Bathroom countertop under the sink: types, how to choose and install correctly

You don’t need to be a professional designer to understand that a bathroom countertop under a sink is one of the most convenient and functional attributes. Therefore, you need to choose it responsibly and before placing an order, understand in detail the advantages and disadvantages of a particular material.

We will tell you how to correctly select this important piece of furniture for a hygienic room. The article we presented describes in detail the varieties that are in demand by consumers. Do-it-yourselfers will find detailed installation instructions here.

Advantages of a tabletop over a cabinet

In most cases, manufacturers offer plain bathroom furniture. Therefore, it is not always possible to make the interior original and unusual. Problems especially arise when arranging a room with non-standard dimensions.

Because of this problem, housewives prefer to install a cabinet in the bathroom. And what? It’s beautiful, and a few extra shelves are useful for storing all sorts of accessories such as powder or detergent.But such a solution is banal and too typical.

If you want to stand out and show guests all the sophistication of your taste, then the best solution would be to order a tabletop. The main thing is to choose an unusual module, made in bright and rich colors, which will become the highlight of the interior.

You can save a lot of money when purchasing a countertop. When the budget is limited, you should choose a model made from inexpensive raw materials. Such a product will cost less than conveyor furniture

Experts recommend choosing a design depending on the plumbing fixtures. For example, a tabletop sink is a universal solution that will look ideal on both a wooden and glass module.

Well, in the case of built-in models, a good solution would be a tabletop made of easy-to-cut materials. It can be composite, MDF or everyone's favorite chipboard.

If you want to make your bath 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 or the need to cut anything.

Requirements for bathroom furniture

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 rapid deterioration and the need to replace it.

In order for the countertop installed under the sink in the bathroom to serve faithfully for years, first of all, it must be moisture resistant. Thanks to the special coating, the product will not be afraid of splashes and will not swell if water gets on it.

A countertop that will be installed in a bathroom is not subject to the same amount of stress as its kitchen counterpart. Accordingly, you don’t have to spend money on a product that is highly durable and resistant to all kinds of damage.

The bathroom module 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 various powders and detergents.

Overview of types of countertops

The range of bathroom furniture is updated almost every day. Hundreds of manufacturers offer to order a product that is distinguished not only by its low price, but also by its original design, as well as the presence of any decorative elements. Therefore, choosing something for yourself will not be difficult.

Classification of bathroom products

All the variety 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 easily made independently from sheets of plasterboard. The structure is finished with ceramic mosaics, tiles or luxurious decorative stones.

To decide which countertop is best to order, you should consider the advantages and disadvantages of each of the materials presented above.

Practicality and low cost of chipboard

If the budget allocated for bathroom renovation is very limited, the optimal solution would be to purchase a chipboard module. Today it is in great demand, due to its low cost and decent quality.

Manufacturers offer a fairly wide range of shades and patterns for such countertops. Therefore, it will be possible to choose a model even for the most original and unusual bathroom

Often the pattern of wood-chip furniture imitates a more expensive material. For example, natural wood, stone or mosaic. But today a monochromatic design is popular, since with its help you can make the bathroom as laconic as possible in a minimalist style.

The main advantages of chipboard are its strength and simplicity. sink installation into it by inserting. The material is not afraid of impacts and no scratches or chips appear on its surface over time. Moreover, the design does not fade or lose saturation due to exposure to cleaning agents.

As for the disadvantages, this type of modules 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 behind the base of the slab.

But this technology is applicable only for straight sections. If the furniture has a non-standard shape, then the edge is simply glued to it.

The monumentality of natural stone

A real indicator of the luxury and wealth of the residents is the countertop made of natural stone. Its unusual texture and incomparable appearance immediately attract the eye.

In addition to design, this variation has excellent performance characteristics.Furniture made from natural stone can truly last for decades.

A marble countertop will be an excellent solution when arranging a large bathroom with a minimalist design. Yes, such a module will be quite expensive, but the long service life and aesthetic appearance will justify the money spent

It is not recommended to install stone products yourself. After all, you will need special tools for the job. The best solution would be to entrust this to a master. The price of such a service is usually one third of the price of the module.

