granite;
- marble;
- onyx;
- travertine.
Processing requires the use of high-precision equipment, so tabletops made of this material are expensive.
Useful advice!You should purchase a natural stone countertop with an already made hole for installing a sink. It is almost impossible to make it at home, without special equipment.
In the first place in terms of prestige and performance characteristics is marble. It is recommended for use in rooms with sufficient area. Countertops made of such stone are heavy and require strong supports.
The second place is shared by granite and travertine. Travertine products are less flashy, have a grayish or beige tint, therefore they are combined with various types of interiors. There are many products of interesting configuration among the offered ready-made options.
A countertop with a sink in the bathroom should form a single composition, dark granite countertops and white porcelain sinks are excellent options.
Onyx products have a reasonable price. This material is distinguished by a variety of shades and a visually interesting multi-layer structure. In terms of performance, it is not inferior to any of the above types of stone.
Features of the countertop in the bathroom made of artificial stone
Artificial stone got its name not only because of its external resemblance to natural. Its structure and density are also similar to natural materials. Artificial stone countertops for the bathroom have the following positive characteristics:
- environmentally friendly, do not emit harmful substances;
- moisture resistant;
- durable;
- differ in a variety of colors;
- have a reasonable price.
Many people prefer artificial stone. In total, there are three types of this material:
- Artificial stones made on the basis of polyester resins and natural filler. These include quartz and marble agglomerates, cast marble, etc.
- Acrylic stones.They contain mineral filler, color pigments and acrylic resin.
- Concrete-based material with the addition of plasticizers and dyes.
The most popular stone bathroom countertops are acrylic products. This material contains only 7% of natural additives, which makes them lightweight and plastic. These countertops can be assembled from several parts, and the joint remains invisible after grinding. The disadvantage of an acrylic surface can be considered the effect of high temperatures on it - you cannot put hot objects.
Quartz artificial stone is 90% natural material. The manufacturing technology is rather complicated, the products are heavy, they are particularly durable, surpassing the performance of individual natural stones.
Concrete products often imitate natural stone. Mass production has not received distribution, but exclusive options are in demand.
Advantages of glass bathroom countertops under the sink
The trend towards the use of glass for furniture and other household items has spread to bathrooms. Cabinets, shelves, curtains and countertops meet all the necessary requirements:
- glass products are completely immune to moisture and temperature extremes;
- easy to assemble;
- not bulky, visually (and often actually) save space;
- easy to care for;
- characterized by a variety of designs.
To make a bathroom countertop, the following types of glass are used:
- classic (it is customary to call it window);
- hardened;
- triplex;
- reinforced (rarely used).
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In the course of decorative processing, transparent glass can become matte, colored, tinted, and have a pattern on the surface.
The thickness of ordinary glass used for the manufacture of countertops must be at least 6 mm, otherwise the risk of damage will be very high.
Useful advice! Using transparent glass, it is better to choose brackets for bathroom countertops with decorative design. Otherwise, the appearance of the structure will seem primitive.
The most widely used is tempered glass. With a thickness of 8-10 mm, it can only be broken with an object weighing 6 kg, thrown from a height of 1.5 m. Even in this case, it will scatter into small pieces that do not have sharp edges. A sufficient level of safety is also ensured by triplex: a special polymer film retains fragments when broken.
Both triplex and tempered glass are difficult to process. Making a hole in a hardened material is nearly impossible. That is why such glass countertops should be purchased with ready-made sink holes.
Wooden countertop in the bathroom: durability with proper processing
The proximity of moisture and wood is not considered mutually beneficial. But stubborn facts try to contradict this: rafts, boats, tubs retain their integrity for decades with active use. Therefore, it is necessary to choose the right material and make the product.
Wooden bathroom countertops are made mainly of oak, larch and teak.The structure of these trees is quite dense, which does not allow moisture to penetrate into the pores, the products do not swell or crack. Moisture resistance is enhanced by the processing of external surfaces: the countertops are impregnated, they are painted. With good preparation, wooden structures can be used in bathrooms for more than a dozen years.
Wood-based panels are often used as a material for countertops. They form the base, which is covered with veneer. When making such options, it is important to hermetically close the seams. They are the most vulnerable place for moisture penetration.
