Countertop bathroom sinks

Bathroom. This is where every person's morning begins. The daily ritual energizes and contributes to the emerging mood, so it is very important that the emotions are extremely positive. And this will definitely contribute to a pleasant, aesthetic, comfortable environment.

You can ennoble not only spacious bathrooms, but small spaces can also be made comfortable. The real find in this matter are bathroom sinks with countertops. Their installation is an opportunity to hide unsightly communications, make room for toiletries and more. This is a kind of prestige element, if you will. Let's get acquainted?

Is the countertop a cabinet? 

"A bathroom countertop under the sink is an opportunity to save money"

Not at all. This is a completely independent surface, often without a semantic continuation in the form of cabinets and shelves. The element fits perfectly into non-standard layouts and interiors of the original design, as it is not difficult to give it the desired shape. Bathroom countertop under the sink is an opportunity to save money. Made from inexpensive material, it will cost several times cheaper than conveyor furniture, while you can always choose it according to the type of plumbing.

Designers say that in such a symbiosis, the sink does not lose to other furnishing solutions at all, since the countertop is easily interpreted in any variations and can become the highlight of a specific interior.

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Countertop types

The choice of countertops for the bathroom under the sink is huge. They are grouped:

1. Fixing methods.
2. By design.
3. According to the material of manufacture.

According to the method of fastening, suspended and supporting tabletops are distinguished. The former are fixed to the wall with brackets, the latter have leg supports.

Structural diversity is limited to solid models, options with a built-in or overhead sink. Each type of countertop has its own advantages and disadvantages.

One piece model

The most hygienic and easy to install solution. The monolithic design is integral with the sink, so the question of inserting the washbasin is automatically eliminated. The absence of connecting joints will relieve the accumulation of dirt in them. This option is suitable for fans of sterile cleanliness in the house.

When buying a one-piece cast structure, it must be borne in mind that this thing is expensive and at the same time difficult to repair. You have to be ready to change everything completely in the event of a breakdown.

Washbasin option

The best option, which is the most popular. The overhead sink on the countertop in the bathroom is installed without a cut-in. In case of problems, the structural element is easy to replace. There is a possibility of block repair.

Built-in sink design

The most convenient option, as it does not limit the choice of the sink installation location. As for installation, it is not easy and requires the involvement of specialists. An amateur approach to business will lead to inaccuracies in cutting elements, which will give rise to the formation of large gaps, which will be difficult to seal. Yes, and the aesthetic appearance of the structure will suffer.

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Module materials

The range of countertops is distinguished by an enviable variety and is designed for any wallet. Products can be purchased from:

• wood;
• ceramics;
• Chipboard;
• MDF;
• stone;
• glass;
• plastic;
• acrylic;
• metal.

In addition, the countertop can be assembled from drywall and decorate it at your own discretion.

So which option is better? You can find out only by getting acquainted with the characteristics of each in detail. 

Wooden countertop in the bathroom under the sink

The wood module is aesthetic, environmentally friendly, pleasant. It is in demand in bathrooms with eco-interiors. The element brings with it a special comfort, makes the room cozy. But such a countertop will require specific care. Its surface will not withstand rough mechanical stress.

To increase the operational life, the canvas will have to be treated with special impregnations and carefully varnished. The wood massif will feel good in rooms with forced ventilation, which will help maintain a drier microclimate there.

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Chipboard tabletop

“The most problematic area of ​​a sink with a bathroom countertop is the edge of the shelf”

Relatively budget. Why relatively? Because the design is short-lived, and it will have to be changed more often than others. Nevertheless, the popularity of such modules rolls over. This is due to the widest assortment variety, which allows you to furnish bathrooms of any stylistic solution without any problems and for quite reasonable money.

The material is malleable in processing and allows you to play with the texture and shape of the modules. The surface pattern can imitate anything, from stone to kaleidoscope mosaics. The texture shows wood motifs, shagreen, gloss.

