Sinks with a tabletop under the washing machine: how to choose?
Washing machine is the most familiar household appliances, which is present in almost every home. The actual issue is its placement. This is especially important when it comes to organizing a small space. Those who live in standard apartments, go for various tricks to the washing machine was placed as ergonomically as possible.
Types and designs: features
Which model and installation method you choose should depend mainly on the size of the bathroom. Selected sink with countertop will determine the beauty of the room and its convenience.
Conventionally, tabletops can be divided into two broad categories.
- Solid, where the sink and countertop are one. As a rule, the presented models are made of glass or natural stone. Her advantage is that there are no places in which harmful bacteria could accumulate and form a fungus. As a disadvantage, it is worth highlighting the fact that the presented attribute is expensive, especially when compared with other types.
- Worktop that has a mortise shell. The presented type is much cheaper than the previous one, while installing it is quite simple. This design provides for the installation of not only a washing machine, but also all kinds of drawers, shelves, and so on. As a negative side of this modular tabletop it is worth highlighting the fact that the seams near the sink are not protected. Moisture is likely to accumulate in this gap, which will lead to the reproduction of harmful bacteria.
It is important to note that the worktop in the bathroom can be executed in various versions.
It can be made of various materials. Stopping the choice on this or that variant, consider that it was moisture resistant, otherwise the tabletop will soon become unsuitable.
Consider the most common materials for the manufacture of this product.
- Natural or artificial stone. Such a table top will look luxurious and expensive. It is highly durable, can be cleaned with various chemicals, characterized by durability and resistance to various types of external aggressors.
- Tree, with which you can create a cozy and comfortable atmosphere in the bathroom. It uses expensive wood, which is characterized by a relatively short service life, so it is impractical to use a wooden countertop in the bathroom.
- Glasswhich is not particularly popular in Russia. To use this countertop, you must have perfect tubes that look attractive. In addition, glass needs special care.
- Chipboard and MDF, which can be used in bathroom furniture only if there is a special coating. However, it should be noted that if such a tabletop will be damaged, it will further swell due to an excess of moisture. Because of this, the product will soon become unusable.
Advantages and disadvantages
Those who have a washing machine under the tabletop, note the many advantages of such an arrangement.
- The sink, complemented by the worktop, most ergonomically organizes the space above the appliances. On the resulting surface you can place cosmetics, towels, hygiene products and various small items.
- The presence of the tabletop allows you to protect the washing machine from damage and various negative effects. Remember that placing heavy objects directly on household appliances, you damage its surface. Countertop is able to perfectly cope with the load. In addition, the washing machine will be protected from moisture and detergent.
- The considered design solution allows you to arrange the bathroom in the same style. The table top can act as a connecting object for other interior details.
There are two main disadvantages of this design.
- When the selection of the table top is made, it is selected for a certain model of household appliances. Based on the size and technical features of the washing machine.The best option is to choose a built-in typewriter that will harmonize in color and style with the furniture.
- If your choice was stopped on a tabletop made of artificial or natural stone, you should be prepared for large cash costs. Other materials cost much less, but stone countertops look more impressive.
How to choose?
If you decide to opt for a sink with a table top in the bathroom, then you should consider the variety of existing structures. To make the right choice, you need to consider several important aspects and certain recommendations.
It is necessary to pay attention to the material of manufacture. Manufacturers of such countertops use various raw materials to create the product in question. You should find out the advantages and disadvantages of basic materials.
- MDF characterized by a fairly low cost, but it has various disadvantages. This material has a low resistance to moisture, especially if its laminated coating has been damaged. It is worth noting the low strength, which is why such damage happens quite often.As an advantage it is worth highlighting the possibility of implementing the most original projects, and the ability to create a large number of storage boxes.
- Acrylic characterized by excellent resistance to moisture. The market focuses on products of a wide variety of colors, which is important for creating original interiors. This is one of the most acceptable options, where there is an excellent value for money. The appearance of these countertops is very attractive, while the material is not afraid of moisture and moisture. A definite advantage is the possibility of making worktops according to individual sketches.
