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It is possible to increase functionality, provide comfort and coziness in the bathroom thanks to a huge selection of sanitary ware and furniture that satisfies any design ideas.
Particularly popular among modern decorators is the installation of a bathroom countertop, which comprehensively solves many everyday problems.
How to choose the right design
A modern bathroom countertop is a shelving unit that has a fairly large area and is used for storing things.
Most often, a sink is built into it; it can also be equipped with hanging shelves or drawers, used to mount lighting or sockets for electrical appliances, installed on legs or made hanging.
There are many options, but the main thing is that it fulfills its main function - combining several elements into a single harmonious ensemble and saving room space.
Therefore, the main question that worries consumers is: how to choose a countertop for the bathroom.
In this case, experts advise paying attention to the following criteria:
Material type. When deciding what raw materials the rack will be made from, consider the following factors:
- availability of free space;
- material capabilities;
- good moisture resistance;
- anti-corrosion;
- resistance to mold and mildew, and temperature changes.
- The degree of load on the tabletop.
- Height. It is selected taking into account the height of the family members who will use the shelving unit and the sink built into it. It is better to focus on average height indicators.
- Compliance with the overall style of the interior of the room.
- Easy to use and multifunctional.
A wisely chosen tabletop will become an important element of decor and will serve a long time for neat and caring owners.
Types of countertops and their features
The countertop and sink are one piece (solid)
This is the best option as it is as hygienic as possible. The countertop and sink do not form seams (joints) into which dirt and bacteria can penetrate. After a breakdown, it cannot be repaired; the tabletop is replaced.
Most often, such a model is made of natural stone (possibly artificial stone) and glass. The only negative is the price. Under the countertop you can install a washing machine, shelves or a bedside table.
The sink is built into the countertop
This is a fairly common option and not the best. For the reason that a seam is formed between the sink and the countertop, in which dirt accumulates, moisture collects, and as a result, bacteria and fungi multiply.
Another disadvantage is that this dirt is difficult, almost impossible to wash off, since the gap is too small for this. This model is quite economical and convenient. Makes it possible to combine cabinets, shelves, and install a washing machine.
The sink bowl is placed on the countertop
This option, like the previous one, is less successful because it is not hygienic enough. A joint forms between the sink and the countertop, where dirt accumulates and, as a result, bacteria multiply.
This method of combining a sink and countertop is budget-friendly and easy to install. Under the tabletop you can place a bedside table, shelves, drawers.
A natural stone
A stone bathroom countertop can be described in three words – beautiful, expensive, reliable.
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Stone is a high-strength, resistant to mechanical damage and durable material. For its manufacture, matte/glossy marble or granite is often used.
The advantages include a noble appearance, good impact strength and wear resistance.
Disadvantages include high cost, heavy weight, labor-intensive installation, and subtle maintenance requirements—requires individual selection of cleaning products.
Care
Care instructions:
- Difficult-to-remove contaminants, such as fat, iodine, brilliant green, coffee, tea and others, must be washed out immediately.
- Glass countertops can be easily washed with window or mirror cleaners.
- All wooden products are afraid of water. They must be wiped with a damp cloth and then wiped dry. Hard to remove stains can be removed with baking soda. Sometimes it is worth impregnating with special means (so that the wood does not deteriorate).
- It is enough to wipe the artificial stone with a damp and dry sponge. It is advisable not to use detergents (such as soda, powder).
- Marble countertops can be wiped with a damp cloth and a small amount of detergent. Do not use metal jaws. To remove heavy stains, it is advisable to use a special marble cleaner.
Conclusion! The choice of countertop, wall or floor, material and everything else is an entirely individual decision. But a person who does not like constant changes and wants to install it for a long time should pay attention to a marble countertop.
And for those who have not decided what exactly they want and love constant changes, you can look at cheaper options, such as drywall, glass, wood.
Fake diamond
It is made from marble, granite or quartz chips, glued with acrylic or polyester resin by molding and subsequent hardening.
The monolith can be of different colors and shapes. In terms of performance characteristics, it is practically indistinguishable from its natural analogue, however, upon visual inspection, the differences are obvious.
