Bathroom countertops are a new fashion trend, defined by convenience and functionality. Instead of a small washbasin, one can use the entire “shelf” at one’s leisure, which can be used to store frequently used personal hygiene and body care products. Generally, a countertop with a built-in sink, possibly even with shelves or drawers, can replace a wall cabinet with shelves. This article will discuss such furniture, in which we will deal with its varieties and functions together with the RunSun website, thus giving you the opportunity to make the right choice to support a specific Bathroom tabletop.
A. Bathroom table top: varieties and their features
Do you know the difference between a kitchen countertop and the same product designed for use in the bathroom? In terms of use and, therefore, in terms of its loads. If in the kitchen these loads can be called crazy, in the bathroom they are known for their fidelity. It is this factor that makes it possible to use a greater variety of materials to make countertops, some of which are by no means durable. But this is not necessary for the bathroom because you won’t be chopping onions or beating meat on this countertop, will you?
The most common materials used to create a bathroom under sink countertops include glass, natural and synthetic stone. Lesser used but still, in-demand materials include wood, marble, MDF, glass, or ceramic mosaic. These types of countertops are discussed further.
- Stone bathroom table top
Natural stone countertops for bathrooms are the only countertops that can boast of their superior strength and resistance to all kinds of damage. In most cases, they are made of polished marble and have both glossy and matte properties. It is pointless to list the advantages of marble countertops for bathrooms; there are many advantages, but only two disadvantages – high weight and high cost. - Artificial stone bathroom table top
Bathroom countertops made of artificial stone are not inferior to their natural counterparts. Such countertops are made of marble, granite, and other scraps and are interconnected with acrylic. They are sometimes referred to as acrylic bathroom countertops. These products have almost all the advantages of natural stone, plus a more affordable price here. Among the disadvantages can be distinguished the high weight, poor resistance to damage, and scratching. By the way, small scratches on the surface are easily eliminated by polishing – all that is required is a special nozzle for drilling and polishing paste. - Glass bathroom table top
Glass countertops are the most common product of this type and have gained popularity due to their affordable price and some of their features. For example, a fairly simple way to decorate, no special techniques are required (in most cases, its lower part is simply pasted with or without a pattern of the tinted film), strength, resistance to damage, excellent resistance to moisture, and the ability to give the countertops the most incredible shapes. One of the disadvantages of glass countertops is their fragility. In addition, they are very visible water stains, formed by the presence of lime in tap water. - MDF bathroom table top
Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) countertops made of this material can raise health doubts. The truth is that the moisture resistance of small pressed wood chips is not outstanding. Yes, MDF can be used in wet areas – this material is covered with a protective layer. But as luck would have it, the thin layer can easily be scratched and opened into the inner structure of the material. Over time, thanks to water, this access increases, and the countertop swell, so that from the moment of damage a few months later it is sent to the landfill. In my opinion, this is not the most suitable option for the bathroom and it costs a lot of money. - Wooden bathroom table top
If you’ve chosen an alternative to MDF countertops, then this is wood – unlike its natural counterpart, which is more resistant to moisture. Even if you accidentally damage its protective coating, wood won’t rot or swell quickly. - Mosaic bathroom table top
Mosaic table tops are a great choice for people who like to make everything with their own hands. With this material, which is usually made of glass or ceramic, you can be sure that the countertop will last for years to come. In addition, by connecting your imagination, you can make almost any shape, spending the least amount of money on this business. The only weakness of this type of countertop is the seam between the mosaic pieces and the bottom of the base, usually made of plasterboard. Plaster is afraid of prolonged exposure to moisture is not terrible – it just needs to be taken care of at the stage of manufacturing mosaic table tops.
So, we’ve established the variety, and now it’s time to examine the design and functional features of modern bathroom countertops.
B. How to choose bathroom table top: a variety of shapes and design options
As you may already know, the convenience of using a countertop for your bathroom sink has nothing to do with it and everything to do with the base on which it is installed. Therein lies its unparalleled functionality. To date, the product can be produced in two versions – floor and wall. The only difference between them is the method of installation. There are also some differences that allow wall-mounted countertops to make the bathroom floor easier to maintain. The two furniture options are now described in more detail.
A floor top is a fairly easy piece of furniture to install. You simply place it in place and adjust the position in a level using the legs, then connect the sink to the water supply and drainage system. The product is characterized by enviable spaciousness, under the tabletop, you can place almost everything a person needs to take care of his body. In addition, some models offer additional drawers and shelves for storing linens (it all depends on the size of the furniture).
Wall-mounted countertop – not inferior to its floor colleagues. It is characterized by a slightly smaller capacity and installation, which is not difficult. This furniture is hung on the wall with anchors.
Among other things, decorative countertops for bathroom sinks can be distinguished as a separate category of such products – they are characterized by the absence of cabinets and cupboards. Such products are also available in two versions: floor and wall. The latter, for example, is equipped with long legs. For this type of wall product, they are installed using special brackets. It should also be noted that the countertop of this plan, or rather the sink mounted on it, should be equipped with a chrome siphon, which, by the way, costs twice or even three times more than plastic products.
This is how countertops are used in the bathroom. Let’s face it, it’s not hard to choose it, however, you will have to spend some time on it. You should decide what you need the bathroom countertop for, choose the most convenient material, and of course, address the issue of product size. If you can’t choose, then this is a clear sign that it is best to make the countertop with your own hands.
