Bathroom countertops: 130 photos and video description of how to choose and use a bathroom countertop correctly

A good countertop for a bathroom sink will greatly increase the functionality of the room, and most importantly, with it your bathroom will radiate warmth and homeliness. There is now enough of such goodness on the market, but a large assortment is the same problem as the lack of goods. Therefore, first we will find out the pros and cons of existing models, and finally I will give step-by-step instructions for assembling a countertop with your own hands.

A countertop under a bathroom sink is not a luxury, but a way to rationally use useful space

What is the countertop for in the bathroom?

In fact, the importance of this piece of furniture for bathroom users is enormous. You can lay out washroom accessories on it and place a wall mirror.

However, its role is not limited to that of a simple shelf. It serves as a support for the sink. Very often a sink for a countertop in a bathroom is purchased at the same time.

Romantic interior in Provencal style

The mild and sunny climate of the southern regions of France is associated with calm, pastel colors. Several characteristic features will emphasize the originality of the interior in a rustic style:

• the color scheme is formed by light pastel shades (sand, cream, white, beige, lilac, light green);
• you can lay out an interesting pattern on the work surface, but any combination of shades should not look provocative;
• Provence style assumes the presence of a variety of textile decor (curtains, tablecloths, pillows, upholstery). The shades of textile patterns should be reflected in the palette of the tabletop.

As an option mosaic tiles

Ceramics with plant motifs will be an excellent decoration for the kitchen countertop. Motifs depicting fruits and vegetables look interesting as decor.

To prevent such surfaces from looking too patterned, you can use this material to decorate a small area of ​​the countertop near the sink.

Advice To create a homely atmosphere, it is better to choose products of small sizes - 10x10 cm or 15x15 cm. Discreet and cozy interior: white and blue kitchen.

The work surface is laid out with blue tiles. A kitchen apron, decorated with pale blue squares with small plant patterns, will harmoniously complement the work surface. The role of the plinth will be played by a strip lined with the same blue tiles as the table.

The blue frieze will elegantly border the ceramic plinth. A milky kitchen set will visually soften the coolness of the blue tones. White grout will give the countertop an elegant look and make it visually lighter.

Porcelain tiles are a more budget option

An easy option for creating a cozy interior is to lay out identical squares on the kitchen apron and work table. Choose contrasting shades or to match the color scheme of the interior.

An original option for finishing a desktop is rectangular products that imitate a wooden surface . In the manufacture of ceramic elements, clay, special additives to improve the structure, and quartz sand are used. Which material to choose, glazed (with single/double firing) or matte, is up to the residents to decide individually.

The wooden surface is easily imitated by tiles of different shades. For a soft, calm Provencal style, light-colored material (oak, maple, birch) would be a win-win option. Patterned textiles with floral designs will bring a play of colors to the interior.

In calm beige color

A fashion trend is to use it with a worn effect. The material imitating aged wood looks elegant and noble.

Tabletop requirements

This piece of furniture must have the following parameters;

• moisture resistance. A common problem in many bathrooms is high humidity. It leads to the fact that wooden furniture not treated with special means begins to rot very quickly;
• ease of maintenance. In the cramped space of a hygiene room, this is a very important indicator;
• aesthetics. Any furniture located in the bathroom simply must look beautiful;
• ease.

Tree

Wood vanity tops must be well sealed because these porous surfaces are susceptible to water damage, aka rot. The problem is the tightness of the seams where sinks and faucets touch.

However, wood creates a warm, cozy feel and an organic look when used as a counter. Keep in mind that it is thicker in width, plumbing connections may need to be modified.

Kinds

Bathroom countertops can be:

• hanging (hanged on the wall);
• linear (they are placed along the walls and their length can be equal to the length of the wall);
• corner. They are placed in corners, resulting in significant space savings.

Also available are countertops with:

• rounded edges;
• hard edges.

Popular tile colors

The most relevant are the following color scheme.

White

Due to the snow-white tiled surfaces, it is possible to visually expand the space, fill it with light and give a more aesthetic image.

The photo shows a kitchen set with a white square tile base.

Brown

It is a natural, relaxed design that allows you to endow the environment with warmth, comfort and a certain nobility.

Beige

A soft and calm beige shade will undoubtedly create a very gentle and sophisticated atmosphere.

The photo shows an island with a sink with a base tiled in beige in the kitchen interior.