With colors in general Klondike. There are over a hundred color variations. There is always a choice: buy a finished product or order a project on an individual basis. In the latter case, the most fantastic decor can be realized. Digital printing works wonders.

The coating with a special protective layer makes the chipboard countertops resistant to impacts and scratches. Time has no power over the applied drawing. Its paints do not fade and are not erased under the influence of cleaning compounds.

The most problematic area of ​​a sink with a bathroom countertop is the edge part of the shelf. Moisture getting there leads to deformation of the plate. She swells and deteriorates.

Postforming technology helps to correct the situation, allowing you to wrap the edges of the plastic layer under the base of the plate. The bend angle can be straight or 180⁰. Naturally, the latter will provide better protection for the joint. However, postforming can only be done on flat surfaces. On curvilinear forms and countertops of non-standard thickness, it cannot be performed.

Working with chipboard is not difficult, so it is not necessary to turn to specialists to cut it.

MDF table top

Such an option in the bathroom may seem like nonsense to someone, since pressed chips react poorly to moisture. However, today the processing of the material has reached a new level and the presence of a protective laminated layer has fundamentally changed its characteristics. Moisture does not penetrate through it, but it will be so until the coating is damaged.MDF countertop is possible, the solution is not the best, but the low cost compensates for the shortcomings, not allowing you to get too upset about the quick deterioration of the product.

 

Stone countertop in bathroom with sink

Natural stone is an element of prestige. Table-tops from it are strong, reliable and practically eternal. Marble, onyx, granite - they amaze with their unsurpassed appearance and monumentality. However, this option is available to very few.

The main point stopping in the acquisition of luxury is the high cost. Both the product itself and its installation are expensive. You can’t do without the involvement of professionals, and specialists take up to 30% of the total purchase amount for their work.

The stone countertop is a solid slab of 20-40 mm thickness. More often these are derivatives of granite or basalt. Due to the large weight, it will not be possible to install it in the usual way. It will be necessary to equip a powerful frame cabinet.

With regard to care, the stone is not picky. Its surfaces are easy to keep clean.

A countertop made of any kind of stone is not difficult to fit into the interior. Combinations of stone with ceramic, chrome, glass, mirror surfaces look most organic.

 

Fake diamond

A great alternative to countertops made from natural materials. The product range includes acrylic and agglomerated models. They differ in production technologies. If there is a crumb of marble, quartz or other types of stones in the agglomerate, then acrylic is pure synthetics.

Both options are good in decorative and practical terms. Products from them have a variety of colors and can imitate other textures. Acrylic plates easily take non-standard shapes, so they are more often used in work with exclusive plumbing. Artificial stone feels great in the specific microclimate of the bathroom, because it is waterproof.

A countertop with a bathroom sink made of it is often a monolithic product, without cracks and gaps where moisture could accumulate, so mold will not appear on it either. Does not accumulate surface and dirt. Even if something settles on it, it can be easily removed with a damp cloth. Another big plus is durability. So if there is a question of choice, feel free to make it in favor of an artificial stone. You won't guess.

With almost one hundred percent similarity with natural stone, artificial has a noticeably lower weight and is much more affordable. The damaged surface can be restored. Small scratches are removed by simple polishing. The only thing that can irrevocably spoil the acrylic derivative is high temperature, so hot objects should not be placed on the product from it.

Glass tops

"A sink built into such a countertop will fit into a bathroom of any size"

The opinion about the fragility of glass is very erroneous. It is quite possible to place a fairly heavy sink on it. The secret is that special, rather thick, high-strength, tempered glass is used on the countertops. Of course, it’s not worth hitting it with a hammer or dropping weights on it, but otherwise the surface will serve faithfully for a bunch of years.

Glass in the bathroom is a real plus. It is easy to care for it, it is difficult to damage it. But most importantly, a sink built into such a countertop will fit into a bathroom of any size. You don’t even realize that by arranging a specific lighting and correctly distributing the light fluxes, you can create the effect of a washbasin floating in the air! This trick will work only with a glass top.