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Important advantages include the ability to obtain a monolithic surface with a sink, which allows you to do without seams and joints, as well as a budget price.
Wear resistance, resistance to moisture and chemicals. Among the disadvantages, the possible formation of scratches is noted.
Modern technologies can easily correct this flaw: a special paste polishes the surface and returns the product to almost its original appearance.
Which wooden countertop to choose?
Which wood to choose for the countertop? This is a question not only in the field of aesthetics and interior design. You need to choose wood that is strong and durable. It must also be resistant to high humidity, even periodic flooding and temperature changes. The following will be suitable for the bathroom:
- oak,
- nut,
- acacia
- beech.
Pine, birch or maple wood is soft, but easily absorbs moisture and can be damaged. Additionally, pine tends to turn blue when exposed to moisture, so you'll need to take good care of it.
Exotic wood is very hard and contains oily substances that provide natural protection against moisture. This is a very good, but expensive solution. Worth choosing:
- teak,
- iroko,
- merbau,
- rosewood,
- Red tree.
Glass
This material attracts buyers with its budget price and parameters that fully comply with the requirements for placement in the bathroom. Stylish and aesthetically pleasing – this is how glass countertops are characterized. In addition, they are distinguished by a number of other advantages:
- strength;
- high resistance to moisture and other damage;
- variety of forms and modifications;
- Possibility of decoration using a special film.
The obvious disadvantage of glass is rapid contamination, the appearance of stains after the liquid dries, and rather labor-intensive and frequent cleaning.
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Materials
Made from artificial stone
One of the popular options. This material is strong, reliable and quite durable. Easy to clean, comes in a wide range of colors.
It makes it possible to make a tabletop of the required shape, and it can also be repaired. Artificial stone is cheaper than natural stone, and therefore more affordable. Does not tolerate high temperatures well.
Made of plastic
This is an economical option. Allows you to make the surface as smooth as possible. There are a huge number of colors.
You can use any detergents (but do not use metal sponges - they will scratch the surface, as well as acetone and solvent - they are bad for the top layer of the countertop).
Mechanical damage cannot be repaired, and for larger damage, the entire countertop must be replaced. Easy to install, easy to clean. But it won't last long. Fungus may appear on it. This material tends to fade.
Advice: if the choice fell on a plastic tabletop, then it is advisable to make it floor-mounted, since there are no difficulties during installation and there is more space for use.
From plasterboard
This is one of the common options. If you choose drywall that is resistant to moisture, it will last a long time. It is quite durable and allows you to make a tabletop of any shape.
It is advisable to cover the material with additional protective agents against moisture (it is very afraid of moisture and water). For greater strength, plywood is placed under the drywall.
You can make it at home and install it yourself. The surface of drywall can be covered with both tiles and mosaics. These two options can be combined if desired and with the right approach.
From tiles
This option for finishing the countertop immediately implies a plasterboard base. This method of making a countertop is not the easiest, but with some knowledge and skills you can do it yourself.
Such a tabletop will be moisture resistant and will last longer than a wooden one. Not afraid of mechanical stress and temperature changes. Quite easy to care for. Allows you to use a wide variety of detergents.
From mosaic
This option for finishing the countertop, like the previous one, requires a plasterboard base. The tabletop will be quite durable, resistant to moisture, temperature changes and is also not afraid of mechanical stress. The work is more labor-intensive than with tiles. It is more difficult to maintain (mosaic is more difficult to clean from dirt).
Tip: the entire bath can be made entirely of tiles, and the countertop can be made of mosaics, the main thing is to choose the right color scheme and size of the tiles.
MDF
This material is slightly better than wood. It is more resistant to moisture and temperature changes, and is also cheaper. Does not require constant and careful care. But for longer use it is necessary to varnish.
It is afraid of mechanical damage; with a small scratch, it will become unusable in a few months. A tabletop made of this material is easy and simple to install. It can be done even at home.
Marble countertop
Marble is a pretty good material. A tabletop made of such material will look good, elegant, and expensive. It is not afraid of moisture, tolerates temperature changes well, and is also not afraid of mechanical damage.
