The bathroom today is used not only for taking a shower, but also for relaxation, rest, and care. Therefore, new devices began to appear in the building materials market, which can increase the functionality of this room. Among them are a countertop. Here you can place various care products, as well as other necessary little things. We will talk about the nuances of choosing this item of the bathroom interior further.
Content
Types and features of application
When a bathroom countertop is selected, the almost the same factors are taken into account as when selecting furniture to other rooms. In particular, you need to take into account the features of the operation of interior items in this room. The bathroom is usually high humidity and changeable temperature. If you make a short list of requirements for the countertop for this room, then it will be as follows:
- Moisture resistance.
- Resistance to corrosion.
- Resistance to different chemicals. substances, including detergents.
- Good appearance.
- Functionality (there should be boxes, shelves and the possibility of installing household appliances).
The type of design and the methodology of its installation depends on how convenient it will be to use it. Today there are several criteria according to which the countertops are classified. For example, they can be divided into two types of placement:
The first group includes all solid structures. In them, the sink and countertop to the bathroom are one. They can be made of glass and stone (natural or artificial). The strengths of such countertops include their hygiene, i.e. There are no places in the design where dirt could accumulate. They look good in large bathrooms, decorated with luxury and sophistication. The main disadvantage is that such interior elements are low -functional. In addition, they usually have large sizes.
The second group includes designs for an overhead or sink sink, for example, overhead countertops per bath. They are most suitable for the interior of the bathroom in a multi -storey building. Their main advantage is the sectional structure, i.e. The design has a compartment for cleaners and bath accessories. In this case, a section in the countertop for the washing machine is still provided. They are also good for simply installing and serving them.
Selection of materials
In addition to the design and type of countertop, the material from which it will be made should be correctly selected. Do not forget that its price directly depends on this. Below we consider the most popular materials used for this purpose, and also present your attention to their main pros and cons.
- Natural stone. Countals made of stone in the bathroom look rather respectable and exquisite. From natural stones, marble is often used. This material can be given a matte or glossy look. With the help of a special finish, marble can look very rich. In addition, it has a good level of sound absorption, strong and durable. Marble bathroom countertops are usually quite expensive. Of the shortcomings of such structures, it is worth noting their large weight, massiveness, complexity of installation work.
- As for artificial stone, it is a composite material consisting of polymers and pieces of natural minerals. Today we have learned to produce artificial stone, which in appearance and texture is almost indistinguishable from natural. Its advantages include reliability, wear resistance and durability. In addition, these countertops are easy to care for, hygienic and absorb sound well. To date, there is a large selection of interior items made of artificial stone, both in color and in structural features. Thanks to the use of this material, you can make countertops of almost any configuration. Of the shortcomings, it is necessary, first of all, to note that in comparison with other materials, artificial stone is quite expensive, although less than natural. In addition, if you need to make countertops with a length of more than 4 m, then the docking seams will be noticeable. It should also be noted that such structures are often deformed under the influence of high temperature. If the countertop is made from the quartz agglomerate, then such a product cannot be repaired, in case of its breakdown.
- Glass. Such countertops are always made as an integral design. The fact is that glass cannot be adjusted with your own hands without special equipment to the necessary dimensions. Such designs look quite exquisite, they tolerate the effects of mold and detergents well. In addition, they are resistant to mechanical damage. At the same time, they can be called very affordable in price. As for the shortcomings, this is, first of all, the fragility and necessity of gentle operation and processing with special detergents. Without proper care, their appearance will deteriorate.
- Tree. A wooden bathhouse for the bathroom can make the bathroom more comfortable and comfortable. Similar designs are most often made of coniferous wood and an array of oak. Of the advantages, it is worth noting, first of all, their unique appearance, but it most often does not last long. On average, such a countertop under the conditions that are in the bathroom can last more than 8 years. In addition, due to the high cost of natural wood and the need for additional expenses, installing a wooden countertop in the bathroom becomes an unprofitable occupation.
- Laminated chipboard and MDF. The structures made of this material are quite skeptical, but thanks to modern technologies, for example, protective coatings, this item of interior can be made, which will last a long time in conditions of high humidity. Of the advantages of this material, you can distinguish an affordable price, ease of installation and the possibility of installing a sink in almost any structure in a bath count. The main drawback of such structures is that they are short -lived. Even with slight damage, their replacement may be required.