- One of the most common materials for the manufacture of countertops under the sink is fake diamond. Its main advantage is the presence of various textures and shades, excellent resistance to mechanical damage and the effects of various external aggressors, which may be detergents and cleaning products. In this case, it is extremely important to choose the option that will harmonize perfectly with the other elements of the decor in the bathroom.
- A natural stone, which is characterized by beautiful texture and excellent reliability. This tabletop will last several decades, because the stone has excellent wear resistance and over the years does not change its original properties. It is characterized by resistance to mold and mildew, which is extremely important in the bathroom. As disadvantages, it is possible to single out only the high cost of this material and a sufficiently large construction weight.
Depending on the space available, you can opt for one of the designs.
- Washbasin is installed in a specially prepared recess. The shell in this case is large, so you should consider the availability of such a place for it. Such an angular model can be combined, and it is quite possible to create it yourself.
- Countertop with built-in sink, which is equipped with a niche for a side bowl of a certain shape. A similar option provides for the presence of sealing joints to prevent moisture from entering there.
- Overhead washbasins, which are in demand among designers. In this case, it is possible to purchase a device in the shape of a heart, an oval or a flower. This design looks very original and makes the interior more refined.
- On sale there are models that provide installation to the wall. This option saves space.
- The consoles consisting of the bearing framework. They are attached to the wall and floor. The similar option is suitable for any room, differs in durability and safety. It is possible to make a similar construction independently, having involved gypsum cardboard or a brick.
- Outdoor countertops, visually similar to the cabinet. They are equipped with various lockers where you can store detergents, hygiene and cosmetics.
Machine requirements
You should take into account that the equipment under the sink should have a compact size. Manufacturers offer small devices that are characterized by a maximum load of up to 3 kg. Such models are usually not more than 70 cm in height. Combining such a device with a sink, the tabletop will be at a level of 90 cm from the floor. In this case, it is impossible to stop the choice on a washing machine with a vertical lid, since such products are incompatible with the table top.
The place where the equipment will be installed must be equipped with the required communications.
There must be a drain, electricity and water. You can stop your choice on a washing machine, which has a maximum load of up to 5 kg, but you need to choose narrow models.
Practically all washing machines sold today are made in white color.However, today you can find household appliances, which in color will be similar to the stove and washbasin. You do not have to choose the same shade, but it must be in harmony with the overall interior of the bathroom. It is necessary to choose a washing machine at the same time with the table top and sink or after their selection.
Installation
In this case, it is necessary to talk about the installation of a tabletop, sink and washing machine. In this situation, they are interrelated with each other. You will need to think through the installation of all 3 elements. If you make a mistake anywhere, it may lead to the fact that, for example, the washing machine simply cannot enter the opening prepared for it.
Quite often, people make a mistake in the choice of countertops, acquiring the model that does not fit your home appliances.You must take into account different points before mounting.
It is important to pay attention to some nuances:
- Before purchasing and installing the countertop, washing and washing machine, you must correlate the dimensions of all the listed elements. Please note that you must have a certain margin in order to accommodate the required communications.
- Pay special attention to the height of the washing machine. Many standard models are characterized by a fairly large height, because of what you need to significantly raise the tabletop. It is better to stop the choice on low washing machines as the high table-top will create a certain discomfort when using.
- Buy a special sink siphon with a washing machine. It is distinguished by the presence of a special design, thanks to which the washing machine can easily fit into the space intended for it.
- You must take care in advance of carrying out all the necessary communications that are required to ensure the normal functioning of the washing machine. At the designated place must be present moisture-proof outlet, as well as be sewage and cold water supply.
- It is important to secure the countertop to the sink and washing machine, especially in that situation when it was attached only to the wall. You must make sure that there are special mounts.
- In the presence of seams, they must be treated with a sealant and worn so that they do not get water, because this will lead to the development of various harmful bacteria.
To learn how to make a countertop under the sink and a washing machine with your own hands, see the video below.