Does not require careful care. Allows you to choose the desired shape, with a wide variety of colors. Allows you to use different detergents. There are no streaks left on it like glass. Suitable for any style of bath and will highlight its individuality.
The disadvantage of a marble bath countertop is the high price. But it is necessary to take into account that at this price it will last a long time.
Tree
This tabletop is quite natural and attractive in appearance. Fills the room with comfort and warmth. It can be made in the most necessary way (solid cast, with a built-in sink), it will look good in floor and wall versions.
This material is not durable; wood tends to absorb moisture, swell and rot. Requires constant care and very careful attitude. Afraid of mechanical damage. To extend its service life, the material must be impregnated with special agents or varnished.
From glass
This type of table top can only be solid cast, since it is simply impossible to make it any other way. Has a good aesthetic appearance. This material is not picky when choosing a detergent. Resistant to moisture, temperature changes, and not susceptible to fungus.
Due to the fact that the tabletop is solid cast (it couldn’t be any other way), there are no seams in which dirt accumulates. And also inexpensive price. This countertop will look harmonious in any bathroom. This material is quite fragile and not easy to clean, as streaks often appear on the glass and any stains are noticeable.
MDF
Despite the fact that the material is based on fibreboard, MDF has sufficient moisture resistance, as it is covered with a durable laminated layer.
It will last a long time if the surface is not damaged. If moisture gets inside, the material will become unusable in the shortest possible time.
Tree
It surpasses MDF in terms of quality characteristics, as it has greater resistance to moisture. The paint coating protects the surface more reliably.
Light surface damage to the coating can be easily and quickly restored using a brush, paint or varnish and does not affect the service life. It is made mainly from coniferous trees, as well as solid oak and teak, used in shipbuilding.
Disadvantages of wooden countertops
- not very resistant to high temperatures - wood is flammable;
- Wood countertops are not stain resistant, so they need to be protected. Over time, varnished wood can come off the varnished wood surface. Oiled wood is more heat resistant than varnished wood, but it darkens.
Drywall
A mosaic tabletop made of plasterboard is the optimal solution for lovers of homemade repairs. The mosaic used as cladding is made of ceramic and glass.
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These materials are strong and durable. The advantage is that the material and hand-made work allow you to experiment with the shape of the tabletop while spending little money.
The disadvantages are the use of only moisture-resistant green plasterboard and the seam joint of the mosaic, which requires the selection of a special moisture-repellent grout.
Table top made of chipboard or MDF
These countertops differ from each other in the size of the fraction. In the production of chipboard, it is large; for MDF, small chips are used. The binding agent is a special glue.
Countertops made from these materials are inexpensive. You can use them to assemble a cabinet or a sink shelf attached to brackets. The service life of these structures is not long. In any case, water will get into the cracks and the slabs will subsequently swell, taking on an unliquid appearance.
Choice of shape and design
To make the tabletop comfortable to use, pay special attention to the supporting structure. There are floor and wall bases for the tabletop, differing only in the fastening.
The length of the rack is selected based on the individual preferences of the customer, taking into account the area of the room: in some bathrooms it is possible to place a countertop around the entire perimeter, while others have niches.
Combination with other elements
In traditional bathrooms, tiles with a characteristic wood grain pattern are best used only in limited areas. Decorating the entire space with such material is more appropriate for spacious rooms in private homes.
In a regular bathroom, wood-effect tiles are best combined with other elements. It is better to choose ordinary tiles with a traditional pattern as the main element of the walls, and lay out only some elements with wood-look tiles:
- Curbs
- Angles
- Space above the toilet or sink
- Space where bathroom furniture is placed
- Table top
- Plumbing cabinet door
- Floor
Wooden pattern goes well with the following elements:
- Plain ceiling
- Antique designer fittings
- Long pile rugs
- Original furniture in classic or oriental style
- Multi-level lighting
Tiles with a wooden pattern will bring coziness, warmth and a sauna atmosphere to the bathroom interior.
Floor
An optimal and easy-to-install option that is in consumer demand. It is enough to place the structure where the washbasin is located and adjust the height.
