Which countertop for a bathroom sink is better and how difficult it is to make an inexpensive countertop with your own hands

You don’t need to be a professional designer to understand that a bathroom countertop under a sink is one of the most convenient and functional attributes. Therefore, you need to choose it responsibly and before placing an order, understand in detail the advantages and disadvantages of a particular material.

We will tell you how to correctly select this important piece of furniture for a hygienic room. The article we presented describes in detail the varieties that are in demand by consumers. Do-it-yourselfers will find detailed installation instructions here.

Types of bath countertops

Today, manufacturers offer many configurations of such accessories. Their differences lie in the design. Tabletops are:

1. Monolithic - models already equipped with a sink. Their appearance is elegant and care is simple. This is a convenient option, especially for small bathrooms. If necessary, you can place a washing machine under the washbasin.

1. For built-in sinks. Countertops of this type have a special hole designed for installing a washbasin. Such models are often made to order, but if the measurements are taken correctly, you can choose the finished product.

1. Countertops for countertop sinks. Such accessories have a hole smaller than the washbasin. This is necessary so that the bowl completely covers the surface.

In addition to the design, countertops differ from each other in the material from which they are made.

Chipboard or MDF

Economy class products are made from boards made from natural wood fibers.

Advantages:

• unlimited choice of colors;
• imitation of textures of natural materials (stone, wood);
• the presence of a protective laminated layer, thanks to which the surface is mechanically stable;
• resistance to exposure to sunlight.

The disadvantage is that chipboard and MDF are not the best materials for use in damp rooms. The tabletop gradually swells, losing its aesthetic appearance. The average service life is 5 years.

Expert opinion

Olga Kovalenko

Since 2010 I have been engaged in interior design and architectural design.

When choosing countertops made of chipboard and MDF, you should take into account the formaldehyde emission class. Products marked E0 and E1 are suitable for use in residential premises.

Made from natural or artificial stone

These materials are used to make countertops that become a real decoration of the bathroom. Functionality largely depends on what materials are used for manufacturing: natural or synthetic materials.

Marble and granite are used from natural stones. The advantages of such countertops:

• no cracks appear on the surface;
• temperature resistance;
• moisture resistance;
• combination with any materials;
• various colors.

Of the disadvantages, the most significant is the high cost. In addition, granite and marble countertops are not wall-mounted.

Due to its impressive weight, no bracket can support this product. You can only choose a floor model.

Artificial stone is made from quartz and acrylic. It is much lighter and cheaper than natural. Each of these materials has advantages and disadvantages.

Modern manufacturers of bathroom countertops more often use acrylic stone, consisting of resins, mineral chips and coloring pigments. Products made from this material have the following advantages:

• ease of care;
• wide choice of shapes;
• the joints are invisible;
• maintainability.

The disadvantage is the low strength of acrylic stone. A tabletop made from this material is not resistant to high temperatures and chemicals.

Quartz agglomerate is made under pressure from polyester resins, stone chips, pigments and a number of additives. The main advantages of this material:

• strength;
• thermal resistance;
• ease of care.

The downside is that, unlike acrylic, quartz surfaces cannot be restored once damaged. The material is difficult to process, and therefore countertops of unusual shapes are not made from it.

Made of plasterboard with tile or mosaic finishing

Such countertops are not sold as standard factory models - they are made to order. The basis is a galvanized stainless steel profile covered with sheets of plasterboard. After this, the surface is covered with ceramic or mosaic tiles.

The solution is universal.

You can make a countertop of any shape and design, fitting it into the interior of both a spacious and small bathroom.

The products will last for many years. The only drawback is the difficulty of installing a countertop in a bathroom made of tiles and plasterboard.

Wood

It’s worth noting right away that such products are not practical. Oak, teak, and larch are used for manufacturing. The wood is impregnated with special liquids that increase moisture resistance, and is also covered with several layers of varnish. However, using such tricks, it is still difficult to significantly extend the service life. Wooden countertops are fragile, susceptible to moisture, and therefore last only 3-4 years.

But these products also have advantages: environmental friendliness, good appearance, a variety of shapes and easy installation.

Glass

Glass is considered one of the best materials, despite its apparent fragility. Caring for a tabletop made by you will not be a hassle: just wipe the surface regularly with special microfiber cloths. Glass products do not absorb odors and are not conducive to the development of fungus.

But hygiene is not the only advantage. It is also necessary to say about the aesthetic appearance, which is suitable for any interior and is distinguished by a variety of designs. The following glasses are used to make countertops:

• transparent;
• matte;
• colored;
• optical with LED backlight;
• tinted.

