Stone countertops in the bathroom: varieties, choice, care

Stone countertops are a great way to not only decorate a bathroom, but also rationally organize its space. A wide variety of materials from which these interior elements are made makes it possible to realize almost any designer's idea. We will talk about the main types of stone countertops, their characteristics, give examples of successful design solutions, and give advice on choosing.

All stone countertops according to the type of material are divided into two types:

• from a natural stone;

• from artificial.

The natural stone from which the countertops are made into the bathroom is:

• marble;

• granite;

• travertine;

• onyx.

The artificial stone used for the manufacture of countertops can also be of different types:

• artificial marble;

• quartz agglomerate;

• acrylic stone.

Artificial stone countertops can be made in a variety of sizes and shapes, including with an integrated sink. A design option when the sink and countertop are a monolithic product is offered by many manufacturers, and such a thing looks very impressive. Acrylic stone worktops have the widest variety of colors and shapes.

Speaking about the pros and cons of the acquisition and use of stone countertops, you should first of all start from the properties of the material from which it is made. Products made from natural materials differ in quality and properties from those made from artificial stone.

Countertops made of natural stone are classified as expensive.Moreover, the properties of the product depend on the type of natural material used to make the countertops.

Marble have a unique beautiful pattern, a wide selection of shades suitable for different interiors. By polishing, you can achieve a smooth, shiny surface that looks very impressive. And also polishing, you can eliminate small scratches that appear as a result of operation of the countertop.

However, this natural material has a number of disadvantages that must be taken into account when deciding on a purchase:

• the surface must be protected from the effects of oils and substances containing dyes, since spots can appear on it, since marble has a porous structure;
• Do not drop heavy objects on the countertop - this can lead to scratches and chips, because the material is not very durable;
• it is not necessary to prevent acid from entering the marble - this will ruin it; the use of abrasive cleaners is also prohibited;
• Do not put hot objects on a marble surface;
• This natural stone is always cold to the touch.

Countertops from onyx and travertine They have advantages and disadvantages similar to marble: this is an original natural pattern, sufficient moisture resistance, durability, but instability to the effects of acids and abrasives, the formation of chips and scratches as a result of impacts on the surface. Onyx is much more expensive than marble or travertine; although it is a more fragile stone, it is appreciated for its high decorative qualities, products from it look very impressive, especially if equipped with a backlight.

Granite - This is an expensive natural material that is used to make stone worktops in the bathroom. Like marble, granite has a wide palette of various shades and a unique pattern created by nature itself. This is a very durable stone, products made of it are durable and resistant to mechanical stress, you can not be afraid of scratches and chips during operation.

However, granite is also not without drawbacks, which include:

• significant weight is one of the heaviest materials used to make worktops;
• discoloration of the surface, the appearance of spots on it as a result of contact with dyes, oils, acids.

Separately worth considering artificial marble and quartz agglomerate, their advantages and disadvantages.

When creating artificial marble, filler from marble chips and polyester resins are used as a binder; in the manufacture of quartz agglomerate, quartz chips are the filler. Countertops made of artificial marble and quartz agglomerate have a number of advantages compared to products made from natural stone:

• presented in a wide range of colors, including those created in shades unusual for natural materials or very rare;
• non-marking, resistant to oils and dyes due to the lack of porosity;
• They are characterized by high hygiene because they do not have small voids in which water and microbes would fall
• more durable, so you can not be afraid of chips, and also order a thinner countertop;
• made in any configuration, for example, there are models in which the sink and countertop are a single product;
• have a lower cost.

notice, that artificial marble is 2 times lighter than natural, which simplifies the delivery and installation of the product. But the tabletops made of quartz agglomerate are heavy, and also the visibility of the joints can be considered as their minus, in cases where they are mounted from several parts. However, the long service life (such products are almost eternal, as some manufacturers claim), moisture and heat resistance make quartz agglomerate a demanded material for the manufacture of bathroom countertops.

Acrylic stone countertops have a number of advantages, thanks to which they are well suited for bathrooms, namely:

• water resistance and high hygiene, since the material is non-porous;
• a wide variety of colors, shades, imitations of various textures;
• maximum selection of various forms (including with integrated sink) and design options;
• high strength;
• easily cleaned of impurities,
• maintainability, scratches on the surface are eliminated by grinding, dismantling is not required;
• harmlessness to humans.

It has acrylic stone and the disadvantages that must be considered when operating the countertops:

• low heat resistance, do not put hot objects on it, pour boiling water into integrated sinks made of acrylic stone;
• the surface is easily scratched, so you do not need to use abrasive cleaners;
• it should be protected from exposure to aggressive acids, dyes and acetone.

The standard thickness of acrylic stone countertops is 30–40 mm. Moreover, in some embodiments, the thickness of the stone itself is only 12 mm, the rest is a substrate of moisture-resistant material. For the bathroom, monolithic countertops are recommended, without an internal base of plywood, particleboard or other material. Only in this case they can be installed in a damp room, without fear that the product will deteriorate.