Blue

Thanks to the beautiful and multifaceted tile finish, the interior is filled with special coolness and peace.

The photo shows the interior of the bathroom and the countertop with washbasin, decorated with blue mosaics.

Green

It will add natural energy to the room, refresh the atmosphere and create a feeling of naturalness.

Multicolored

Thanks to the huge variety of different colors, you can easily dilute and transform even the most boring and monotonous design. For example, a rather interesting option would be a catchy and original cladding with multi-colored stripes of different widths.

From chipboard

This material has long been traditional for furniture production. Furniture made from this board is distinguished by its aesthetics, relative lightness and low cost. But that's where the advantages end.

The disadvantages of such countertops are also very significant:

• relatively short service life compared to furniture made from other materials;
• Chipboard is very afraid of moisture and if it swells excessively, it can rot and collapse.

Therefore, if the owner nevertheless decided to pursue cheapness and chose a countertop made of chipboard, he must remember that its service life may be short-lived.

Note!

• IKEA bathroom: TOP-140 photos and videos of IKEA bathroom design options. Manufacturer's advantages. Features of the collections
• PVC panels for the bathroom: TOP-180 photos and video reviews. Advantages and disadvantages of the material. Varieties of PVC panel models. Mounting methods

• Bathroom faucet: types of faucets and coating materials. Shower switch mechanism. Built-in and external mixers (photo + video)

Special connoisseurs of furniture made from particle boards should take a closer look at laminated chipboard (laminated chipboard).

Installation nuances

Any construction process requires skill. If this is your first experience working with tiles, then it is better to choose a small countertop for renovation. The principle of covering walls and countertops is the same. The edges and ends of the tabletop are decorated with special ceramic corners or elements made of wood or aluminum. During repairs, several subtleties should be taken into account:

• To finish the countertop, you can specifically buy materials or use leftovers. When laying it yourself, it can be difficult to accurately calculate the amount of material. Therefore, it is necessary to buy tiles slightly larger than the table area required (about 10-15%). If several types of remains have been preserved, the surface is decorated in the form of a mosaic. Moreover, the elements are selected to be of the same thickness. And to cut mosaics they use a tile cutter;
• The table surface must be absolutely flat and clean. If the base of the tabletop is wooden, then it is treated with moisture-proof impregnation. For reliability, the base can be attached to the wall. The plywood base is made from two multi-layer sheets and attached to the furniture with self-tapping screws;

Stylish kitchen in a modern style

• Various adhesives are suitable for installation: carpentry glue, special wood glue, cement-sand mortar with the addition of PVA. To apply the glue evenly, use a spatula. It takes 12-14 hours for it to stick well.

The finishing touch is the use of silicone sealant or epoxy resin grout.

To do the job efficiently, it is advisable to use a rubber spatula. The joints must be filled with high quality - the strength of the countertop finish depends on this. After a day, the remaining grout is removed. If you first apply masking tape, the process of removing grout residue will be quick and clean.

Loft style

Made from natural stone

Many of our wealthier fellow citizens install a stone countertop in their bathroom.

Such furniture is made from a solid stone slab, in which a hole is made for the sink, then it is carefully polished. It is distinguished by ideal qualities for bath furniture - durability and moisture resistance.

But it is important to remember that marble countertops cannot be cleaned with bleach or acids. They corrode the marble surface and can cause great damage to furniture.

Types of countertops and their features

The countertop and sink are one piece (solid)

This is the best option as it is as hygienic as possible. The countertop and sink do not form seams (joints) into which dirt and bacteria can penetrate. After a breakdown, it cannot be repaired; the tabletop is replaced.

Most often, such a model is made of natural stone (possibly artificial stone) and glass. The only negative is the price. Under the countertop you can install a washing machine, shelves or a bedside table.

The sink is built into the countertop

This is a fairly common option and not the best. For the reason that a seam is formed between the sink and the countertop, in which dirt accumulates, moisture collects, and as a result, bacteria and fungi multiply.

Another disadvantage is that this dirt is difficult, almost impossible to wash off, since the gap is too small for this. This model is quite economical and convenient. Makes it possible to combine cabinets, shelves, and install a washing machine.

The sink bowl is placed on the countertop

This option, like the previous one, is less successful because it is not hygienic enough. A joint forms between the sink and the countertop, where dirt accumulates and, as a result, bacteria multiply.

