There are quite a few options for making countertops for the kitchen, mainly plastic or acrylic products. But what can you say if the countertop for the kitchen unit is made of tiles? It is quite possible to do this yourself; to do this, you just need to follow all the recommendations indicated in this article.
Obviously, this countertop option wins in many respects: appearance, practicality and durability.
Features of porcelain stoneware
Thanks to the special properties of ceramic granite, it is suitable for creating various types of furniture, since the countertops produced can be made from either thin or thick granite.
Depending on the taste preferences and wishes of the customer, it is possible to produce furniture elements of various sizes, taking into account the types of other kitchen equipment that are planned to be combined with the countertop.
- The choice of porcelain stoneware as a raw material for the manufacture of countertops is explained by the fact that it is particularly durable and can be used for many years.
- Thin ceramic granite is used in cases where it is necessary to connect the kitchen with the dining room.
- This is explained by the fact that furniture coverings in other rooms besides the kitchen should not be thick, so as not to mentally put pressure on household members.
Thick porcelain stoneware is used for cutting meat and cooking, so decorating other rooms with it is not appropriate.
The cost of the product directly depends on the color of the material.
Design finishing ideas
The choice of tiles and design for the countertop depends only on the preferences of the individual. There are many different options:
- brickwork;
- under stone or leather;
- the presence of various decorative elements, sometimes even crystals;
- mosaic options;
- various ornaments;
- photo printing;
- 3-D options;
- textured and figured tiles.
The kitchen countertop made of tiles can be anything. It is even possible to make such a design yourself. There are many tutorials on the Internet that can help you do similar work. However, complex designs are best left to experienced craftsmen. With proper and high-quality installation, such material will last for quite a long time.
Advantages of porcelain stoneware
Its characteristics can tell about the undeniable advantages of the material.
- Firstly, it is a durable material that is not susceptible to mechanical stress, which prevents damage.
- Secondly, porcelain stoneware looks very attractive and fits well into almost any interior.
- Thirdly, it helps to increase the resistance of the furniture to which it is attached from the harmful effects of moisture and temperature.
Surfaces finished with porcelain stoneware are light in weight. Thanks to this, the structure itself does not deform. Porcelain stoneware countertops can be laid on concrete, metal, wood and plastic.
Previously, this material was used exclusively for floor coverings. However, the positive characteristics of porcelain stoneware made it possible to use it for tiling the entire kitchen.
This material copes well with temperature changes, abrasive chemicals and is easy to clean. It can be easily polished and freed from various chips.
The advantages of porcelain stoneware are:
- Resistance to high temperature and moisture;
- Environmental friendliness;
- Long service life;
- Practicality;
- Easy to care for;
- Affordable price;
- Possibility of carrying out repair work.
The environmental friendliness of this material is evidenced by the absence of harmful substances, dyes and other things. Moreover, the strength qualities of such countertops will allow you to do without cutting boards.
Also, the surface of porcelain stoneware does not allow fats to penetrate inside and is unsuitable for the growth of harmful bacteria. On such a surface you can only place pots or pans removed from the stove without fear, and no harm will be done to the material.
DIY countertop for bathroom sink
An original and inexpensive option for a bathroom countertop would be a concrete product. This design can be made with your own hands. Tools and materials you will need:
- cement M-400, river sand, gravel, glass cullet, plasticizer, dyes, varnish;
- wooden blocks, MDF sheet (laminated), slats;
- hammer, jigsaw, screwdriver (or screwdriver), self-tapping screws.
A rectangular sheet corresponding to the size of the future surface is cut out of an MDF sheet. Then, using a jigsaw, you make a hole for the sink in the countertop. It is better to equip a small bathroom with a medium-sized design.
When installing the countertop, you must follow a certain procedure.
Next, the MDF blank should be turned over and the legs should be attached to it. Then put it in its normal position and make a side of slats along the edge of the perimeter, including a cutout for the sink.
It is necessary to prepare a mixture of cement, sand, gravel and add a plasticizer. Dyes and broken glass can be distributed unevenly, this will only enhance the decorative effect of the tabletop. Pour the mixture into the prepared countertop mold.
Wait until the solution has completely hardened, then remove the sides, sand the outer and side surfaces and varnish.
A hand-made bathroom countertop will not only bring pleasure from creative creative work, but will also become a durable and reliable structure, resistant to the constant companions of the bathroom - high humidity and temperature changes.