The wooden countertop in the bathroom brings coziness with its environmental friendliness and warm colors. The products are popular and have a lower price in comparison with natural stone. Industrial wood countertops can be made in two ways:
- gluing bars of the same size into a shield;
- splicing bars like parquet.
In order for a wooden product in the bathroom to serve for a long time, it is worth listening to some simple tips:
- After water procedures, drops and traces of moisture from the surface of the countertop should be removed. Prolonged exposure to water spoils the wood over time.
- It is better to avoid mechanical damage. They destroy the top layer, cracks and chips appear, into which moisture will penetrate.
- It is necessary to control the tightness of the seams.
It should also be noted that wood lends itself well to processing. Therefore, bathroom countertops can be true works of art.
Bathroom tile countertop: affordability and decorativeness
The worktop completes the interior. Considering that wall cladding and flooring are mainly made of tiles, then such a tabletop will be a unique opportunity to give the room's design a special originality. Here you can experiment with sizes (large squares - on the floor, medium - on the walls, small ones overlaid the surface under the sink), color, shape.
Useful advice! You should not use tiles with a matte and glossy surface in the same interior for decorating a bathroom. This combination gives the impression of being random.
The following technology for making a tiled covering can be applied:
- A wooden countertop is being carried out under the sink in the bathroom. It must be done on sturdy stands.
- The sides are attached to the upper plane, allowing you to lay the insulating material and the composition for laying the tiles.
- Tiles are being laid.
- Seams are closed with a special compound.
This surface is very durable and can be easily cleaned with a sponge and a small amount of detergent. Tiled countertops models are characterized by a low price. This is one of the inexpensive product options. Decorativeness makes the tiles a versatile finish, depending on the features of the appearance, it can be used in interiors of any style.
For tiled surfaces, there are two ways to install the sink in the bathroom:
- built-in under the countertop;
- installed on the surface.
In cases of embedding sinks, the hole is taken into account when making the frame and laying the waterproofing and adhesive composition.
Originality and peculiarities of perception of countertops in a mosaic bathroom
Mosaic is a special type of countertop tiling for sinks. A mosaic is a pattern that can be composed of different materials. Manufacturers offer a variety of patterns and sizes of tiles designed specifically for this type of cladding.
It is very important to choose a size that matches the dimensions of the room. In large rooms, these can be fragments of 50x50 cm or more. For small bathrooms, it is better to use 5x5 or 8x8 cm tiles. Such cladding will contribute to the visual expansion of the space.
Skillfully selected colors will allow you to create a unique interior. The beauty of mosaics is that they distribute perception, away from the geometry and uniformity of bathroom surfaces. The pattern may be repetitive, or it may not obey a pattern. The color scheme either coincides with the wall decoration (more often this option is used when using materials of light or pastel colors), or makes a contrast, is more expressive.
Tiles with textured and smooth surfaces are available. The latter is easier to care for as detergent residues and limescale do not accumulate in the recesses. For mosaic models, both washbasins built into the countertop and installed on it are suitable.
It should be noted that the process of mosaic laying, although it repeats the tile installation technology, is more complex and laborious. Of particular relevance is the quality of sealing joints - there are much more of them in a mosaic tabletop.
Acrylic bathroom countertop: don't reject plastic
It is worth clarifying right away that this section of the article is not devoted to artificial stone products, which include acrylic resin (this material is often called “acrylic stone”). The posted information concerns products made of acrylic - polymer.
Do not rush to reject this option. And above all for the reason that in terms of performance, it is not much inferior to the rest. Moisture resistance and hygiene are fully ensured. Water does not damage the surface, the development of microbes and bacteria is excluded.
Plastic bathroom countertops have several advantages:
- differs in a low price;
- easy;
- a wide variety of shades are available;
- does not require the use of special cleaning agents - the most common composition will be effective.
There can be two complaints about this type of countertops:
- unpresentable appearance, this problem can be solved by color;
- low resistance to mechanical damage.
Considering the specifics of the premises, the last drawback should also not be classified as critical. All items potentially intended for placement on a table top do not have a lot of weight, sharp corners, protrusions, etc. Therefore, the integrity of the outer covering can be maintained for a long time.
Important! Acrylic countertops cannot be processed at home without losing their aesthetics. It is worth purchasing products with dimensions that are fully satisfied.