Attracts in the choice of this material and the possibility of its decor. Glass can be left in its original form or decorated with a pattern. Decorating a countertop is so easy that it is often done on their own. To make its design more interesting, it is enough to paste over the lower part of the product with a tinting film, with or without a print.

The countertop in modern design is good in everything, but the solution has one flaw and this is the weight of the glass. It is quite large, so the structure can only be fixed to load-bearing walls or placed on supports, and presented as a glass cabinet. In this case, it is impossible to replace glass with other materials, since all the charm of the module will disappear. The only thing in combination with which a transparent surface will look good is a chrome frame.

 

metal table top

This material allows you to produce tabletops that are unique in their conciseness. They perfectly emphasize the modernity of interior solutions, especially the minimalist direction. Of the main advantages, durability, immunity to moisture and resistance to fungal infections are distinguished.

The metal surface is easy to care for. Contaminants are removed from it without the use of expensive cleaning compounds. However, it is better to avoid mirror-smooth surfaces and give preference to models with a three-dimensional pattern.

Plastic countertops

Typical, but quite attractive, economy option. These products have many advantages. They are light, easy to install, loyal in price, but at the same time they try not to put a sink on such a countertop in the bathroom. Why? The problem is that plastic is very unstable to external influences and has low strength. It is easy to scratch, push through, spoil the decorative layer when cleaning. He doesn't like temperature fluctuations either.

You have to give credit to the products. With careful operation, without cleaning with abrasives, they serve for a long time and look quite aesthetically pleasing. Such countertops can be attached to walls of any type or placed on a cabinet. Under them, you can install appliances and typical bathroom accessories. It is important not to overload the plastic surfaces from above, then the risk of deforming or breaking them will be minimal.

The design of plastic products is diverse, which facilitates their selection in the environment.

Plasterboard worktop

The idea will appeal to those who prefer individuality in interiors and are ready to work on arranging the bathroom with their own hands. The beauty of this solution is that you can cut the countertop of any configuration and arrange it at your own discretion. The mosaic decor looks great. The drawing can be laid out from ceramic shards, glass fragments, mirrors, or bought already in finished tiled form.

The weak point of a countertop assembled from drywall for a bathroom with a sink will be only the seams. Moisture can accumulate between the mosaic elements and mold can form. Additional processing of joints with protective compounds and regular surface care will help to avoid this.

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Subtleties of choice

What material should the countertop be made of in your case depends on the style of the bathroom interior, but what about its dimensions? Here they can limit only square meters of the room. However, it would be wrong to assume that in a spacious bathroom a whole wall should be taken under the countertop, and in a small bathroom something very modest should be installed, almost the size of the sink. The main selection criterion is the design decision.In some projects, it is proposed to remove the bathtub from the small space of the room, replacing it with a shower cabin, and install the washbasin on a rather wide and long countertop, under which to organize additional storage areas in the form of cabinets, drawers, shelves. Many people like to clean the washing machine under the hinged structures.

It is often possible to install two or more overhead or built-in sinks on the countertop in the bathroom. This is very convenient if you have a large family.

Price guide

When choosing a countertop for the bathroom interior, you need to look at the product in an adequate wall segment. For modest bathrooms, finished in an economy version, a chipboard countertop can be a reasonable addition. It may not be a symbol of longevity, but with proper care, it will definitely last for several years.

For bathrooms equipped according to an average estimate, you can look at the role of countertops as MDF boards or natural wood.

In luxury bathrooms, something more solid is indispensable. In such interiors, products made of natural stone, valuable wood are in demand. As an alternative, artificial stone can be used. “Luxury” countertop is an almost eternal thing. She has been serving for decades. It is possible that your grandchildren will also use it.

Fixing Rules

As practice shows, the majority of countertops are installed at a level gap of 75 -85 cm. These parameters are not standardized solely for ease of use. When choosing the mounting height, the products are guided by the growth of potential users. If these people are short, then you can fix the table top at 75 cm and even lower. Tall people will be more comfortable if the sink on the countertop in the bathroom is raised higher.