The process of installing a wooden countertop in the form of a shelf will not cause difficulties even for an inexperienced craftsman
Disadvantages of porcelain stoneware
On the one hand, the cost of porcelain stoneware is several times less than other natural materials, but, on the other hand, installation work is priced too high. Moreover, the cladding process itself is quite labor-intensive and time-consuming. In addition, it is necessary to unstitch the seams from time to time.
If the slab has an uneven surface or is not installed correctly, then caring for it will be very, very difficult. Every day it is necessary to rub the countertop with a special polish several times a day so that it does not lose its glossy shine.
Sink and washing machine under one countertop
Placing the washing machine under the countertop in the bathroom is at least a rational way of placement. Space is saved and an additional horizontal surface appears for storing various items. As for the materials for manufacturing, almost all the same ones are used as for other types of products.
Dimensions matter, since installation of the machine and sink will require more length. If a built-in sink is intended, it is shifted to one side on the countertop. With the overhead version of the washbasin, it can also occupy a central position, if only the conditions allow connecting communications.
By placing the sink and machine under one countertop, you can save space in a small bathroom
The standard height of automatic washing machines is 85 cm. If we take into account that a technical gap of 3-4 cm is required between the outer surface of the washing machine and the countertop, the total height of the structure will be 92-96 cm. This level is inconvenient for using the sink. You can install a countertop consisting of several parts: above the machine it is higher, in the sink area it is 10-12 cm lower. Among the monolithic models, there are no multi-level countertops, but it is quite possible to find or make such a structure from acrylic, wood, wood boards and artificial stone.
In a very small bathroom, the washing machine can be installed not just under the countertop, but under the sink. To do this, you should purchase a machine with a height of 60 cm.
How to choose porcelain tiles
When choosing ceramic granite for a countertop, you should be guided by the criteria that determine the texture of the tile and its size.
The texture of such tiles can be of several types:
- Matte (also called untreated);
- Semi-matte;
- Smooth, polished;
- Covered with a special glaze that prevents slipping;
- Embossed.
Glazed and embossed porcelain tiles are considered difficult to maintain, making them extremely impractical. Moreover, the second type, due to its structure, is difficult to clean.
When choosing sheets of ceramic granite that are too wide, keep in mind that they will need to be cut very precisely. Cutting is possible using a grinder. A tabletop with small-format sheets will look more sophisticated.
What is edge
Furniture edging is a strip made of polyvinyl chloride, ABS plastic, melamine or other material. An edge is needed to cover the ends, protect them from moisture and dust, and also give the product a finished look.
The edge protects you from the release of formaldehyde from the chipboard (chipboard) countertop.
In addition, if the furniture is made from cheap materials, the edge, without exaggeration, is vital for you and your household. The fact is that formaldehyde resins, which are very dangerous to health, will evaporate through the open edge.
Installing a countertop is a complex and time-consuming job that requires special tools and practical skills.
Alternatively, end caps can be used instead of adhesive edges. Their installation is much simpler, but many believe that the overlays do not help create a harmonious appearance of the product, they look rough and unnecessary.
How to lay porcelain tiles
Before starting installation, make sure to prepare all the necessary accessories. The work process is somewhat reminiscent of tiling surfaces. In other words, the same materials and tools will be used in the work, from adhesive to spatulas.
Using a special tool, you need to level the glue laid on the surface. A spatula is suitable for applying glue to the work surface.
- Regarding the distance between the plates, it would not be amiss to mention that the gaps should be no more than 2 mm in width. This way, the installed parts of the countertop will look neat, and dirt will be less likely to get into the seams.
- Thin the glue gradually as it can dry and harden in a short time. The slabs themselves are placed on the treated surface. Be sure to use a level to check whether a particular piece is lying level.
Don't forget about the ends. They are finished in the same way as tiles are laid on the countertop. To attach the material more securely, it is advisable to use special tape. After the adhesive has dried, the tape is removed.
Sink on the countertop in the bathroom: which bowl to choose
The standard installation method is an under-counter sink. It’s convenient, familiar, and sometimes seems like the only possible option. But supporters of original bathroom design are increasingly paying attention to sinks that are placed above the countertop. Although it would be more appropriate to call them “bowls”.
