Countertop bathroom sinks: features of choice
Nowadays, it is very difficult to imagine a bathroom without a washbasin. Many people choose the option of a combined sink with a countertop. Everyone wants to choose the most practical, beautiful and economical option.
Peculiarities
Countertop washbasins save space and are the perfect solution for a wide range of bathroom sizes. Their design combines a washbasin and storage shelves. As a result, there is a place for washing utensils on the worktop itself and under the worktop too.
It is important to correctly calculate the dimensions of both the countertop and the sink, so that the countertop is not too massive and monumental and does not clutter up the bathroom space.
Views
Currently, developers have come up with many options for sinks.
Bowls
The washbasin is made in the shape of a bowl and is either cut into the countertop or installed from above.
You can put a bowl with a countertop anywhere in the bathroom: in the center, in the corner. You can even fit the sink into the wall.
Recently, many users prefer a countertop washbasin. This is a bowl that can be placed on any flat surface. The main thing is that it is even.
The surface can be wood, stone or marble. Some people make a tabletop from a solid log of wood. The wood is specially processed so that it does not rot due to the humidity in the air. Usually the countertop in this case fulfills not only an applied character, but also a decorative one. You can place decor items directly on it. The good thing about the overhead sink is that there is no need to attach it to the wall, so the design is more reliable.
Cast
The one-piece worktop comes complete with a built-in sink. The advantages of the design are that it is one-piece, which means that its service life increases, since there are no joints between the sink and the countertop. They do not get water and they do not start to get damp from moisture. This type is easy to operate and maintain. A cast tabletop is more beneficial from a hygienic point of view. However, it is important to understand that one-piece sets are made from expensive materials such as natural stone and marble.
It must be remembered that if the sink bowl itself loses its attractiveness or something happens to it, then the entire structure will have to be changed.
When installing a solid worktop with a sink, it is important to be careful so that there are no chips or breakages. Replacing the product is not so easy, and it cannot be repaired.
Integrated into the worktop
These sinks are installed in the countertop itself. They may not protrude beyond the countertop, but may rise several centimeters above it. These sinks are very compact and save space in the bathroom.
Another advantage of this design is that if the sink itself is damaged, it can be easily replaced with another one. In this case, the tabletop will be intact. A sink that is integrated into the countertop is less prone to chipping than a bowl-shaped sink.
It is important to pay attention to the place where the sink meets the countertop. This is the weak point of such models.
The joint must be treated with a hermetic substance so that damage to the countertop and the sink itself does not occur.
Offset drain
In this type of sink, the drain is not in the center, as in most models, but in the corner of the bowl. This is done for practical reasons. In this case, there is a washing machine under the countertop. The siphon and sewer pipes run next to the wall, so this design of the sinks allows the machine to be installed.
With two sinks
Most often this model is used in large and spacious bathrooms. It will also be convenient for large families so that the problem of washing lines is solved. From a hygiene point of view, two sinks are the best option because the risk of contamination of each other is minimal. Ideally, these are separate sinks and bathrooms for children and adults. Then the diseases will not be so actively transmitted to all family members. In addition, for some, the issue of personal space is very important. The double sink option is a great solution for these families.
The disadvantage of these designs is that they require a spacious bathroom to install. In a small one, it will simply be impossible to install this structure, since it is quite voluminous. Besides, it's not cheap. And some inconvenience may be an increase in the cleaning area. A large countertop and two sinks will have to be washed.
Freestanding sink
It mounts directly to the floor. The entire plumbing is hidden in the sink leg. It looks very stylish and can be installed anywhere in the bathroom.
Forms
Shell shapes abound in variations. Here the choice depends on the financial capabilities of the person and his vision of beauty and style.
It is possible to install both a surface-mounted and a round washbasin integrated into the countertop. Such a sink model is considered a very old model, but even now it looks stylish and will fit even in the most modern interior. We can say that this form of shells is the most versatile. When installing a round sink, it is important to take into account its depth and the height of the people who will operate it. Otherwise, a situation may result when the sink is high and it will be uncomfortable to perform hygiene procedures over it.
A semicircular washbasin saves space better than a round one.
