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Wooden countertops for the bathroom have become very popular; it is a material that combines naturalness and rigor. The combination of tiles that are a must in a bathroom with wood fits perfectly with this idea and makes the bathroom an extremely fashionable and designer place.
Wood in interiors is nature, warmth and comfort. This material is very beautiful, but delicate. The great value of wood is diversity and originality. Color and design are already decoration. Each type has distinctive features, different grains. Even just looking at wooden patterns can bring endless pleasure. However, when choosing a wooden countertop, be sure to take proper care of it.
Disadvantages of wooden countertops
- not very resistant to high temperatures - wood is flammable;
- Wood countertops are not stain resistant, so they need to be protected. Over time, varnished wood can come off the varnished wood surface. Oiled wood is more heat resistant than varnished wood, but it darkens.
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 the ease of installing a sink into it by inserting it. 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:
- 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;
- 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 installing overhead sinks and for rooms designed in the 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.
Which wooden countertop to choose?
Which wood to choose for the countertop? This is a question not only in the field of aesthetics and interior design. You need to choose wood that is strong and durable. It must also be resistant to high humidity, even periodic flooding and temperature changes. The following will be suitable for the bathroom:
- oak,
- nut,
- acacia
- beech.
Pine, birch or maple wood is soft, but easily absorbs moisture and can be damaged. Additionally, pine tends to turn blue when exposed to moisture, so you'll need to take good care of it.
Exotic wood is very hard and contains oily substances that provide natural protection against moisture. This is a very good, but expensive solution. Worth choosing:
- teak,
- iroko,
- merbau,
- rosewood,
- Red tree.
Materials for making countertops
You can make a tabletop not only from solid wood, but also from wood-based materials.
Solid wood
This is the most expensive type of material, but the appearance of such a countertop is especially expressive and attractive. The product is monolithic and therefore durable. The price-quality ratio is optimal. This tabletop has a unique pattern and pronounced natural texture.
Massive stand with mortise sinks
A product of any geometric shape can be made from a solid mass. The hardest and most resistant to moisture are products made from teak, oak, cedar and larch. Elite and very expensive include countertops made from exotic wood.
The disadvantages of solid wood countertops include high cost and the need for special care. If the array was initially of poor quality, then soon the product will become deformed and crack.
Slab table top
A slab is a cut of a large tree made along or across the trunk. In the manufacture of such countertops, rare or exotic wood is used. The difference from solid wood is that the edges of the slabs are not processed, leaving bark and natural defects on them to emphasize the natural beauty of the product.
Such products are made to order, each is an exclusive product, so their cost is high.
From laminated chipboard
Laminated chipboard is a budget material that is not without its advantages. Its advantages lie in a wide range of colors and imitations of textures, and surface resistance to mechanical and chemical influences. In the manufacture of slabs, shavings and sawdust are used, which are impregnated with resins and pressed under high pressure.
The polymer film on the surface of the slab protects it from moisture. For the same purpose, the ends of the product are covered with an edge.
The disadvantage of the material is its short service life, especially in rooms with high humidity.
laminated chipboard
Prices for chipboard
Chipboard
From MDF
Products made from this material are very popular. Its cost is higher than that of chipboard, but the material itself is more reliable and durable in operation.
In the manufacture of MDF boards, crushed wood chips with a binder in the form of lignin or paraffin are used. Natural substances in the material make it environmentally friendly and safe. The popularity of MDF as a material for countertops is due to its affordable cost and high strength. When heated, the material does not release toxins. The service life of such a countertop is up to 10 years - this is less than that of solid wood products, but more than that of chipboard.
MDF
MDF prices
MDF
Wooden countertops for sinks
Wood in the bathroom can raise a lot of doubts. Many of you are wondering if it will look good, if it will be easy to clean, and if the bathroom is a good place to add a little wood. It should be noted from the very beginning that you should not limit yourself.
Wood is favorable to any arrangement and can be combined with other materials. Therefore, a wooden countertop for a bathroom is a good choice, but you should know its specifics.
A wooden bathroom countertop can add a sense of luxury and exclusivity to any room. If you care about interior design and are looking for a suitable way to furnish it, wood should be the answer to this need. When chosen correctly, it can be extremely elegant and blend perfectly with the style of the bathroom.
Wood in the bathroom is primarily Scandinavian style. Scandinavian style has recently become extremely fashionable and is used by people with a well-developed sense of taste. Scandinavian style is characterized by rawness and the elegant integration of organic elements into the decor. Created in bright cool tones, the colors of nature. A wooden countertop for your bathroom can be the perfect way to give it a luxurious Scandinavian design.
Manufacturing and installation of wooden countertops
If you wish, you can make a completely decent tabletop with your own hands. Purchasing materials is not a problem now, and such a product will cost several times cheaper than a factory-made one. In addition, you can show your imagination and give the tabletop some original shape.
To work you will need:
- furniture boards and larch boards;
- jigsaw;
- drill and wood bits;
- level and pencil;
- fine-grained sandpaper;
- wood varnish and paint brush;
- screwdriver;
- colorless silicone;
- brackets;
- dowels and screws.
Step 1. Place the shield on a flat surface and attach the template for cutting holes, which comes with the sink, to it. Use tape to secure the template.
Drawing according to which drilling and cutting will be carried out
Step 2. Drill holes for fasteners, then use a jigsaw to cut out a hole for the sink and communications.