In addition, a mirror is often used. Although fingerprints and similar contaminants are visible on such a surface, with constant care the products look very impressive.

For the production of countertops, special tempered glass is used, and therefore you don’t have to worry about strength. They can withstand significant loads, and the surface is difficult to scratch or damage with something hot.

The disadvantage is the complexity of installation. The glass tabletop may break during installation. In addition, the production of such products is labor-intensive, as a result of which their cost is quite high.

Expert opinion

Olga Kovalenko

Since 2010 I have been engaged in interior design and architectural design.

If, due to mechanical impact, a chip has formed on the surface of the tabletop, then further use of this product is unsafe. It needs to be restored or replaced.

Plastic

This material is considered the most budget-friendly. However, there are other advantages, in particular the variety of designs. Countertops of any size, shape, color are made from plastic.

The material is considered practical as it is moisture resistant. It weighs little, which is reflected in the ease of installation. However, plastic countertops do not last long. After 2-3 years, they begin to change color, and mold may form on the surface.

Acrylic

Acrylic table top

Leading manufacturers include Corian, Gibraltar, Formica Solid Surfacing and Staron. Such surfaces are available in a variety of colors, their patterns are barely noticeable, so they are especially suitable for any style. Advantages: • Durability, resistance to water, bacteria and stains. • Thanks to the imitation of realistic patterns, it can compete with natural stones. • Solidity. • Possibility to mask minimal damage by sanding. • Models with built-in sinks and splashback are available. • Compatibility with other decorative elements, regardless of color and lighting. Disadvantages: • Damage on dark-colored surfaces is more visible. • Susceptible to damage from high temperatures, may crack on impact.

Main selection criteria

To find the best option for your bathroom, you need to pay attention to many things.

Nuances to consider when buying a countertop:

1. Mounting type. Manufacturers offer floor and wall models. The first option is easy to install. There are special legs with which the height of the tabletop can be adjusted. In the case of wall-mounted models, installation is carried out using anchors. The advantage is that the process of cleaning the bathroom is simplified.

1. Product dimensions. They are usually standardized. Sometimes there may be a slight discrepancy. In such cases, the end of a long tabletop is cut off or a cut is made in the wall. As for the width, it is recommended to choose it according to the dimensions of the bathroom. If the room is small, a 40 cm model is suitable. For spacious rooms, products up to 100 cm are used.

1. Functionality. You should pay attention to the presence of shelves, drawers for storing detergents, hygiene products, etc. If you plan to install a washing machine under the washbasin, it is better to have a separate compartment for it, as well as cutouts for sockets.

1. Durability of the material. The tabletop is used in rather difficult conditions, and therefore must withstand temperature changes, humidity, and not be subject to corrosion or the negative influence of chemicals.

1. Appearance. The design depends solely on the taste of the owners, as well as the interior of the bathroom. There are many options - there is a suitable model for any room.

When choosing, it is also recommended to take into account the layout features. For example, if there is a niche in the bathroom, it makes more sense to install the countertop in it.

Variety of shapes and design solutions

Buyers have access to products with any decorative design. The choice depends on the characteristics of the bathroom - its size, layout, style.

The most popular are rectangular and square countertops.

However, there are models of other shapes - angular, oval, round, with recesses, several levels, etc. It all depends solely on your imagination.

The design of the countertop should be harmoniously combined with the interior. For example, for a classic-style bathroom, rectangular or oval models made of marble or granite are suitable. If you want to save money, you can purchase a countertop made of artificial stone.

Square models made of various materials look great in the Art Nouveau style.

For hi-tech or minimalism, a product of strict geometric shapes without any design frills is suitable. For a bathroom decorated in eco- or ethnic style, it is worth choosing a model made of wood or materials that imitate its texture.

Marble

Marble countertop

For centuries, elegant marble has been synonymous with wealth and privilege. Today this stone has become more accessible. In most cases it is white with gray streaks, although other colors exist. Advantages: • Strong and durable material. • Suitable for grinding and other types of processing. • Harmonizes with any style. Disadvantages: • Expensive. • Tendency to stains and cracks. Susceptibility to acids. • The need for filling from time to time.

Color

The choice of color depends on the design of the room. There are no rules here. It is enough to know the general features of color:

• light colors visually enlarge the space, dark ones, on the contrary, make the room a little smaller, but look very noble;
• Cool shades are used when there is good lighting, and warm shades are used to add coziness to the atmosphere.

The color of the countertop can be chosen to match the color scheme of the bathroom interior, or as an accent. Neutral natural tones of natural wood and stone are universal.