Therefore, for small bathrooms it is more convenient to use this option.
Materials (edit)
Plumbing manufacturers strive to work not only on the shapes of sinks, but also on the materials from which they are made. There are many materials and they are in different price categories.
To create sinks and countertops use:
Acrylic
It allows the production of shells of any shape, because it is very plastic. Plus, the acrylic sinks and countertops are easy to clean. Their surface does not crack, does not darken. Regular easy maintenance - and a sink with a countertop will delight you with its whiteness and appearance for a long time. High temperatures and humidity are not terrible for acrylic.
Acrylic structures are allowed to be installed even in medical institutions, since acrylic is an unnatural material and microbes on its surface do not multiply as actively as, for example, on natural stone. Besides, acrylic is quite durable to use. And its price is not as high as that of products made from natural materials.
Glass
Glass sinks look very nice and, due to their transparency, create the effect of weightlessness. These products look appropriate in any interior. Glass is a versatile material in this regard. But you need to take into account that it needs careful care. It is necessary to rub it almost after every use, otherwise water droplets will solidify on the surface and the structure will look dirty.
There is no need to worry about the strength of the model, because not simple glass is used, but tempered glass. It is very difficult not only to break it, but also to simply damage the surface. Even scratching such a structure will not be an easy task.
Such models are not cheap. The warranty period for products ranges from 3 years to 5. Glass can be used both matte and glossy. For a glossy one, even more careful care is needed. Glass models can be made not only of transparent glass, but also of colored glass.
Wood
A very beautiful material, but relatively rarely used in bathroom interiors. More often it is used in design options. But the use of wood will make the interior special and different from others.
How long such a tabletop will last depends on the type of wood., from which it is made, and correct, competent care for it. You can also make a wooden countertop yourself, especially if you have experience with wood.
It is important to remember that this is a highly hygroscopic material and may stain. Therefore, it is important to wipe down the surface of the countertop in a timely manner.
Depending on the type of wood, the cost of the product varies. But it is important to remember that this is a natural material, so the cost will be high in any case.
Solid countertops are the best option for a bathroom. You can give them any shape, even the most original. The natural pattern is preserved on the board and it looks very aesthetically pleasing. The most commonly used is an array of teak, oak, larch, cedar. You can also use species of exotic trees, but it will be expensive. And with such experiments, it is important to take into account how strong and durable this tree species is.
Wooden slabs - This is a longitudinal or cross section of large trees. The edges of the slabs are often left untreated and natural for the sake of design. It looks very original, fresh and natural. The cost of such models is very high, since valuable types of wood are used.
Wooden panels for furniture are fastened together or glued together. Planks of ash, oak or larch are often used. Sometimes pine boards. This is the most inexpensive and budget option. But it is worth considering that the weak point of such structures is the joints. They can change and deteriorate from exposure to high temperatures and humidity.
Chipboard products - the most economical option for wooden products, however, and the most short-lived, because water and moisture do their job and penetrate the joints, as a result, the tabletop can swell, which often happens despite the presence of a protective film.
MDF - the material is clean from an environmental point of view. It is made from very fine chips, which are pressed together and bound together with paraffin or lignin. The lifespan of these countertops is not as long as that of solid countertops. And this type requires special care in order to extend the life of the product.
Some wood worktops are best avoided in the bathroom. These are birch, maple, aspen. Whatever wood processing is used, these types of trees are still prone to rotting at high humidity, moreover, they absorb water very well.
Cast marble
This is a very noble material. It does not absorb water, as its structure is not porous. It is glossy, so it looks very advantageous in the interior.
The cost of this type of countertops and sinks is quite high, since natural materials are used for their production.
The peculiarity of the operation is the accuracy of using cast marble countertops and sinks. Do not allow heavy objects to fall on the structure, as they can damage the material. Scratches can appear on marble if carelessly refers to the choice of care products. Do not use metal sponges, only melamine sponges. They very gently remove dirt from all types of surfaces.
In order to keep the sink and countertop looking new after many years of use, it is better to buy special polishes for the care of cast marble products.
