The bathroom is characterized by a number of features that distinguish it from many other premises( both residential and utility).Without enumerating all the specifics, it is enough to note only two most significant moments in practice - modest dimensions, as well as the need for regular access to engineering systems( status monitoring).
Various false panels, sink drawers and a number of other options allow only to minimize the inconvenience caused by small dimensions. Even people who are far from planning and design issues note that the installation of a countertop in the bathroom( including a washbasin), if done correctly, resolves a host of everyday problems in a complex manner. On how to choose and mount the countertop in the bathroom - this article.
Let's consider the basic criteria for choosing a countertop for a bathroom:
Features of fixing
You need to start evaluating the feasibility of buying from this. Installation of countertops is done in one of two ways. Nothing new has been invented in this sphere.
Suspended structures
Pros:
- Such countertops are more convenient in terms of cleaning in the bathroom. Their fixation is done using brackets that are attached to one or adjacent walls. Consequently, there are no vertical support elements.
- As there is nothing in the space between the table top and the floor, except the siphon of the sink and hoses, it can be rationally filled. In urban apartments, a successful solution is the installation of a washing machine under the shelf. Of course, if it's a model with a loading door opening sideways, not up.
The only drawback is the limitations in the installation. No matter how attractive the worktop was in this performance, it is not possible to install it in every bathroom. And if so, then all the rest of the design will have to be adjusted "for it".
What to take into account when mounting the suspended table top
Wall material
The worktop itself has a weight. Plus - the load, because on such a shelf by definition will be installed any objects. After all, the main purpose of the countertop is the artificial expansion of free space. Such models are suitable except for houses built of bricks or reinforced concrete. Hope that the brackets, fixed in cellular concrete anchors or in wood by powerful screws( bolts), will last forever, hardly worth it. The table top will exactly "float", and pretty soon.
Type of sink
Overhead models of sinks with this method of fastening the shelves are not suitable unequivocally.
Worktops with
legs Vertical supports help reduce the load on the walls. Some models of countertops do not attach to them at all. Consequently, such shelves can be installed in any bathroom, regardless of the material from which the building is built.
The presence of legs makes it difficult to clean and somewhat "conceals" useful space. But if you think about it, the last drawback can be turned into convenience. For example, install( using supports like racks) horizontal shelves. In this case, it is advisable to order a countertop in a specialized organization. It will be somewhat more expensive, but the advantages of such a solution are obvious. And if you provide that the shelves can be easily removed, then there will not be any problems with the thorough cleaning in the bathroom.
Type of table top
Shelf solid
Pros:
- "Hygienic" of the product. Such a table top is a monolithic design, in which there is already a sink. Absence of junctions, slots - a guarantee that dirt will not accumulate. For those who are too concerned about hygiene problems, these models are the best option.
- The installation is much simpler, since you do not have to do a sink, fix the latter, its fit in place and seal the joints.
Cons:
- First of all - the high price. Such models of countertops are not made from cheap materials such as fiberboard and the like.
- Poor maintainability. And more precisely - the lack of the possibility of changing the shell. If there is a significant damage to the table top, you will have to reinstall the entire "set" anywhere.
Model for a conch shell
Pros:
- It is easy to put on such a shelf any plumbing fixture.
- Do not have to deal with the sink shell.
Judging by the feedback from customers, there are no downsides to this criterion.
Table top for built-in sinks
If it's not about custom-made products, the convenience is obvious. The location of the sink can be chosen any, based on the particular bathroom.
Cons:
- Putting an order on such a table top will require more time. Basically, because of the accumulation of dirt in places of contact with the shelf plumbing.
- The complexity of installation. By the way, this is somewhat limited and the choice of options. Cutting the countertop even from easily processed materials will only be a special tool. The usual hacksaw will not work. Plus to this - in order to achieve a good result, practical skills are also needed. I'll have to open the door exactly according to the outlined contour of the shell. The slightest indentation will lead to the appearance of large gaps, which will be difficult to seal. As a result - permanent puddles on the floor.
