Countertop for the bathroom under the sink: types, how to choose and install correctly
You do not need to be a professional designer to understand that the countertop for the bathroom under the sink is one of the most convenient and functional attributes. Therefore, you need to choose it responsibly and before placing an order, to understand in detail the advantages and disadvantages of a particular material.
We will talk about how to correctly select this important piece of furniture for a hygienic room. In the article we presented, the varieties demanded by the consumer are described in detail. Independent home masters with us will find detailed installation instructions.
The content of the article:
Advantages of the countertop over the pedestal
In most cases, manufacturers offer plain bathroom furniture. Therefore, to make the interior original and unusual is not always obtained. Particularly problems arise when arranging a room that has non-standard dimensions.
Because of this problem, housewives prefer to install a cabinet in the bathroom. What? This is beautiful, and a few extra shelves come in handy for storing any accessories like powder or detergent. But such a solution is banal and too typical.
If there was a desire to stand out and show the guests all the sophistication of their taste, then the best solution is to order a countertop. The main thing is to choose an unusual module, made in bright and rich colors, which will become the highlight of the interior.
Experts recommend choosing a design depending on the plumbing.For example, a desktop sink is a universal solution that will ideally look on both a wooden and a glass module.
Well, in the case of embedded models, a good solution would be a countertop made of easily cut materials. It can be a composite, MDF or everyone's favorite chipboard.
If you want to make the bathtub as elegant and luxurious as possible, monolithic furniture models are an excellent choice. Moreover, they are easy to care for, and in the process of connecting plumbing there will be no difficulties and the need to cut something.
Bathroom Furniture Requirements
When ordering furniture for such a room, many buyers do not pay attention to factors that directly affect the durability of the product. As a result, this leads to an early deterioration and the need for its replacement.
In order for the countertop installed in the bathroom under the sink to serve faithfully for years, it must first be moisture resistant. Thanks to the special coating, the product will not be scared and it will not swell if water gets on it.
The module for the bathroom must have a neat and tidy appearance. Its design must be concise and interesting. In addition, it is important that the furniture is spacious and resistant to a variety of powders and detergents.
Overview of the types of countertops
The assortment of bathroom furniture is replenished almost every day. Hundreds of manufacturers offer to order a product that differs not only in low price, but also in its original design, as well as the presence of any decorative elements. Therefore, picking up something for yourself is not a big deal.
Classification of products for the bathroom
All the variety presented on the market can be divided into several categories depending on the material. This will allow you to better navigate the assortment and, accordingly, quickly decide on a purchase.
So today, countertops are made from:
- Chipboard or MDF;
- natural or artificial stone;
- solid wood;
- glass;
- plastic.
In addition, this kind of furniture can be made without problems on its own from drywall sheets. The construction is finished with ceramic mosaics, tiles or luxurious decorative stones.
To determine which countertop is best to order, you should consider the advantages and disadvantages of each of the above materials.
Practicality and cheapness of chipboard
If the budget allocated for repairing the bathroom is very limited, the best solution would be to purchase a chipboard module. Today it is in great demand, due to its low cost and decent quality.
Often the drawing of wood-shaving furniture imitates a more expensive material. For example, natural wood, stone or mosaic. But today monophonic execution is popular, since with its help you can make the bathroom as concise as possible in the style of minimalism.
The main advantages of chipboard are strength and simplicity. sink installation into it by tapping. The material is not afraid of impacts and on its surface neither scratches nor chips appear over time. Moreover, the pattern does not fade and does not lose saturation due to the effects of cleaning products.
As for the shortcomings, this type of module is afraid of water. If moisture gets inside the product, it swells and loses its marketable appearance.Manufacturers solve this problem by wrapping the edges of the plastic at the base of the plate.
But this technology is applicable only for straight sections. If the furniture has a non-standard shape, then the edge to it simply sticks.
Natural stone monumentality
A true indicator of the luxury and wealth of residents is a countertop made of natural stone. Its unusual texture and incomparable appearance immediately attract the eye.
In addition to design, this variation has excellent performance. Furniture made of natural stone can really serve for decades.
It is not recommended to independently engage in the installation of stone products. After all, you need special tools to work. The best solution is to entrust this to the master. The price of such a service, as a rule, is one third of the price of the module.
When installing heavy furniture, you need to pay attention to fixtures, taking care of their reliability and ability to withstand the estimated weight of the product.
Countertops made of natural stone are universal interior items. They will look harmoniously in almost any modern or classic interior. But such furniture requires careful care.
Reasons for the popularity of artificial stone
Compared to other varieties, the modules made of artificial stone have a whole list of unique advantages. Excellent performance has been confirmed by both satisfied customers and qualified professionals.