Stainless steel
This is a very common type of countertops and sinks, but is more commonly used in kitchens. Differs in low cost. These countertops and sinks retain their beautiful appearance for a long time, but it is necessary to use special products for the care of such products, otherwise scuffs and stains may appear on the surface, which will be impossible to get rid of. It is also worth considering that this is metal, so there will be a loud noise when a jet of water falls. This can cause discomfort when using stainless steel products.
Dimensions (edit)
The correct dimensions of the sink and countertop will ensure ease of use and enjoyment of the product. Therefore, in addition to the design of the structure and the materials from which the sink with the countertop will be made, it is important to take into account the dimensions of the model.
When calculating, it is important to pay attention to three parameters Is the width, height and depth of the product. When choosing, you must carefully monitor that the parameters of the product correspond to those that you have planned.
Initially, it is best to focus on the width of the product. This is the most important parameter. The rest are repelled by him. The width of the products varies between 35 and 100 cm. There are models and more than 100 cm. The average width, which most users choose, is from 55 to 65 centimeters. If you buy a product that is smaller in width, then there is a high probability of staining the surface of the bathroom with splashes.
There are those who donate options for both European and Russian screens are less than 55 cm. When the bathroom is small, it may be advisable.
There are those who buy sinks with a width of more than 65 cm. Then the distance of the long part of the sink can be 140, 160 cm. This is convenient and comfortable if there is a large bathtub, in which case it is possible to install a double sink.
A double sink can only be comfortable in a spacious room, otherwise it will be inconvenient to use it and you will have to forget about its advantages.
The height parameter refers to the depth of the sink. The optimum product depth is between 13.5 and 15 cm. When the sink is deep enough, there will be less water splashing to the sides, which will have a positive effect on the cleanliness of the countertops and floors in the bathroom. The height of the countertop should be calculated based on the average height of the people who will be using it. The average height for males is from 94 to 110 centimeters. In the female population, this parameter is lower - from about 80 to 92 centimeters. But the best solution would be to focus on the growth of households, since there are cases of deviation from the average.
Depth is the distance from the edge of the sink to the wall. The normal indicator of this distance is from 48 to 61 cm. There is another method for determining the required distance - you need to stand very tightly to the sink, stretch your arms forward and see if the back wall of the product touches your fingertips or the middle of your palms.
Bowl diameters over 120 cm can only be installed in spacious rooms. In small to medium sized bathrooms, this size will interfere with the free movement of people.
Color solutions
The interiors can be used in different colors for sinks and countertops under them. You can use contrasting solutions. You can choose the same color for both the sink and the countertop. It all depends on the interior itself and on the courage of the designer.
You can choose the option where the black countertop contrasts with the white sink. Contrast will grab attention, especially if the entire bathroom is furnished with this color scheme in mind and works on the difference between dark and light. It will be original, modern and fresh. But for those who prefer quieter combinations, such a tandem may not work. Then you can decorate the interior in calmer colors.
Unusual design
There are some standard bathroom solutions for countertops and sinks, but there are models that amaze with their audacity and originality. For example, a variant with a mosaic top. It is made of mosaic, which looks very unusual.
If space in the bathroom needs to be saved and there is little space left for the washing machine, then the option to hide the machine under the countertop and place the sink on top comes to the rescue.
The machine under the sink will take up a minimum of space and will look original.
If the bathroom is large enough to accommodate a double washbasin, a single countertop can be used for the two washbasins. One countertop for two sinks looks very stylish, especially if you choose a beautiful material. For example, a tree.
You can install the sink on a cabinet with drawers. They will save space in the bathroom and will be relevant for small bathrooms. This option is practical, as the furniture provides storage space.
An interesting design solution is to make the sink of an irregular ellipse shape. In everyday life, such a sink is called left or right, depending on which corner of the room the product is located in. Does not fit into the classic bathroom interior.
Manufacturers overview
You can choose models of European brands, you can also Russian companies. Below will be presented options for both European and Russian brands.
Valleroy & Boch
European firm for the production of sanitary ware. Joint production of Germany, Italy and Austria. The best bathroom furniture is their handiwork. Their models are not budgetary, but the workmanship is excellent.