This method of combining a sink and countertop is budget-friendly and easy to install. Under the tabletop you can place a bedside table, shelves, drawers.

Made from artificial stone

The above material is obtained after gluing natural stone chips using acrylic or polymer resin. Countertops made from this material are also very durable and moisture resistant.

When caring for them, you should not use only those detergents that contain abrasives. Therefore, an artificial countertop for the bathroom is a rather practical solution.

Note!

• Self-leveling floor in the bathroom - TOP 170 photo and video options. Advantages of self-leveling flooring in the bathroom. DIY pouring instructions

• Chest of drawers in the bathroom: 165 photos of stylish models and videos of current options for placing chests of drawers

• Sliding curtains for the bathroom - 165 photos + video instructions on how to choose and install sliding curtains correctly

How to lay tiles?

Marking diagram for laying tiles.

As an example, the direct laying method will be considered. The basis is a tile with dimensions 10x10 cm.

First of all, you need to place the countertop for cladding. Its width is measured from both edges. Along the edges, you need to mark two middle points and connect them with a line so as to get a mark - a line in the center of the tabletop. Next, the center is marked in width, two points are laid out and connected in the same way.

As a result, you can get two lines intersecting at right angles, which go along the center of the tabletop being manufactured. They will also serve as guides for further facing work.

The process of laying tiles consists of the following steps:

• At the bottom of the tabletop, slats are fixed, used as beacons. These slats are used as supports for finishing the ends. The corner outer profile is secured to the ends with self-tapping screws. The cement layer is carefully primed;
• dilute the glue according to the instructions;

To ensure durability, it is recommended to add primer to the water (ratio 1:3).

• Color options for grouting.

  cladding is carried out from the sides that will be in the visibility zone. You will need to start cladding from the outer parts of the countertop. Using a notched spatula, apply a layer of glue to the cement base;

• The first tile is placed on the corner of the countertop. Then the first rows are laid out, it is important to maintain an angle of 90°. The external line is checked using a building level. The horizontality of the plane is checked using the same level. The internal parts of the tiles should be located at the same distance from the intended lines;
• You should think about lining the end parts of the tabletop being manufactured. There are several options. The tile needs to be brought out approximately 1 cm. The cut tile is glued at a right angle, with the front side up. The size of the seam can be adjusted using crosses and filled with grout. The lower part of the trim should be hidden in the profile. This cladding method is the simplest;

To simplify the work, during the installation of the first row you will need to set the end tiles. End trim can be replaced by a border. This tile can be placed upward. Then you will need to attach the main masonry to it.

• The external corner is mounted using an external corner profile for tiles. It is recommended to install it under the tile, which is located in the upper part;
• Another option is to saw the tiles at an angle of 45°. This process is quite complex. If you do not have the appropriate skills and tools, it is recommended to make do with the two methods described above. If you still plan to cut down the tiles, you will need to sand the edges;
• further installation is quite simple. Tiles should be laid in long rows. Plastic crosses must be installed in the seams, and excess mortar must be removed on site. It is imperative to control the plane: gaps should not form between the tile and the level;
• Then the tiles are cut to fit the washbasin. An error of 0.5 cm is allowed. It is important to remember that the washbasin must rest on the surface to be tiled along the entire plane. Porcelain tiles can be easily cut with a tile cutter. Before cutting the tiles for the washbasin, it is recommended to make a template from cardboard and then mark it;
• cut tiles are placed near the walls. In the future, these seams need to be covered with silicone sealant.

Glass table top

Glass countertops have gained popularity relatively recently. Glass is not susceptible to the negative external influences that the bathroom microclimate has on furniture.

Glass built-in countertops in the bathroom look very aesthetically pleasing. Moreover, if the glass is handled carefully, they are very durable.

General tips for tiling countertops

The execution of work must be approached very carefully.
It must be said right away that using tiles as finishing coatings for countertops is not the most optimal solution and has many risks, which we will talk about in this article a little lower. If for floor coverings such errors go unnoticed, then countertops react extremely negatively to them. What is the best tile to use? Table. Types of tiles for finishing countertops

Choosing tiles for countertops

We have outlined brief physical characteristics of the tiles, but there are also very strict requirements for the bases of the countertops.

Made of plastic

Modern industry produces high-quality countertops from durable plastic. They have a number of undoubted advantages, including:

• budget (the cost of such products is very low);
• aesthetics, a wide variety of shapes;
• ease of installation in the bathroom;
• moisture resistance.