When installing heavy furniture, you need to pay attention to the fasteners, taking care of their reliability and ability to withstand the expected weight of the product.

Countertops made of natural stone are universal interior items. They will look harmonious in almost any modern or classic interior. But such furniture requires careful care.

Reasons for the popularity of artificial stone

Compared to other varieties, modules made of artificial stone have a whole list of unique advantages. Excellent performance characteristics were confirmed by both satisfied customers and qualified specialists.

There are two types of artificial stone:

1. Acrylic. It consists of aluminum hydroxide, acrylic resin, pigment additives, and mineral filler. This composition allows you to realize a wide variety of creative ideas and ideas;
2. Agglomerated. This raw material is produced from marble chips, quartz and granite. The mixture is bonded using polyester resin.You can create any designs on the surface of the material, be it a fabric pattern, crocodile skin or anything else.

The agglomerate shows excellent strength characteristics. The only material stronger than this is diamond. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about scratching the surface of the quartz stone.

If you need to make your bathroom interior not only attractive, but also functional, then artificial stone will be the best choice.

Naturalness and aesthetics of wood

This type of countertops is ideal for those buyers who want to make the design of their home as light and functional as possible. The wood module is absolutely harmless to health, aesthetically pleasing, and touching it will evoke extremely positive emotions.

The naturalness of the countertop will undoubtedly fill the bathroom with warmth and comfort. But in order for the furniture to retain its attractiveness, it will have to be carefully looked after and treated with care. After all, it is quite soft, will not withstand impacts and is easily scratched.

The durability of this furniture variation largely depends on the quality of the wood used in production. The best choice is considered to be a glued construction. After all, it is least susceptible to deformation

To maximize the service life of a wooden module, it must be coated with a layer of varnish from time to time and special impregnations must be used.

The sophistication and lightness of glass

As a rule, furniture made of glass is sold together with precisely sized sinks. It is highly recommended not to purchase components separately. After all, choosing the optimal dimensions and adjusting the material on your own is almost impossible.

The advantages of a glass tabletop are obvious.This module has a stylish and modern appearance; the product is literally replete with its sophistication and luxury. But it is only suitable for installation of overhead sinks and for rooms designed in Art Nouveau style.

The glass tabletop fits harmoniously into many modern interior styles. She makes the design as casual and laconic as possible.

Glass is not afraid of detergents and even acids. But you have to work hard to keep it clean. After all, spots appear almost instantly. In addition, the material is quite fragile, so it must be handled with the utmost care.

Advantages and disadvantages of a plastic module

A plastic countertop is the worst choice you can make. The only case when you can order such furniture in the bathroom is a very limited budget.

The list of advantages of a plastic countertop should only include its resistance to moisture and low cost. In addition, it can be painted in any color or shade.

After all, the plastic module has the simplest appearance and is susceptible to scratches and cracks. At the same time, it fades in the sun, and mold may appear on the surface.

Main selection criteria

The many types, materials and brands of countertops on the market will undoubtedly lead to many questions for the unprepared buyer. In order not to make a mistake with your purchase, you need to know which parameters you should pay special attention to.

Fastening and shape of furniture

The ease of use of a countertop under a bathroom sink largely depends on the base to which it is attached. In addition, the framework affects the functionality of the module.

Today there are two types of bases: wall-mounted and floor-mounted. The difference between them mainly lies in the installation method.

The wall-mounted version makes cleaning bathroom floors much easier. 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 counterpart. As for installation, anchors are used as fixing elements.

The advantage of the floor-standing model is its spaciousness. Under the surface you can conveniently place all bath accessories, powder, detergents, etc. In addition, some models are complemented by shelves and drawers

The floor mounting method will not cause problems, even if it is done by an inexperienced craftsman. After all, all you need to do is put the stove in its place. Next, you need to adjust the level of the module using the legs. The final step is connecting 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 a bright color, which will make the module stand out from the rest of the furniture. But it is important to take precautions so as not to completely spoil the impression with such a design decision.

A good solution would be to spend a little time familiarizing yourself with the projects presented on the Internet. Being inspired by the works of designers, you can implement any interesting idea and turn your bathroom into a work of art

Today, manufacturers offer simply a huge selection of colors and shades of plumbing products.Moreover, the furniture is made in a wide variety of styles and is complemented with original decorative elements.