Despite the fact that their furniture is often presented in very unusual colors and designs of quirky shapes, everything is very functional and practical. And the quality is guaranteed by the inscription "Made in Germany". And German products have proven themselves only from the best side.
Their countertops and sinks will fit into any decor, from modern minimalism to luxurious classics and sophisticated retro. The sizes of products can be found for any bathroom. The product warranty is 10 years.
The disadvantages of this company include only the high cost of their products. There are no options below 32 thousand rubles. The price ceiling is more than 590 thousand rubles. Sometimes in the markets you can find a fake, so it is important to pay attention to the price of the product. If the price is suspiciously low, then it is most likely a fake. In Russia, unfortunately, there is no widespread use of this brand, moreover, the assortment is not fully represented. But there are online stores and the possibility of buying even in another country and delivering it to Russia.
Roca
Joint production between Spain and Russia. The company is a little less than a hundred years old. They started to produce cast iron bathtubs, and now they have a very wide range of bathroom furniture. This company is very common in Russia.
Their products are very easy to use.
The choice of brand models is very wide, so you can choose what will be most suitable for each particular person. The price range is designed for any buyer. Prices start at 16 thousand rubles. It happens that there are models with a factory defect, but in this case, you can organize an exchange or return of the product. It is imperative to use a sealant when installing the sink so that the furniture lasts longer.
Cersanit
Products from Russia, Romania and Poland. The firm uses calm colors in its collections. - from chocolate brown shades to noble beige and standard white. There is a large selection of furniture for small bathrooms. But it still remains beautiful, easy to use and of high quality. The firm puts the interests of buyers at the forefront when looking for design solutions.
However, there are models with a problem in the drain, so these technical imperfections have to be taken into account when installing sinks.
Triton
The production is exclusively Russian. The assortment also includes mounted models of sinks, which is not typical for Russia. The company is aimed at the Russian market, therefore, it takes into account the specifics of the area in relation to bathrooms. In Russia, especially in the old apartment stock, bathrooms are very compact. This feature is taken into account by the models of this brand.
The price tag for the Russian buyer is very acceptable. If you buy models from chipboard, the joints can swell and this will ruin the appearance of the furniture. In cabinets for sinks, it is necessary to make holes for connecting communications, which, of course, is inconvenient.
How to make a stand yourself?
If for some reason the finished furniture is not suitable for purchase, it is possible to make a stand under the sink with your own hands.
Algorithm of work:
- Before making a cabinet under the sink with your own hands, you need to decide on the dimensions - what will be the height, width and depth of the product.
- It is important to take into account the dimensions of the sink itself and build on this when choosing a stand for it.
- Make a sketch of the curbstone, taking into account all dimensions. You can make it from any materials. For example, from drywall or chipboard.
- Apply the markings on the chipboard sheet in accordance with the sketch.
- Start cutting out the component parts of the curbstone.
- The hole for the sink can be cut with a jigsaw. It is important not to be mistaken with the size of the bottom of the sink.
- After all the components have been cut out, it remains to assemble the curbstone.
- It is necessary to process all the edges of the stand with moisture-resistant glue, and before that they need to be cleaned with sandpaper.
- Start attaching the side of the curbstone to the frame.
You can do this with self-tapping screws, or you can use glue.
- In order for the assembled structure to be stable, it is necessary to reinforce the sidewalls with cut corners to the frame.
- You can install a countertop with a sink hole.
- Then you can equip the cabinet with doors or shelves in accordance with the conceived design.
Installation subtleties
The most important thing is to make sure that the size of the sink matches the hole in the countertop. You can put the sink on the glue yourself. This method is not the most reliable, but available to everyone. Before installing, you need to sand all the edges with sandpaper. It is important to remember about the free approach of communications to the sink.
Beautiful examples in the interior
- A very convenient, beautiful and practical option. The overhead bowl looks unusual, and the tabletop itself serves as a storage facility. The washing machine does not clutter up the space in the bathroom.
- Option for a large bathroom. Double washbasin with solid top. The absence of joints looks very advantageous and will increase the service life of the product.
For how strong the countertop for the washbasin should be, see the next video.
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