Kitchen Counter for Sink in Bathroom: Overview of Materials and Types

A great functional and justified solution when decorating a bathroom will be the installation of a beautiful countertop. There are many options for bathrooms, which differ in material, method of attachment, color, shape, and size.

A countertop has a number of advantages for both small and large bathrooms. In most cases, the construction has one or more sinks.

If a buyer decides to install a countertop in their bathroom, the logical questions arise: what material should it be made of? What size should it be? Which installation method is better to choose?

Types of Countertops

Depending on the functionality and size of the bathroom, you can identify 4 main types of countertops.

• Wall-mounted countertop

This type of sink unit looks very unusual, as it visually 'hovers' in the air due to its mounting on the wall. Wall-mounted countertop installation is done using metal brackets, which makes the entire model stable. Obviously, there are weight restrictions for wall-mounted countertops, but in bathroom conditions they are almost imperceptible.

Mounting to the wall using brackets frees up space under the construction, which in most cases is occupied by a washing machine or additional cabinets. Conclusion: wall-mounted countertops effectively save space in small bathrooms.

Design: Alla Merchi

Floor-standing countertop

The difference from the previous option is in the mounting method. Here, 4 legs are used as support for the entire construction.

The floor-standing model has become popular in the furniture market, as it often includes built-in cabinets and small shelves. There are also other variants of this type of sink unit, where only the 4 legs are visible under the working surface. The last model is suitable for spacious bathrooms, as the legs will occupy space under the countertop, and in some cases there won't be enough room for a washing machine or cabinets.

Design: Inna Velichko

Decorative Construction

Another option for a spacious bathroom. A decorative countertop serves more of a decoration function, as it is produced without cabinets and has small dimensions.

This sink unit can be mounted either wall-mounted or using legs. Often, materials of unusual shapes and colors are selected for making the sink unit. Glass or stone decorative countertops are often encountered.

Design: Olga Shapovalova

Monolithic Variant

A monolithic countertop is the choice of aesthetes who want to create an atmosphere of richness and elegance in their bathroom. The feature of such a sink unit is that the sink is part of the overall construction in the form of a recess. Creating a monolithic countertop is done by pouring into special forms, which gives freedom of imagination in their creation.

The features of the construction design provide a number of advantages:

1. Maximum tightness;
   
2. High strength;
   
3. No joints between countertop elements;
   
4. Various forms and sizes.
   
   

The only disadvantage of such a model in the bathroom is the difficulties in repair, as the sink is originally part of the entire construction and cannot be replaced or removed.

Design: Marina Nazarenko

Quality Criteria or How to Choose?

The variety of bathroom sink units puts the buyer in a difficult task: how to find an appropriate model while paying attention to quality and practicality? Here are several points that should be focused on when choosing a countertop:

1. Waterproofing. In bathroom conditions, the countertop will be exposed to moisture, so it's important to think about moisture-resistant coating and material of the sink unit right away;
   
2. Organic. The construction should not take up too much space in the bathroom. This point is relevant for small rooms, where every centimeter of free space matters;
   
3. Resistance to temperature fluctuations. In the bathroom, thermometer readings change frequently;
   
4. Resistance to mold growth. It's important to pay attention to the material from which the countertop is made. Removing mold from the surface of the sink unit in a bathroom will be an unnecessary hassle for the buyer;
   
5. Resistance to cleaning agents. Caring for a countertop is an important part of its operation. When purchasing, pay attention to what material it's made of and which cleaning agents should be excluded from use.
   

Design: Eugeniy Zhdanov, Tatiana Kirillova
Material Selection Process

Any design solution for a room takes into account the characteristics of factors that the furniture and other sink units will be exposed to. The choice of material in the case of a bathroom is at the forefront, as humidity and temperature levels are higher here.

Despite the apparent complexity in choosing, a countertop for a bathroom can be made from various materials. The question remains about price and buyer preferences.

Particleboard and MDF

A countertop made of particleboard or MDF is the most budget-friendly option for those with limited financial resources. These models in a bathroom look quite presentable, but usually last about 5 years. Weak points of the construction are at the edge and joints with the sink. A partial solution to the problem is the use of sealant.

Working surfaces of particleboard and MDF countertops must be coated with moisture-resistant lacquer.

Is there a difference between particleboard and MDF? Particleboard is wood that has been crushed into large-size chips and pressed into a monolithic plate. Large elements are joined using a binding agent – a synthetic substance that releases formaldehyde.

Certainly, formaldehyde is formed in acceptable levels for human body, but in a small bathroom, this gas tends to accumulate.

Completely different situation with MDF. This material is made from fine wood chips, and the binding agent is a natural substance – lignin. Due to this feature, countertops made from MDF do not emit formaldehyde and are ecologically safe for health.

Design: Svetlana Gerasimova

Wood

An excellent choice if the bathroom design is in an eco-style. A sink unit made from natural wood looks solid and at the same time cozy, it suits both large and small rooms.

Wood can be of various types. Depending on the material choice, the countertop will have a different service life. It is recommended to select countertops for sinks made from larch, as this type of wood has the maximum lifespan in bathroom conditions.

The only drawback of wood as a material is its susceptibility to mechanical impact. Therefore, pay attention so that the countertop does not experience strong and sharp impacts from objects.

Another issue is the coating of a wood countertop against moisture. There are two options here: lacquering and impregnation.