Plasterboard bathroom countertop: minimum funds and the embodiment of the most daring ideas
Plasterboard is a versatile material that allows you to create incredible designs in residential premises at low financial and physical costs. And the process itself is available to anyone who wants to get down to business on their own.
If the use of gypsum material is based on the technology of manufacturing wooden bathroom countertops (to make a module and apply a coating), you can create an interesting interior option.
For the manufacture of countertops, it is necessary to use a moisture-resistant drywall 12.5 mm. The profile supporting the horizontal surface should have an interval of no more than 20 cm. This will preserve the integrity of the product.Further, we will not talk about tiles, but about acrylic putty. It is applied with a layer of at least 5 mm, sanded, the product is covered with acrylic paint on top.
The model can be very diverse: with a shelf, multilevel, with protrusions, etc.
When planning a drywall structure, two points should be taken into account:
- A sink installed in a bathroom countertop with all its additional plumbing fixtures should not support. It is better if they have an independent fastening.
- The side of the sink cut-out must also be covered with putty and a protective paint coat.
In fairness, it should be noted that this type of countertop cannot be attributed to strong and durable products. But it will provide the necessary comfort for a certain time. And it will not be difficult to restore and replace the surface in such a structure.
Bathroom sinks: stylish and reliable designs
Installing a countertop sink is a convenient and compact option for arranging a bathroom. The structure is a monolith made of a homogeneous composition. In modern industry, the following materials are used for the manufacture of such modules:
- porcelain;
- ceramics;
- faience;
- artificial and natural stone;
- glass;
- polymers.
The advantages of monolithic structures that combine a sink and a countertop are several:
- products do not have seams and joints, so there is no problem of high humidity for them;
- the models are distinguished by a laconic design, which suits many buyers;
- placement of modules is appropriate in rooms of various sizes.
Even despite the large weight (and this is how almost all similar products differ), the installation does not cause difficulties: the monolith is laid on supports, a bedside table, attached to brackets, consoles.
As for the performance characteristics of a sink with a countertop, the quality of the material used is important here. Products made of porcelain, earthenware, glass lend themselves best to cleaning, and there are practically no restrictions on the use of products. Natural stone shells are more difficult to maintain in proper form, since even with a seemingly ideal grinding, pores still take place.
Plastic countertops with ceramic inserts have proven their worth. The products are durable, relatively lightweight and inexpensive.
As for the shape, in almost all designs the sink is located below the level of the upper plane. The countertop can be located on one side of the sink, on both sides, it can be rectangular, round, curly, etc.
Useful advice! Considering the discreet design of countertop sinks, this type of mixer should be purchased for them, otherwise the product will lose its charm.
Bathroom countertop washbasin: which cup to prefer
The standard installation method is a sink under the countertop. It is convenient, familiar, sometimes it seems the only possible option. But supporters of the original design of bathrooms are increasingly paying attention to sinks, which are placed above the countertop. Although it would be more appropriate to call them "bowls".
They are made from the same materials as the mortise options, you can only add that such models are also made of glass and metal. The shape is often round, sometimes oval. Exclusive options can be made in the form of a petal, an irregular triangle, etc.
Is this way of placing the washbasin convenient? According to users, this depends on the shape and depth of the bowl, the level of its location and the spout of the mixer. Same features as built-in models. Therefore, the conclusion suggests itself that this installation method affects only the interior.
The sink on the countertop, in particular the glass one, makes the structure lighter and more interesting. It should be noted that overhead bowls, especially of original shapes, are not always convenient. Splashes of water do not run down the flat walls, but hit the vertical side surfaces. The small sizes of the sinks can be organic in the overall design, but it is sometimes impossible to wash without splashes scattering on the sides.
Another difficulty arises in the care process: it is necessary to constantly clean not only the inner, but also the outer surface.
Useful advice! Even the most original bowl will lose its charm if it contains traces of drops and detergents. It is impossible to clean the surface after each hand wash. It is better to sacrifice the decorativeness of the product and purchase an option where dirt will be less noticeable.