Worktop material
Stone
Natural( as a rule, marble or granite) is the most expensive variant of countertops. Pros - this is mainly from the design area.
And here's about the disadvantages worth mentioning in more detail:
- The high price, so this countertop is not "for everyone".
- Substantial weight and hardness of the material. Durability with proper care is provided, but installation by yourself - under big question. Will have to pay extra to professionals.
Artificial stone is the most acceptable option. In fact, countertops of artificial stone - products made of composite materials, which are widely used in various fields.
Pros:
- High abrasion resistance.
- Good maintainability. On sale there are many tools that allow you to "mask" the scratch, restore the mirror shine( if the countertop is not originally matt).
- Variety of colors and shades.
- Minimal care for the surface of the countertop.
Cons:
- The price is higher than the models from other materials. Exposure to temperature deformation. As far as this is true for the bathroom, the matter is different, but it should be noted.
Particleboard( MDF) with lamination
Pros:
- The material is easy to process. Consequently, there will be no problems with the installation of the built-in sink.
- Variety of shades and textures.
- Low cost.
The disadvantages include increased moisture absorption. No comments are required on this item.
What to consider when choosing a table top made of MDF or chipboard
- Laminating the edge of the countertop. The bend of the cover can be either only up to the lower level of the cut( by 90 °), or with a partial turn on the lower side( 180 °).The latter option is preferable.
- If the countertop with a coating has a curved shape, the joints of the laminate parts on the ends of the shelf are inevitable on the bends. And such places by definition are problematic from the point of view of waterproofness.
Wooden worktop
Such countertops come into vogue on the wave of increased demand for everything "environmentally friendly".There are many advantages, but this a priori does not mean that the top of the wood is the best option.
What to consider when choosing:
- Basically, the bathroom according to the conditions is not much different about saunas( baths).The same elevated( and sometimes excessive) humidity, temperature changes. Accordingly, and care for such a table top will need more careful. First of all - regular impregnation of the board with an antiseptic.
- To extend the working life of the countertop, you need to select the right type of wood. Taking into account the specificity of the bathroom, larch is better suited. The special resin contained in this wood gives it, when wet, additional strength and prevents the development of rot. If you decide to install just such a tabletop, then you should study everything that is available in the access to this tree. It grows in different regions, but from the point of view of installation in a bathroom from inexpensive options, the best larch is ours, Siberian.
Glass table top
Such table tops appeared on the market recently, so it is hardly worth talking about the rich experience of their operation. In terms of hygiene and design advantages, many, but shortcomings are lacking.
- For table top only thick glass is suitable. Therefore, a lot of weight.
- The sink is included. So, we will have to be satisfied with what is available.
- The operation of the glass countertop requires extreme accuracy - the fragility of the material is known.
- Continuous care is required. Divorces, salt deposits after the drying of water droplets - all this is well known to any mistress. You will have to choose between the style and the labor-intensive maintenance of the countertop.
Mounting options
The installation rules and the sequence of actions are specified in the product manual. Some features are noted in paragraph 1.
The author is left to pay attention of the reader only to certain moments.
Overall Dimensions
As a rule, they are standard. And yet in most cases, there may be a mismatch in length with the bathroom. If it is insignificant, within 10 - 15 mm, then if you exceed it, you must either drank it in the wall, or trim it from the end. It is necessary to take into account the features of the materials of the house and the shelf.
Bathroom Architecture
If it has a niche, then it is advisable to install the countertop in it. The apertures are usually closed with false panels or lockers, which are attached from above. In accordance with this, the dimensions of the model are chosen.
The author drew attention only to the main features of the available tabletops. Perhaps someone will form a slightly different opinion on the individual selection criteria. And, nevertheless, the information is given rather detailed, and what exactly to buy for your bathroom under the sink is only your personal decision, dear reader.