- Drywall. If moisture -resistant sheets are used in the bathroom. Nevertheless, this material can be considered only as a supporting structure. When the countertop from it is ready and mounted, then its surface is still required. This can be done, for example, with the help of glass, mirror, ceramic tiles, artificial stone, mosaics and other materials. Such a large selection of decorative decoration is the main advantage of such designs. The pluses include the fact that this material is relatively inexpensive. In addition, it is easily transported, processed, and finished products are easily mounted.
How to make a countertop in a bathroom under the sink
First, consider what materials and tools you may need in your work:
- So, a metal profile is required to assemble the frame. How much it will be needed depends on the complexity of the design itself.
- In addition, you will need brackets and sheets of drywall (preferably moisture -resistant).
- There will also be a moisture -resistant putty, several plywood sheets and epoxy glue.
- To cut the parts and holes under the sink, an electrician.
- In addition, a protective composition based on epoxide will be needed.
- To carry out facing work, you can take a mosaic or ceramic tile.
With a small size of the bathroom, the countertop is easiest to make built -in. At the same time, it should be present in many functional compartments. Next, we consider in more detail the methodology for installing a countertop in a bath with your own hands.
It is worth saying that such a design sets on the frame. It is usually mounted on the adjacent wall. For example, consider how a countertop from MDF panels is made. This material provides structures with water resistance and strength. Before starting installation, you need to calculate the height of the future countertop. This is done on the basis of two parameters:
- requirements for the convenience of using the sink,
- type of facing material used.
For example, if it is planned to be planned with tiles, then the height must be selected so that in the process of finishing it is not necessary to cut the tiles or at least do it to a minimum.
Approximately 250 mm under the countertop, you can equip the first shelf. The rest are placed below. The countertop is often equipped with doors. In this case, you can put various things inward that may be needed in the bathroom. At the last stage, you need to start installing the sink. For our example, it is best to choose a sink. You can also make a built -in bathroom countertop.
How to prepare a countertop
Phased work:
- The first thing to do is cut a hole under the sink. It must correspond to the built -in washbasin. In this case, it is recommended to set the sink on the center of the countertop inverted first, and then circle the contours using a simple pencil. To correctly cut a hole, you need to retreat a couple of centimeters for accessories.
- Then the outer surface must be protected from moisture by pasting with patterned rails. The cream is necessary for moisture -resistant glue. Otherwise, under the influence of moisture, the structure will gradually collapse.
- When the glue dries, you need to take sandpaper and polish it the side parts of the countertop.
- Then they are well covered with a special primer. She is able to penetrate deep into the pores of wood.
- Next, the countertop should be installed on the side corners. The corners themselves are attached to the walls of the bathroom on screws or dowels. After that, a crate is installed there on the wall.
Installation and finishing
The walls and doors of the nightstand are installed from MDF panels. The walls are attached in the same place where the countertop was previously installed. In addition, with dowels you need to fix them to the floor and walls of the bathroom. Doors are fixed by means of awnings. Next, you can start the cladding of the future countertop. For example, consider the process of finishing with mosaic tiles:
- The first thing to do is treat the outer surface of the countertop with moisture -resistant glue.
- Next, mosaic tiles are glued.
- Then it is pressed to the surface.
- If there is a protective pasted paper on the tile, it must be moistened and removed after a while.
- The seams between the tiles must be hidden using a special tool called a rocket. In addition, for this you will need a moisture resistant grout, which will not give moisture to get into the structure of the construction of the countertop.
- At this stage, you should fix the structure to the frame.
- After that, the sink is inserted into the hole in the countertop. It is fixed using sealant. The mixture is poured into the existing gap between the sink and the design itself. When the sealant becomes solid, the sink will be securely fixed in its place.
By the way, today in the store you can buy ready -made acrylic artificial countertops for the bathroom, but remember that they have one unpleasant drawback - the price of your project will increase much. The countertop can be lined not only with mosaic, but also with ceramic tiles. For example, if the exterior decoration of the bathroom is made mainly from PVC panels, then the lining of the nightstand and countertops must be performed with the same material.
It is important that the countertop turns out to be moisture -resistant and practical. When the work is completed, you can choose several useful and beautiful accessories that will fit into your bathroom and complement the overall design of this room.
Count of the bathroom: photo