Drilled holes
Hole for installing a sink
Trying on the faucet, drilling holes for water supply hoses
Step 3. Determine the height of the sink, measure the length of the legs for the countertop, transfer the measurements to the board and cut out 2 blanks from it.
Place where the countertop and countertop sink will be located
Sawing legs from timber
Step 4. The tabletop and blanks for the legs are thoroughly sanded, after which the resulting dust is removed. Treat the wood on all sides with waterproof varnish. It is advisable to apply the varnish in 2-3 layers, observing the drying intervals between layers. Instead of varnish, you can use any protective impregnation.
Surface grinding
Sanding process
The wood needs to be varnished
Step 5. While the blanks are drying, markings are made on the wall for fasteners. To do this, at the selected height, apply a level to the base and put marks with a pencil at a distance of 40-50 cm from each other.
Step 6. Drill holes in the wall according to the marks, insert dowels, then screw the brackets with self-tapping screws. Check their horizontal position again to avoid distortions of the tabletop.
Step 7. The legs are attached to the tabletop using self-tapping screws and metal corners, then they are placed close to the wall and screwed to the brackets. Insert the sink, connect the siphon and water supply, carefully apply sealant around the perimeter of the joints.
Tabletop mounted on brackets
A homemade countertop is no worse than a factory one
Is it easy to keep a wooden bathroom countertop clean?
We often encounter problems with storing wooden countertops in bathrooms and their resistance to damage.
It is well known that wood does not like frequent contact with water, which has a destructive effect on it. In a bathroom, it would be difficult to avoid the countertop from coming into contact with water. Is it worth fearing that as a result, the work surface will look unsightly after a while and will be impossible to clean?
A wooden countertop for a bathroom is usually made using a technology that protects the wood from damage. Moreover, if properly varnished, it should not pose any serious problems when cleaning, and this should be possible using normal cleaning products. A wooden countertop in a bathroom always looks aesthetically pleasing and does not require too much space.
Corrective Actions
So, the tree is uncomfortable in the humid hot environment of the bathroom, how to fix it?
Breed selection
First of all, you should choose a suitable type of wood for the countertop. Let's consider the possible options.
Advice: you should immediately exclude the use of particle boards for the stated purpose, since they swell very quickly in the presence of excess moisture in the air.
Swollen and deformed particle board
Degree of resistance to the harmful effects of moisture | Tree species |
High | Oak, teak and larch |
Average | Pine, alder, cedar and spruce |
Low | Beech, linden, birch, linden, aspen and maple |
Solid wood oak bathroom countertops
Exotic varieties such as iroku, merbau, bamboo and jatoba also have very high resistance to dampness, mechanical and temperature influences. But the cost of such breeds is correspondingly high.
Tip: also consider the level of wood processing when purchasing. Weakly dried samples with visible flaws on their surface will not last long.
Treatment
Varnishing wood
As a rule, the countertop is sold already impregnated with moisture-repellent substances. But if you need to perform this task yourself, or you simply want to further protect and decorate the purchased product, then first we coat the wood surface with antiseptics, and then choose between varnish and oil coating:
Coverage name | pros | Minuses |
Varnish |
|
|
Oil |
|
|
Oil is more resistant to heat and does not contain harmful substances, while varnishes are less demanding and better protect wood from scratches. The final choice depends on your preferences.
How to choose a wooden countertop for a bathroom?
What should you consider when choosing a wooden countertop?
Above all, a sense of aesthetics and your own plan for the ideal space. A wooden countertop in a bathroom, in addition to fulfilling all its functions, should also look good. Before purchasing, it is worth finding out which tree will suit you best, and this knowledge should determine your choice.
It is difficult to clearly determine the correct choice of countertops. It depends on individual preferences and your unique bathroom layout. However, it is worth installing solid, quality wood in a beautiful color, such as oak or walnut. However, there is no set rule. Light countertops will work well in one bathroom, dark countertops in others. It all depends on the type of tile used.
Flaws
When purchasing a wooden countertop for a bathroom, you should be aware of the disadvantages of this building material. These include:
- Susceptibility to deformation. Under the influence of water, steam, temperature changes and improper processing, the layer stratifies, swells, and changes shape.
- Not resistant to abrasion. Without applying special protective agents and finishing paints, it is impossible to avoid damage from mechanical influences: scratches, chips, dents, stains.
- Fire hazard.
Is a wooden countertop suitable for a bathroom?
Yes, wood can easily adapt to any type of space. You don't have to worry about your bathroom looking unsightly.
The introduction of wooden elements will give the room a luxurious character and design. Thanks to this, it will look modern and even prestigious.
Therefore, a wooden tabletop is always a good idea if you are looking for a unique and modern solution. This makes it possible to combine “raw” style with modernity. Wood is a material that has been used for years, so why not use it in your own bathroom?
Features of care
After you have chosen the type of wood for your bathroom countertop and covered it with protective agents, you should familiarize yourself with some of the nuances of caring for it, which will significantly extend the service life of the product:
- Before installation, let the countertop sit in the bathroom for a couple of weeks so that the wood can get used to the environment in which it will be located in the future. It’s better to let thermal expansion and other deformations occur before you fix the structure.
- Try to eliminate any puddles immediately after they form.
- Avoid using abrasive detergents; they have a negative impact on the coating.
- Opt for a countertop sink. This model will require minimal intervention in the structure of the countertop, which will have a positive effect on its moisture resistance.
Surface-mounted sink on a wooden countertop
Photo of a wooden countertop for a bathroom
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