Countertops made of acrylic artificial stone are made of any shape and size, this material is considered universal. Its properties allow you to make a countertop of any design without visible seams.

The thickness of the countertops made of quartz agglomerate can be 12, 20 or 30 mm, of cast marble 30 mm.

The most common forms are:

• rectangular;

• L-shaped;

• U-shaped.

Artificial stone countertops can be presented in a variety of design options. According to the type of arrangement in the space of the bathroom, they are:

• mounted;

• waybills.

In the first case, the countertop is attached to the wall, in the second - it covers a cabinet, chest of drawers or a small rack.

By the type of arrangement of the sink, the following design options are found:

• with integrated (monolithic) sink;

• with mortise;

• with a sink on the countertop.

According to color schemes, countertops with sinks are:

• with a sink in the color of the countertop;

• with a washbasin of contrasting color.

By the number of shells:

• with one;
• With several;
• without sinks.

And also countertops can be:

• single-level or multi-level;

• simple or complex shapes;

• angular, or located along one wall of the room.

Artificial or natural stone worktops for a room with high humidity, such as a bathroom, is an ideal solution. In order to choose the best option for each particular case, you need to take into account the properties of a certain material and the habits of people who use the room and countertop.

If at the sketching stage it becomes clear that a product of complex, bizarre shape is required, then the choice should be stopped on acrylic stone or cast marble, from which you can make a countertop of any configuration. But since scratches easily remain on the surface of acrylic stone, then it is better to prefer light colors on which such defects, if they appear, will be less noticeable. In addition, light surfaces are more suitable for small rooms, as they allow you to visually expand it.

Products made of granite or quartz agglomerate have a lot of weight, so they need to be installed on reliable and durable supports, which should be taken into account when working on the design of countertops. But these surfaces are not afraid of scratches and have an almost unlimited service life.

If it is important that the finished countertop does not have joints on the surface even with a long length, then you should pay attention to acrylic stone or cast marble, the products from which are obtained "seamless".

Special care requires stone countertops made of natural marble, onyx and travertine. In order to avoid the appearance of spots on their surface, it is necessary to use special protective impregnations, which close the pores of the stone from the ingress of various liquids. It is not recommended to put cosmetics and perfumes directly on a stone surface - it is better to use trays or napkins.

If scratches appear on the countertop, you should contact a specialist who will return it to its original condition, if necessary, polish and polish it.

Products made of artificial (cast) marble do not need special protection, since the material is non-porous, and the formation of spots on the surface is excluded. Artificial and natural marble, acrylic stone should be protected from acids, the use of abrasive cleaners should also be discarded.

Artificial stone countertops do not require special care, it will be enough to wipe them with a soft damp cloth: any contamination from such surfaces, due to their porosity, can be easily removed. If necessary, soapy water can be used during washing.

Modern technologies make it possible to produce countertops of various shapes and colors from artificial stone, which makes it possible to make them part of a single ensemble with furniture installed in the bathroom.

If there is a washing machine in the room, then the countertop allows you to effectively use the space above its body, covering it with a stone surface. Often, a washing machine is installed next to the wash basin, which is integrated into the countertop.

Surfaces in which sinks of the same color and texture are integrated with them look very impressive. In some cases, designers suggest, on the contrary, to make a washbasin in a contrasting color.

When choosing a color scheme for overhead worktops, the contrast principle is often used: if the chest of drawers or cabinets, shelves are made in bright colors, then dark shades are selected for the top cover, and vice versa. Items placed on the surface (dispenser for liquid soap, soap dish, candle holders, towels, vases and others) are also selected in contrasting colors: light - dark, dark - light, matching the body of the chest of drawers or the color of the walls of the room.

An overhead worktop in the color of the cabinet also looks impressive, especially when it seems that the whole structure is a monolith, or if the selected design of the countertop is well combined with the color of the furniture.

Rectangular tabletops in plain white or dark stone choose for a bathroom in the style of minimalism. It is well suited for small rooms, as it focuses on the functionality of each part. This style is characterized by hinged countertops.

Worktops made of natural or artificial marble in light shades are used in the interiors of bathrooms decorated in the style of provence. Here, the stone is adjacent to a tree painted with light paint, sometimes artificially aged or brushed, countertops are made overhead, hinged are not found. The interior, and the stone surface including, are necessarily decorated with fresh flowers in vases, wicker baskets, porcelain jugs, handmade soap and the like.

Acrylic stone countertops are used by designers in the design of bathroom interiors country style. Artificial stone in this case is often combined with wood, combining them, for example, in the cabinets or other furniture.

Stone countertops are perfect for when the interior of the bathroom is done in one of the retro styles.

Countertops made of natural stone - a classic element of furniture in the Empire style. The beauty and luxury of marble or granite require appropriate framing - a tree of valuable species, decorative details made of bronze.

Dark glossy stone countertops, contrasting with a light base and walls, are a suitable element for a bathroom in style Art Deco.

About how stone countertops are made, see below.