Models of vanities under the sink with a countertop in the bathroom
For storing hygienic, detergents and cleaning products in the bathroom, some prefer hanging cabinets and shelves, others choose floor furniture - bedside tables. It is very convenient to place the latter under the table top In addition to storing many items, they allow you to hide communication elements: drain and water supply to the sink. For a bathroom with a countertop, it is very important to correctly size the cabinet. Even with significant dimensions of the countertop, it is not at all necessary to make the cabinet large - this blank structure can look too bulky and take up a lot of space.
It is most convenient to purchase a ready-made version, that is, a cabinet where the upper part is a tabletop. If you have to order additional furniture, you should consider the following tips:
- Only moisture resistant types should be selected as a material. Even with the most careful use, drops of water will inevitably fall on the front part of the cabinet, and after a couple of months it will be possible to observe traces of swelling on the doors and drawers.
- The hardware should also be used with a corrosion protection coating. Damage to handles and hinges will significantly reduce the aesthetic appearance.
- If you need to save space, the bedside table can be hinged.
- The depth of the structure should not be adjusted to the size of the bathroom. The countertop should hang over the cabinet by 5-10 cm. This will protect it from water ingress on the facade and provide free access to the sink and mixer.
A lot of ideas have been proposed on the Internet to make the bedside table functional, original and harmoniously fit it into the interior.
Shelf under the bathroom sink: design requirements
After installing a sink with a countertop in a bathroom, a lot of space remains under the structure, which is traditionally used to store various tools, utensils and other items. The bedside table option has already been covered in the article. You can also equip one or more shelves. Open furniture in the bathroom has certain advantages:
- You can pick up and return items to their place without additional actions. Considering that hands are often dirty or wet, this is important.
- Open surfaces dry better, which prevents mold and other traces of dampness.
- The cleaning process is simplified.
It is easy to find a set with a bedside table among the finished products, but shelves more often you have to order additionally. A good solution would be to make a shelf from the same material as the countertop, but with a size adjustment. This option may be unacceptable for natural stone products.
If you cannot repeat the design of the countertop, you can choose a matching material for the sink in the bathroom: white porcelain and faience are in perfect harmony with acrylic or wood board of the same color; ceramics - with natural wood; Such a shelf will help to enhance the external effect of the original glass bowl.
Useful advice! When arranging shelves under the countertop, you need to carefully consider the placement and appearance of plumbing fixtures. Connection to communications should be as accurate, lightweight and aesthetic as possible.
Sink and washing machine under one countertop
Placing the washing machine under the countertop in the bathroom is at least a rational way of placing it. Space is saved and an additional horizontal surface appears for storing various items. As for the materials for manufacturing, they are used almost all the same as for other types of products.
Dimensions are important, since more length is required to install the machine and sink. If a recessed sink is intended, it moves to one side on the countertop. With the overhead version of the washbasin, it can also occupy a central position, if only the conditions allow connecting communications.
The standard height of automatic washing machines is 85 cm. Considering that a technical gap of 3-4 cm is required between the outer surface of the washer and the worktop, the total height of the structure will be 92-96 cm. This level is inconvenient for using the sink. You can install a worktop consisting of several parts: it is higher above the machine, 10-12 cm lower in the sink area. There are no multilevel countertops among monolithic models, but it is quite possible to find or make such a structure from acrylic, wood, wood-based panels and artificial stone.
In a very small bathroom, the washing machine can be installed not just under the countertop, but under the sink. To do this, you should purchase a machine with a height of 60 cm.
Choosing dimensions: depth and height of the countertop in the bathroom
The installation height of the countertop in the bathroom, or rather, the level of placement of the sink in it, is very important for comfortable use. At one time, institutes were engaged in the study of the correct position of plumbing. The results of the work were reflected in GOST and SNiP. According to the standards, the height of the sink from the floor level should be 80-85 cm. Washbasins with a stand (leg), produced by modern enterprises, have a height of 82 cm. These standards should be taken into account when installing countertops with a sink.
Other dimensions are also important for comfortable use. These include the depth of the countertop. The calculation of the installation site of the sink can be made taking into account the following indicators:
- The standard depth (distance from the outer edge to the wall) of the bowl of a full-size factory washbasin is 50 cm.The water jet from the mixer is 30 cm away from the outer edge of the washbasin.With this position of the plumbing fixtures, it is convenient to draw water in the palm of your hand, bend over the bowl.