Once connected to the water supply, you can freely use the countertop. Built-in cabinets contain the necessary things, some models are equipped with shelves.
Options for using wood in the bathroom
When thinking about a wooden bathroom, many people imagine something similar to a bathhouse transferred to a city apartment with logs and tubs. Of course, it would be appropriate to decorate a bathroom in a wooden house in such an authentic style.
However, modern design solutions make it possible to use this material in modern apartments.
Options for using wood:
- Finishing walls, floors and ceilings throughout the room with wooden panels
- Finishing the dry area where cabinets or toilets are located with wood
- Wood flooring
- Decoration of individual parts with wood: bath screen, sink countertop, partial wall decoration
- Using wooden furniture in a regular tiled room
Advice. It is quite difficult to completely decorate a wooden bathroom with your own hands. In addition, such a room is difficult to maintain.
It would be optimal to use this material for walls and partially for floors. It is still better to decorate the floor in the wet area and the walls near the bathroom with tiles.
Decorative
A variation of floor and wall countertops, mostly serving as a decorative element.
The structure for the floor is equipped with legs, the product for the wall is equipped with brackets. Requires selection of chrome-plated plumbing fixtures.
Kinds
Bathroom countertops can be:
- hanging (hanged on the wall);
- linear (they are placed along the walls and their length can be equal to the length of the wall);
- corner. They are placed in corners, resulting in significant space savings.
Also available are countertops with:
- rounded edges;
- hard edges.
What is the role in design
The countertop is the central link that connects and unites bathroom items into a single whole. Therefore, it is important that the tabletop matches harmoniously with all the furniture located in the room.
You can easily choose a model based on personal preferences and financial status.
There are a variety of shapes (this is well demonstrated by photos of bathroom countertops): rectangular, corner, asymmetrical, semicircular, oval, combined. It can complement the cabinet or be a separately installed element.
You can make an individual order, buy a ready-made budget option, or order an expensive premium designer option.
The width and height are adjusted based on the area of the room and the physical characteristics of family members.
Sinks built into the countertop also have a huge range: symmetrical/asymmetrical, single/double.
Double sinks have become popular in the last decade. They can be built into the countertop or located on it.
In small rooms, designers recommend using a set with a bowl, which helps increase the functionality of the room and save space.
The optimal and convenient option are models where the sink and countertop for the bathroom are a single monolith. Such structures are highly durable, hermetic and diverse.
Sink with countertop
There are also solid-construction plumbing products made from porcelain or cultured stone. A special feature of the product is the absence of seams, so liquid cannot leak from such a sink. In addition, it has an opening for the installation of plumbing items.
Externally, the products look no worse than the previous ones. In addition, stone items can be made to order according to your desired parameters. For example, as in the photo of the countertop in the bathroom, you can see the unique shape of the structure and the presence of a side leg.
How to install the structure
There are several ways to install a countertop in a bathroom:
- with the help of brackets - solid structures;
- to the finished cabinet;
- with installation of the frame - installation.
Installing floor structures will not take much time, while wall mounting will require the use of additional tools. In this case, they often resort to the help of a specialist.
Modern finishing materials allow you to give free rein to your imagination and create your own masterpiece. Don’t be afraid of experiments, create, try, and then the result of your creativity will serve you faithfully for a long time.
Manufacturing and installation
You can make a wooden model yourself. To do this, you need to select a canvas in a carpentry workshop and process it around the perimeter.
It is advisable to polish the surface of the future tabletop with sandpaper, gradually reducing the abrasiveness.
At the last stage, they are impregnated with a special stain, oil or varnish to avoid exposure to water. Let dry for 3-5 days.
A wooden countertop will fill the bathroom with the warmth emanating from natural wood.
The finished model is mounted in two ways - floor or wall.
- The wall mount looks aesthetically pleasing, consists of a special bracket fixed to the wall with special screws, a hanging model.
- The floor mount resembles the design of furniture on legs. The advantage of the method is its strength, and the space under the countertop is used for storing towels or household items.
During installation, it becomes necessary to drill the tiles. For such work, you should stock up on special drills for ceramics. In a small room you can use corner models.
Photos of fashionable countertops for bathrooms
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