There are two varieties of artificial stone:
- Acrylic. It consists of aluminum hydroxide, acrylic resin, pigment additives, as well as mineral filler. This composition allows you to implement a wide variety of creative ideas and ideas;
- Agglomerated. This raw material is made from marble chips, quartz and granite. The mixture is bonded using polyester resin. On the surface of the material, you can create any pattern, whether it be a fabric pattern, crocodile skin or something else.
Agglomerate shows excellent strength characteristics. The only material that is stronger than it is diamond. Therefore, you can not be afraid to scratch the surface of a quartz stone.
Naturalness and aesthetics of wood
This variety of countertops is ideal for those buyers who want to make the design of their homes as light and functional as possible. The module made of wood is absolutely harmless to health, aesthetically pleasing, and touching it will cause extremely positive emotions.
The naturalness of the countertops will undoubtedly fill the bathroom with warmth and comfort. But in order for the furniture to maintain its attractiveness, it will have to be carefully looked after and carefully treated. After all, it is quite soft, will not withstand shock and is easily susceptible to scratches.
To maximize the life of the wooden module, it is necessary to cover it with a layer of varnish from time to time and use special impregnations.
Refinement and ease of glass
Typically, furniture made of glass is sold with finely sized sinks. It is highly recommended not to buy accessories separately. After all, it is almost unrealistic to independently select the optimal dimensions and fit the material.
The advantages of glass countertops are obvious. Such a module has a stylish and modern appearance, the product is literally replete with its sophistication, as well as luxury. But it is only suitable for installation of overhead sinks and for rooms made in modern style.
Glass is not afraid of detergents and even acids. But in order to maintain its cleanliness, you will have to try hard. After all, spots appear almost instantly. In addition, the material is quite fragile, so you need to handle it as carefully as possible.
Advantages and disadvantages of the plastic module
A plastic worktop is the worst choice you can make. The only time you can order such furniture in the bathroom is a very limited budget.
After all, the plastic module has the simplest possible appearance, prone to scratches and cracks. At the same time, it burns out in the sun, and mold may appear on the surface.
Key selection criteria
The many types, materials and brands of countertops on the market will undoubtedly lead to many questions for unprepared buyers. In order not to miscalculate the purchase, you need to know what parameters should be given special attention.
Fastening and form of furniture
The ease of use of the countertop under the sink for the bathroom largely depends on the base to which it is attached. In addition, the framework affects the functionality of the module.
Today, there are two varieties of base: wall and floor. The difference between them mainly lies in the installation technique.
The wall-mounted version greatly simplifies the cleaning of floors in the bathroom. But such a solution will not work if every square meter of the room counts. After all, the capacity of the wall module is slightly less than that of its analogue. As for the installation, anchors are used as fixing elements.
The floor mounting method will not cause problems, even if an inexperienced craftsman does this. After all, all that needs to be done is to put the stove in its place. Next, you need to adjust the level of the module using the legs. The final step is to connect the pipes to the washbasin.
Appearance and color
The shade of the product must be selected depending on the overall design of the bathroom. Yes, you can give preference to bright color, which will highlight the module against the rest of the furniture. But it is important to comply with the measure, so as not to completely spoil the impression of such a design decision.
Today, manufacturers offer just a huge selection of colors and shades of sanitary products. Moreover, the furniture is made in a wide variety of styles and complemented by original decorative elements.
Therefore, every buyer with any taste and income level will be able to choose the best solution for himself.
What affects the cost of countertops?
When it comes to furniture, the price of a product is calculated based on its quality and functionality. The same applies to countertops.
More precisely, the following parameters affect the number that will be indicated on the check:
- bathroom size - everything is elementary here: the larger the room, the more expensive its arrangement will cost;
- material - the most expensive raw materials are natural wood, stone and, of course, glass, but chipboard, MDF and plastic are classified as cheap;
- hardware - it is impossible to save on such components in any case, because the functionality and durability of furniture depend on the quality of the hardware;
- dimensions and shape - a product of an unusual shape and with impressive thickness will cost significantly more than a module of a classical shape.
The above list should be supplemented by the fact that cabinets, drawers, shelves - all this also increases the cost of furniture. Therefore, before placing an order, you need to think about whether this or that element is really necessary.
Installation Rules
Having bought the desired module, you can proceed to install it. The process of replacing the old countertops with new ones will not cause difficulties even for an inexperienced craftsman. Moreover, the work will require no more than a couple of hours.
During installation, you must follow the following procedure:
- Get rid of linings and sealant. First, you need to see if there are skirtings around the module. If yes, then they must be carefully removed and set aside. Next, you need to cut the sealant with a sharp knife and pull it out of the slots.
- Drain the water. To do this, put water under the sink and unwind the siphon. In this case, it is necessary to open the tap to release the residues.
- Mark and remove the old countertop. Use a pencil or marker to circle the old product. This solution will greatly simplify the installation of the new module. After that, you need to unscrew the screws and remove the product.