- If the countertop is much deeper (65-70 cm), the sink must be moved to the outer edge, otherwise it will be necessary to stretch out your hands far and wash over the countertop.
- When installing a sink on a countertop in a bathroom, the importance of dimensional indicators increases: it is extremely inconvenient to bend over a remote, raised bowl.
Useful advice! If the front part of the bedside table installed on the floor (or the shelf in the lower position) is placed in line with the outer edge of the countertop, it will be difficult to approach the sink.
Different ways to install bathroom countertops
Depending on the design features, there are three main ways to install countertops:
- on furniture - it can be a cabinet or a pencil case;
- on the floor - with the help of legs or other types of supports;
- on the wall - using frames and brackets.
Before starting any type of installation, it is necessary to install the sink in the countertop. Further, it will have to be dismantled for the period of assembly of the structure. This stage cannot be ignored, since it is extremely difficult to make a hole in a fixed surface and even make a correct marking. An exception may be monolithic product options.
Fixing to furniture is the simplest type of installation. Metal corners are applied to the walls of furniture and countertops, then fixed with self-tapping screws, screws or a special adhesive, depending on the material of manufacture of the main structural elements.
Installation on legs is practically no different from this process in the manufacture of furniture tables. On the inside of the tabletop, marking is done, if necessary, holes are prepared for self-tapping screws or screws. If the tabletop is fixed with glue, for the rigidity of the structure, the legs are pre-connected with additional bars or a metal profile.
The most optimal, but difficult and costly way of installation is on frames or brackets. It is worth noting that in this case, it is not possible to pre-mount the overhead sink on the countertop in the bathroom.
Brackets should be chosen strong - from a metal corner or a pipe with a square section. It is better if the fasteners are reinforced with diagonal elements. It is important not only to securely fix them to the tabletop, but also to firmly attach them to the wall.
Metal frames are fixed in a similar way. Their additional convenience is that towels can be hung on the crossbars.
Important! The sink siphon and the frame must be in the same style, otherwise the design will lose its attractiveness.
Do-it-yourself countertop under the sink in the bathroom
An original and inexpensive option for a countertop in a bathroom will be a concrete product. Such a structure can be made by hand. From tools and materials you will need:
- cement M-400, river sand, gravel, cullet, plasticizer, dyes, varnish;
- wooden bars, MDF sheet (laminated), slats;
- hammer, jigsaw, screwdriver (or screwdriver), self-tapping screws.
A rectangular canvas is cut from an MDF sheet, corresponding to the size of the future surface. Then, using a jigsaw, a hole is made for the sink in the countertop. It is better to equip a small bathroom with a medium-sized structure.
Next, the MDF blank should be turned over and the legs should be attached to it. Then put it in its normal position and along the edge of the perimeter make a side of slats, including a cutout for the sink.
It is necessary to prepare a mixture of cement, sand, gravel and add a plasticizer. Dyes and cullet can be unevenly distributed, this will only enhance the decorative effect of the countertop. Fill the prepared countertop mold with the composition.
Wait until the solution has completely solidified, then remove the sides, grind and varnish the outer and side surfaces.
A hand-made countertop in the bathroom will not only bring pleasure from creative creative work, but also become a solid and reliable structure, resistant to the constant companions of the bathroom - high humidity and temperature drops.
Bathroom countertop: tips for caring for different materials
In order for the appearance of the room to evoke positive emotions, it is necessary to keep all interior elements clean. Tabletops theoretically do not have direct contact with water, but during use, a significant amount of it, as well as various detergents, fall on the surface.
Care methods for different materials have their own differences:
- For cleaning stone products, it is worth purchasing special products. They moisten a napkin, then wipe the tabletop. These formulations create an invisible film that protects stone surfaces.
- The countertops in the bathroom under the wooden sink should be oiled. For this you need to use a special oil. Before rubbing, the wood must be heated to a warm state.
- It is best to wipe glass structures using glass cleaner.
- Immediately after water procedures, MDF surfaces should be dried with napkins that absorb moisture well.
An additional work surface in the bathroom will make using the room much more comfortable. If, when choosing a countertop option (or making it yourself), efforts are made to find an interesting design idea, the interior will delight with originality, creating a great mood.