1. Coating the construction with lacquer will prevent water from affecting the surface and make it smooth and glossy. As a result, caring for such a countertop will not be difficult;
   
2. Using impregnation preserves the natural relief of wood, so it will feel like real wood when touched. However, dirt tends to accumulate in the natural grooves of the material, making care for such a product problematic.
   

Design: Julia Kharitonova and Natalia Maslova

Gypsum Board with Tiles and Mosaics

A countertop based on gypsum board and tiles will be a good support for those who want to do everything by themselves. It is important to choose the metal frame correctly, and then it's all in the golden hands of the homeowner.

In general, a sink unit based on tiles or mosaics is a budget-friendly option. The familiar material will look well in the bathroom, as tiles or mosaics are often used to decorate walls or even floors.

Design: Marina Sarkisyan

Artificial and Natural Stone

A countertop for a bathroom made of stone looks stylish and luxurious. This choice is excellent for those who have enough funds to buy such materials, as they are very expensive. Why does a sink unit made of stone cost its price?

1. Easy maintenance. For some exceptions, cleaning requires just a damp cloth;
   
2. Mold prevention. Mold will not appear on a stone countertop;
   
3. Water resistance. No matter how much water is poured on the surface, stone will not absorb it. This is an excellent advantage for a bathroom;
   
4. Wear resistance. A stone countertop will serve you for several decades.
   
   

Natural stone is a monolithic plate with a thickness of several centimeters. The weight of a stone countertop is very heavy, so its installation will have a number of complications. In addition, stone is not very flexible for repairs. When buying a countertop, there should already be a hole for the sink or appropriate recess in it. Self-installation and repair of stone products are not provided.

Option A made from stone will suit a large bathroom, because such a sink unit looks massive and visually takes up a lot of space.

A construction made from artificial stone is obtained by crushing different types of stone and pressing it into necessary forms. This way, you can create sink units of the most whimsical forms, and easily make an integrated sink in the form of a recess.

Design: Pavel Alekseev

Plastic

When buying a plastic countertop, you can indeed save money. Reasons for the cheapness: the material is not durable and is susceptible to mold growth. Over time, the original color of plastic may fade, and it won't always look aesthetic.

However, this does not mean you should abandon the plastic option. Such a sink unit is used in modern design projects for a bathroom, as it perfectly suits this style. Plus, with proper care, a plastic countertop will last several years, which is not so bad given its low price.

Installing a countertop made of plastic under a sink is not difficult due to its lightness and small size.

Glass

Probably, the most controversial material for making a countertop under a sink. The apparent fragility of glass becomes the first reason why people refuse such a sink unit in a bathroom.

In reality, a glass model is quite suitable for installation in a bathroom. First of all, the plate has sufficient thickness, which gives the glass sink unit enough strength and resistance to mechanical impact. Secondly, there are no such serious factors in the bathroom that could damage a thick layer of glass.

Design: Olga Borovikova and Irina Nikolaeva

How to Care for a Countertop in the Bathroom

Proper care is a guarantee of long service life for any sink unit. For a countertop in the bathroom, regular cleaning with a damp cloth is sufficient. If surface treatment with cleaning agents is performed, it's important to know the countertop material.

1. Gypsum board with tiles or mosaics. The countertop is not fussy in care, as any cleaning agent can be used. The only nuance is the joints between tiles, which may lighten under the effect of chlorine-containing compositions;
   
2. Artificial or natural stone. Different types of stone react poorly to their cleaning agents. For example, chlorine-containing substances have a negative effect on marble. This disadvantage is absent in countertops made from artificial stone;
   
3. Glass. Care for such a countertop is based on removing streaks. This can be done with double surface treatment, first with a damp cloth and then with a dry one;
   
4. Wood. If the wooden surface is treated with moisture-resistant impregnation, dirt will accumulate in the grooves of the relief. Because of this, care may take a little more time;
   
5. All other materials are usually coated with moisture-resistant lacquer (wood, particleboard, MDF) or just have a smooth surface (plastic). These countertops are easy to clean with a damp cloth and are not particular about cleaning agents. Exceptions are compositions with abrasive particles, which can damage the working surface.
   

Design: Aleksandrina Lukach, Intemporary Design Studio

Installing a Countertop in the Bathroom

Installation of a countertop is done using appropriate fasteners and frame. For the frame, it is recommended to choose chrome-plated metal structures that are less prone to rust.

Fasteners differ depending on the type of construction. Wall-mounted models are installed using brackets, while floor-standing ones use legs as support. There are also mixed installation options.

Installing a sink in the countertop can have its own specifics:

1. The sink is placed on the surface of the countertop;
   
2. The sink is located in a corresponding cutout;
   
3. The sink is part of the overall construction as a recess and cannot be separated.
   
   

Installing a countertop can also be done by yourself. For self-installation, it is recommended to use such materials as plastic, particleboard and MDF, gypsum board. In other cases, it is better to contact professionals.

Design: Buro Brainstorm

Everyone wants their bathroom to look beautiful and practical. Using a countertop under a sink is an excellent solution for both small and modest rooms, as well as for a luxurious bathroom.

Now there is a wide variety of bathroom sink units on the market, among which you can choose a model based on the size of the bathroom, color preferences, material, and mounting method.

Architect Anna Saharova and Designer Alexander Yudin
Design: Studio 211.

On the cover, design project by Anastasia Rykova and Anastasia Bozhinskaya.