- Cut holes for plumbing. At this stage, it is necessary to measure the distance from the top of the module to the pipe. Next, you need to cut a hole under it.
- Install a new countertop. It is necessary to bring the product into the bathroom and compare with the marks that were previously set. At the same time, you need to make sure that the plate is level both horizontally and vertically. If not, then use gaskets for adjustment.
- Mounting fasteners. Now you need to drill a hole in the wall every 10 cm, where you need to hammer the dowel-nails.
After this plate is fixed, it is necessary to apply sealant to its end and smear it with a wet finger. In this case, it is recommended to use a silicone compound.
The final stage is the fastening of decorative elements. It can be a plinth or doors. It is also necessary to cover joints and old holes from nails with wood sealant.
The guidelines for the selection, as well as the rules for installing the cabinet with the countertop included in the package and the sink fitted to it, are given in the next article, the contents of which we advise you to read.
How to care for furniture in the bathroom?
Timely cleaning will extend the life of the countertop. In this case, you should adhere to several recommendations. First of all, a product made of laminated particleboard is forbidden to wet. To wipe such a surface, it is enough to brush off the dust with a damp cloth and wipe it with a dry cloth.
To get rid of chips formed on the surface of a particleboard, you must:
- Apply special glue to the damaged area and to the patch.
- Wait until the solution dries and becomes sticky.
- Attach a patch.
- Fix the place of damage with masking tape. It must be removed after the glue has completely dried.
For cleaning glass worktops, mirrors and windows are best suited. At the same time, you can use a sponge or a plastic spatula to get rid of old spots.
For cleaning countertops made of natural stone, it is best to use a warm, soapy solution. Please note that stains from wine, coffee and tea should be removed immediately after they appear. After all, they can soak up and remove them already does not work.
It is recommended to wash a wooden tabletop with a not too concentrated soap solution. To remove more complex and stubborn dirt, you can use an abrasive sponge.
If visible dents appear on the surface of the product, then they are sealed with putty for wood, after which the damage is erased and varnished from above.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
How to make a concrete countertop with your own hands:
Comparison of bathroom furniture from various materials and from different manufacturers:
A worktop is a practical and functional piece of furniture. If you choose it correctly, you can refine the design of the room, making it truly luxurious. At the same time, properly selected furniture will not only help to hide all the imperfections of the bathroom, but also greatly simplify and speed up cleaning.
Please write comments, ask questions and post photos in the block below. Tell us about how you chose or how to set the countertop in your own bathroom. Perhaps your recommendations will be useful to site visitors.
Of course, in the forefront, in my opinion, is a stone. But, in view of their high cost, not everyone will be able to master such an option. And so, I consider acrylic as an alternative. Although here you must be careful. A lot of artisanal manufacturers have appeared who, based on cheap components, are pushing toxic, hazardous analogues onto the market, luring consumers with low cost.
The idea of a non-standard module is the best I've heard lately. Well, with the exception of bright colors, nevertheless, I think most will agree with me that the bathroom, rightly called the English restroom, is a relaxation room, not the right place for a riot of colors. And the theme is dear - just finished not one, but two renovations at once (the wife’s parents also joined). I agree about the stone, and even better acrylic. The tree in the mentioned structures, and even in the bathroom, doesn’t pull modernity in the 21st century - it’s some terrible anachronism, and it’s very difficult to use / care. For the same reason, they also refused glass - one chip, and all the works look like scaffolding. It's a matter of taste, of course, but it’s hard for me to imagine a better combination of blue and white (here in the photo).
It seems to me that repulsion follows from design preferences.Of course, a stone is a good and reliable thing, but its high cost repels purchases. In principle, chipboard worktops sometimes look quite expensive if you do not pay attention to the material. I personally have big questions for the natural wood in the bathroom, and although the glass looks elegant, it does not seem as reliable as we would like. Therefore, I opted for chipboard - cheaply and angrily.
And is the bathroom furniture somehow processed or what, in the sense that it is in a place with high humidity? How long will metal elements not rust?
First of all, I advise you to make good forced ventilation in the bathroom. The simplest and most practical solution is the hood, which will turn on along with the light in the bathroom. Of course, you need to implement a separate shutdown of the hood.
As for the processing of furniture, it is covered with special paints and varnishes so that the tree does not absorb moisture. However, with a high concentration of steam, this will still occur, therefore, the presence of a good forced extraction is simply necessary.
Metal elements in high-quality furniture are usually made of stainless steel, so it makes sense to overpay for quality. Since budget furniture often use ordinary metal, which is easily susceptible to corrosion.
As for plastic countertops, they are much more practical and more durable than chipboard models. The fact that plastic burns out in the sun is a far-fetched minus, given that in a bathroom there are usually no windows even.
Depends on the quality, type and characteristics of operation. As for rust, everything is fixable until irreversible damage occurs. In extreme cases, it will be possible to clean and tint.