Therefore, every buyer with any taste and income level will be able to choose the optimal solution for themselves.

What affects the cost of a countertop?

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 number that will be indicated on the check is influenced by the following parameters:

• bathroom size - everything is elementary here: the larger the room, the more expensive its arrangement will cost;
• material — the most expensive raw materials are considered to be natural wood, stone and, of course, glass, but the cheap class includes chipboard, MDF and plastic;
• accessories — you should never skimp on such components, because the functionality and durability of the furniture depends on the quality of the fittings;
• dimensions and shape - a product of an unusual shape and impressive thickness will cost significantly more than a module of a classical form.

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.

Often, designer countertops are decorated with carved patterns, cornices, stained glass windows, grilles, lighting and many other elements. All of them give the module a special sophistication, which extends to the bathroom

Installation rules

Having purchased the desired module, you can begin installing it. The process of replacing an old countertop with a new one will not cause difficulties even for an inexperienced craftsman. Moreover, the work will require no more than a couple of hours.

During the installation process, you must follow the following procedure:

1. Get rid of the trim and sealant. First, you need to see if there are skirting boards 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 cracks.
2. Drain the water. To do this, you need to put water under the sink and unscrew the siphon. In this case, you need to open the tap to release the residue.
3. Place marks and remove the old tabletop. Using a pencil or marker, you need to circle the old product. This solution will greatly simplify the installation of the new module. After this, you need to unscrew the screws and remove the product.
4. 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 for it.
5. Install a new countertop. You have to bring the product into the bathroom and compare it with the marks that were set earlier. In this case, you need to make sure that the stove is level both horizontally and vertically. If not, then you should use spacers to make adjustments.
6. Installation of fasteners. Now you need to drill a hole in the wall every 10 cm into which you need to drive dowel nails.

After securing the slab, 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.

After connecting the pipes, it is imperative to ensure that there are no leaks. To do this, you need to place a bucket under the sink, open the water tap and carefully inspect all the fastening points

The final stage is attaching the decorative elements.This could be a baseboard or doors. You should also use wood sealant to seal the joints and old nail holes.

Guidelines for selection, as well as rules for installing a cabinet with the included table top and a sink fitted to it are given in the next article, the contents of which we advise you to familiarize yourself with.

How to care for bathroom furniture?

Timely cleaning will extend the life of the countertop. In this case, you should follow several recommendations. First of all, it is forbidden to wet a product made of laminated chipboard. To wipe such a surface, it is enough to wipe off the dust with a damp cloth and wipe with a dry cloth.

To get rid of chips formed on the surface of a chipboard, you must:

1. Apply special glue to the damaged area and to the patch.
2. Wait until the solution dries and becomes sticky.
3. Attach a patch.
4. Secure the damaged area with masking tape. It must be removed after the glue has completely dried.

The best cleaner to use for cleaning glass countertops is mirror and window cleaner. At the same time, to get rid of old stains, you can use a sponge or plastic spatula.

It is unlikely that you will be able to get rid of a chip on a glass module. Therefore, from the moment of purchase, you need to treat such furniture with care in order to prevent the occurrence of mechanical damage on its surface.

To clean countertops made of natural stone, it is best to use a warm, soapy solution. Please note that wine, coffee and tea stains should be removed immediately after they appear. After all, they can be absorbed and there is no way to remove them.

It is recommended to wash a wooden countertop using a not too concentrated soap solution. To remove more complex and stubborn stains, you can use an abrasive sponge.

If visible dents appear on the surface of the product, they are repaired using wood putty, after which the damaged areas are rubbed down and varnished on top.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

How to make a concrete countertop with your own hands:

Comparison of bathroom furniture made from different materials and from different manufacturers:

A tabletop is a practical and functional piece of furniture. If you choose it correctly, you can elevate the design of the room, making it truly luxurious. At the same time, well-chosen furniture will not only help hide all the shortcomings of the bathroom, but will 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 you installed the countertop in your own bathroom. Perhaps your recommendations will be useful to site visitors.