Important! If you want to highlight the tabletop against the background of the rest of the furniture and plumbing, you can use rich shades of green, blue, red, and orange.

It is better that the bright color scheme in this case is also repeated by accessories, for example, toothbrush holders or towel hooks. Thanks to this, the bathroom interior will look holistic.

Granite

Granite countertop

Granite surfaces can only compete in demand with quartz surfaces. It is chosen for its naturalness, beautiful design and variety of colors. Pros: • Wide range of patterns, from blurry to bright, and colors. • It is a durable stone, scratch resistant and easy to use. • It is impervious to moisture and heat. • The stone is almost eternal. Disadvantages: • It is one of the most expensive materials. • Heavy weight. • It can be damaged if installed incorrectly. • It requires expensive energy costs to extract, transport and process.

Installation of countertops

Installation features depend on the type of product selected. So, if this is a suspended model, you will have to work hard. You will need special brackets that will hold the tabletop. They are L-shaped fasteners.

Dowels are used to secure them in the wall. The tabletop is fixed to them using screws.

Expert opinion

Olga Kovalenko

Since 2010 I have been engaged in interior design and architectural design.

The brackets can be replaced with metal frames. This option is convenient because such fasteners can serve as a hand towel holder.

Installing a countertop in a bathroom under a sink with legs is not difficult. The process is no different from installing any other furniture. First you need to mark the installation location and screw the legs using special fasteners. Its length should be ¾ of the thickness of the tabletop. If the product is made of stone or glass, it is possible to use an adhesive sealant.

It is easier to install the countertop - on furniture (cabinet) designed for an overhead sink. Reinforced corners are used for installation. These fasteners are available in aluminum, galvanized or stainless steel. On one side they are fixed on the furniture partition, on the other - on the table top with bolts or glue-sealant.

Self-production

Table 1. Making a countertop.

Illustration	Description
Before starting work, it is recommended to make a drawing on paper - to show on it the locations of the fasteners and holes to be cut.
In accordance with the markings, drill holes for fasteners.
Holes for communications and the sink are cut using a jigsaw.
A tap is used and holes are drilled for water hoses.
The next step is to determine the height at which the sink will be located.
The length of the supports is measured, the markings are transferred to the surface of the board and 2 supporting elements are made.
The legs and tabletop are sanded and cleaned of accumulated dust.
Apply waterproof varnish in 2-3 layers to a dry and clean surface. Each layer must first dry.
Markings for fasteners are applied to the wall. Use a level and a pencil for this. The distance between the marks is 40-50 cm. Dowels are inserted into the holes drilled at the locations of the marks and the brackets are fixed to the screws. Using a level, check the horizontal position.
The legs of the tabletop are fixed using corners and wood screws - they have a special structure, due to which they are securely fastened inside the tree.
The tabletop is installed in a given position and screwed to the brackets.
At the final stage, the sink is installed and the connection is made. All joints are carefully sealed.

Prices for popular models of jigsaws

Jigsaw

Video - How to make a wooden tabletop in the loft style

Care Tips

To keep your bathroom clean, regular cleaning is important. The rules by which it should be carried out largely depend on the material from which the countertop is made:

1. It is not recommended to wet MDF and chipboard too much. It is better to wipe the surface with a damp cloth, then with a dry one. Stubborn stains can be removed using cleaning products that contain ammonia. If you need to quickly remove contamination, baking soda, which can be found in every home, will help.

1. To clean glass, it is recommended to use special products designed for washing windows and mirrors. You can try removing old stains using a soft plastic spatula.

1. Dishwashing gel is suitable for cleaning plasterboard countertops with tile trim.

1. For products made of marble and granite, it is worth choosing a special cleaning agent. If it is not there, then a soap solution will do. Wine or coffee stains should be removed immediately as natural stone absorbs coloring pigments. The use of abrasive products is prohibited.

1. Plastic can be cleaned with plain water. Various detergents are suitable for it. In an emergency, even ethyl alcohol can be used.

1. Wooden countertops should be washed with a mild soap solution. If there is complex contamination, it is permissible to use an abrasive sponge.

Maintenance consists not only of cleaning, but also of timely repairs, if needed. So, a countertop made of chipboard can be restored by making patches on it, attached with special glue. There are putties and grouts for wooden surfaces. But it is impossible to carry out repairs of glass and stone products with your own hands.

Photo of countertops in the bathroom

You can navigate the variety of models by studying the gallery below. Photos of room interiors, layouts and styles will help you understand in what cases certain countertops are used.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Choosing a practical countertop for the bathroom is not easy. Indeed, in addition to functionality, it also plays the role of an accent in the room.