Features of care

Do you want the countertop to please the eye with the aesthetics of its appearance for a long time? Then you need to learn how to properly care for her. The nuances of the process largely depend on the type of material from which it is made.

Chipboard construction should not be too wet during cleaning. It is wiped with a slightly damp cloth and be sure to wipe dry. Difficult stains are removed with ammonia-based products. You can use baking soda. It is covered with a stain and gently rubbed with a soft sponge.

The chips formed on this type of countertops are masked in the following way. An adhesive is applied to the damaged area and the cut patch. The latter must be allowed to dry to stickiness, after which the patch can be laid on the deformed place. For a better grip, the patch is fixed with masking tape.

Glass countertops are perfectly cleaned with window and mirror cleaners. Old dirt is wiped off with a sponge or gently scraped off with a plastic spatula. Cracks and chips are a bad thing, since it is almost impossible to disguise them. Unless you decide on drastic measures and paste over the surface with a transparent film. But this is not the best option. It is much more efficient to carefully exploit the surface.

A stone countertop with a sink placed in the bathroom is washed with soapy water. If necessary, it can be cleaned with specific means. Stains from spilled coffee, wine and other liberties that you allow yourself in the bathroom should be removed immediately before they have had time to soak in, otherwise the look of the countertop, especially the light one, will be hopelessly damaged.

Wooden modules are treated with a damp cloth, in serious cases with a soapy solution. Sometimes it is acceptable to use an abrasive sponge. In the matter of restoration, the tree is flexible. Deep defects are easily eliminated.They are simply covered with putty on wood, sanded after drying, and opened with varnish.

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Overview of sink models for worktops

Washbasins designed for installation on countertops in bathrooms are also distinguished by a variety of designs. In addition to differences in color, material of manufacture, shapes, they also have different installation methods. Some options are built into the countertops, others are simply installed on top.

Built-in washbasins

Their installation is carried out in accordance with the design idea. Washbasin can be:

1. Fully recessed into the surface.
2. Partially cut into the surface.
3. With sides.
4. Built-in only at the bottom.

In the first case, the sink deepens into the countertop flush, flush with its surface. The resulting gaps are sealed and masked.

Partially built-in washbasins are distinguished by their original design. It is also interesting to look and models built-in only at the bottom.

The third type of installation is characterized by the presence of sides rising above the surface level. They are the holding element in the structure. A fairly common mounting option.

Overhead sinks

This more than modern proposal has already managed to find its admirers. The countertop bathroom sink looks like a bowl, and it feels like it can be removed or moved, but in reality, the fixation to the module is quite strong.

Similar designs are good in classic interiors. The combination of a dark countertop and a white faience washbasin looks great. A clear or frosted glass sink fills the space with airiness. Models of geometrically correct form bring with them notes of conciseness.

Popular Models

round sink

This model is a great addition to classic and minimalist interiors. It is beautiful, elegant and easy to use. You can install a round washbasin on the countertop both overhead and built-in. An interesting combination of a round sink and a small round countertop standing on one leg.

For such a model, you will need to select a designer faucet, in extreme cases, complete the washbasin with a low-key faucet with one foot. Don't be afraid to look for something out of the ordinary. The luxury of the shape and design of the round sink is enough for everything.

oval sink

Convenient and practical solution. The model does not go out of fashion, so it will remain a relevant accessory for the bathroom for many years. Unlike the previous model, the oval washbasin does not hide space. It is also attached to the tabletop in various ways.

Rectangular sink

An impeccable stylistic choice. The clear contours of the sink are universal and can fit into any interior. For retro styles, a rectangular sink is completed with an elegant ceramic leg. In minimalist interiors, they put a washbasin with an installation. For Scandinavian trends, wooden sinks are relevant.

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Conclusion

It is obvious that the modern market range is quite capable of satisfying a diverse customer demand, so how practical, pretty and durable a bathroom vanity top will be depends solely on how much you are willing to spend on an accessory. And save or chic, decide for yourself.

Photo gallery - bathroom countertop

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