They are made from the same materials as the mortise versions; we can only add that such models are also made of glass and metal. The shape is usually round, sometimes oval. Exclusive options can be made in the form of a petal, an irregular triangle, etc.
A sink mounted on a countertop makes the design lighter and more interesting.
Is this method of placing a washbasin convenient? According to users, this depends on the shape and depth of the bowl, its level and the spout of the mixer. Same features as built-in models. Therefore, the conclusion suggests itself that this installation method only affects the interior design.
A sink on a countertop, in particular a glass one, makes the design lighter and more interesting. It should be noted that overhead bowls, especially original shapes, are not always convenient. Splashes of water do not flow down the flat walls, but hit the vertical side surfaces. The small size of the sinks can be organic in the overall design, but it is sometimes impossible to wash your face without splashes flying around.
Overhead bowls are not always easy to use and maintain
Another difficulty arises in the maintenance process: it is necessary to constantly clean not only the internal, but also the external surface.
Helpful advice! Even the most original bowl will lose its charm if there are traces of drops and detergents on it. It is impossible to clean the surface after every hand washing. It is better to sacrifice the decorativeness of the product and purchase an option where the dirt will be less noticeable.
Tips from the master
If you are installing a countertop yourself, consider the following tips to help you avoid some problems and common mistakes:
- To ensure that the sheets are cut accurately, use special diamond-coated grinder discs. For the first time, you may not be able to cut the sheets accurately, since this requires experience and a certain skill.
- From time to time the seams will have to be unstitched, as the grout becomes dirty over time.
- Buy smooth sheets of porcelain stoneware. Caring for embossed sheets is more difficult due to their porous structure.
Choosing dimensions: depth and height of the countertop in the bathroom
The installation height of the countertop in the bathroom, or more precisely, the level of placement of the sink in it, is very important for comfortable use. At one time, institutes were studying the correct position of plumbing fixtures. The results of the work are reflected in GOST and SNiP. According to the standards, the height of the sink from the floor level should be 80-85 cm. Washbasins with a stand (leg), produced by modern enterprises, have a height of 82 cm. These standards should be used as a starting point when installing countertops with a sink.
The height of the sink from the floor level should be 80-85 cm
Other dimensions are also important for comfortable use. These include the depth of the tabletop. The location of the sink can be calculated taking into account the following indicators:
- The standard depth (distance from the outer edge to the wall) of the bowl of a full-size factory washbasin is 50 cm. The stream of water from the mixer is 30 cm away from the outer edge of the washbasin. With this position of the plumbing fixtures, it is convenient to draw water in the palm of your hand and lean over the bowl.
- If the countertop is much deeper (65-70 cm), the sink needs to be moved to the outer edge, otherwise it will be necessary to reach far and wash over the countertop.
- When installing a sink on a countertop in a bathroom, the importance of dimensional indicators increases: it is extremely inconvenient to bend over a remote, elevated bowl.
Helpful advice! If the front of a floor-mounted cabinet (or shelf in the lower position) is placed in line with the outer edge of the countertop, access to the sink will be difficult.
Established standards should be followed when installing countertops with a sink
Caring for porcelain tiles
It is believed that this type of material does not require excessive care. It is enough just to wipe the surface 1-2 times a day with a soft cloth soaked in warm water.
Although porcelain stoneware is resistant to aggressive chemicals, try to use acidic compounds as little as possible.
Material and tools for work
To glue the edge to the tabletop with your own hands, we need the following tool:
- The iron is a household iron, it will be used as an edge heater. Can be replaced with a hair dryer;
- Construction knife with new blades;
- Fine-grained sandpaper;
- Scissors.
We prepare from the material:
- The tabletop itself;
- ABS edge according to the color and thickness of the tabletop.
Photo of porcelain stoneware countertops for the kitchen
Kinds
Currently, there are several options with which the ends of the tabletop can get a presentable appearance. So, to make an edge with your own hands (at home), you can use only 2 options.
- Pasting using melamine tape. The glue that is applied to it makes the process easier. But the fact is that the resulting edge is very susceptible to moisture and is not resistant to mechanical influences. Currently, it is considered the most accessible, and therefore is often used in the manufacture of furniture.
- Finishing using PVC strip. This option involves incurring more expenses, but the edges are more durable. The product is extremely popular because it has an ideal balance between price and quality characteristics.
Both of these types are common and therefore are especially popular.