But they also have one significant drawback - fragility. Plastic is a fairly fragile material that can break.

In addition, its surface is characterized by an effect such as fading, which can appear after 2-3 years.

Note!

• Bathroom design 3 sq. m. - 115 photos and video description of how to decorate a bathroom in a stylish and original way

• Bathroom 6 sq. m.: 175 photos of practical ideas for applying bathroom design and video description of styling

• Bathroom lamps: 140 photos and video description of how to install beautiful and stylish lamps

Which wood is better

The main criterion for choosing a countertop is, of course, the type of wood. For a bathroom, you need to select high-density wood that is resistant to rotting, cracking and deformation. The best indicators in this regard are the wood of exotic species - merbau, rosewood, iroko, teak.

Merbau wood texture

The pattern of rosewood can vary quite a lot from tree to tree.

Iroko color and texture

In addition to strength and moisture resistance, these breeds are distinguished by a rich range of colors and expressive patterns. Tabletops made from them look incredibly impressive and give the interior a solid look. Of course, the cost of such products is very high, and not everyone can afford to buy them.

Teak

Among the domestic species, the most resistant to moisture are larch, oak, walnut, ash, spruce and pine, and cedar. But it is better not to install countertops made of birch, linden, maple and aspen in the bathroom, since these species strongly absorb moisture and are prone to rotting. Even after appropriate treatment, such products are less durable, especially if the exposure to moisture is intense.

Walnut, texture

Oak texture

As for processing: countertops can have absolutely even, smooth edges or, conversely, remain unedged to give a deliberately rough look. There are models that are artificially aged, using firing or brushing. Processing methods do not affect the performance properties of the countertops, they only provide a visual effect, so the choice here depends on the bathroom design style and the preferences of the homeowner.

Brushed pine

Brushed and patinated wood

All countertops go on sale completely ready for use, that is, impregnated with protective compounds and varnished. There are models treated with wax and patina, with an antique effect, which is ideal for a retro-style bathroom. There is no need to additionally apply protective compounds after installation, but they will definitely be needed later to extend the service life of the product and maintain its attractive appearance.

How to do it yourself?

A home craftsman, with some skill, will be able to make this furniture on his own. For such products, it is most convenient to use drywall.

The surface of the future table top is cut out from a plasterboard sheet along the contour. Then a hole is made in it to accommodate the sink.

A homemade countertop is fixed to the wall and finished with tiles or mosaics. It is generally accepted that the stele should be lined with the same material.

If the owner finds it difficult to choose a project to make on his own, then a photo of a do-it-yourself bathroom countertop, which can be found on the Internet, can help him.

The tabletop is the most important element in the interior of a modern hygiene room. It makes the bathroom much more comfortable, beautiful and practical. More and more owners are installing this furniture in their apartments and houses.

Recommendations for choosing material

Basic principles of using a square:

• It is preferable to line the tabletop with glazed products. This is the easiest material to maintain. Such elements are resistant to loads, temperature changes, and pollution. The main accent of the interior will be shiny squares;
• The non-standard tile relief or texture will appeal to fans of original types of finishes. Caring for such products is more difficult and takes longer. Removing dirt from your countertops will require different cleaning products, time, and extra effort. The cleaning procedure will be simplified by brushes and special metal sponges;
• the optimal size of squares for finishing a work area is 15x15 cm. To visually expand a small room, it is advisable to lay them out in sizes 10x10 cm or 5x5 cm. The mosaic canvas will also decorate a small kitchen in an original way and visually make the room more spacious;

A great idea is to depict a pattern or ornament made of chopped material (in the form of different geometric shapes) on the tabletop.

An original competitor to other types of finishes

• This is such a stylish interior design option that the room will not require additional decor. Products with too elegant bright ornaments are used in doses - you can decorate individual zones (sink, gas stove, small countertop). In this case, the work apron is made monochromatic;
• If you don’t particularly want to thoroughly wash your countertop every day, then it’s better to opt for multi-colored material. On a plain surface, dirt and minor damage are immediately visible (especially on dark-colored materials).

If other surfaces (floors, walls) are also covered with tiles, then it is recommended to take a closer look at the collections. Combining different materials (plastic, wood, ceramics) will make the work area functional and stylish.

With tiles, the room will not require additional decor

Photo of countertops in the bathroom