Bathroom countertop for a washing machine and sink

A sink with a countertop suitable for a washing machine is a common and practical addition to a modern bathroom. It's not easy to find a countertop suitable for a washing machine, and to combine it with a beautiful and functional sink. But if you manage to pull it off, you won't regret it for a minute. To make choosing and installing this piece easier, we've written a post on the topic, covering many of the nuances that matter to you.

The benefit of this washing machine location

A washing machine is a vital, yet bulky, piece of furniture. Not only does it need to find a place in a cramped "Khrushchev-era" apartment, but it also needs to be seamlessly integrated into the interior. If not, then at least concealed in a niche or a piece of furniture. Whether you like it or not, you're forced to consider popular interior design solutions that allow you to conveniently "fit" the washing machine so it doesn't get in the way and takes up as little usable space as possible.

In Khrushchev-era apartments, bathrooms are so small that it's difficult to even turn around in them, let alone place a washing machine comfortably, but nevertheless, this is done.

One of the most cost-effective options is to place the washing machine under the bathroom sink and countertop. This way, we have almost nothing to lose. Judge for yourself.

1. The tabletop allows you to place many necessary household items on it, which will always be at hand.
2. The sink will allow you to wash your hands and do small laundry.
3. The washing machine will be hidden under the countertop and will not be noticeable, which will not interfere with its use as before.
4. The sink and countertop, hanging over the washing machine body, are an excellent disguise not only for the washing machine itself, but also for various plumbing connections, such as pipes, hoses, and siphons.
5. The unusual combination of a sink, countertop, and washing machine can be used in an interesting way in a bathroom interior, ultimately creating a unique design.

Choosing plumbing and furniture

It's best to plan for installing a washing machine in the bathroom under the sink countertop early, before the room is renovated. It is much more difficult to fit new interior elements into an already renovated space, especially if you did not plan this in advance.Before choosing a particular countertop or sink, it's important to consider all possible options. Let's do just that.

• One-piece construction. In this case, we're talking about a countertop that's integrated with the sink, forming a single piece. These countertops are cast together with the sinks. The result is a rather bulky and heavy, but overall quite attractive, design. Bathroom countertops can be made from either natural or engineered stone, although given the abundance of modern materials, the options are significantly wider.

A one-piece countertop sink is a very durable structure with no gaps or joints that can collect dirt over time, making it easier to clean and cleaner looking.

• A countertop with the option of an inset sink. In this case, the countertop and sink are sold separately, although they are often sold as a set. The countertop can be made of a wide variety of materials, from the most inexpensive chipboard to natural stone. The sink is selected to match the countertop material and appearance and is inserted into a pre-drilled hole. No mounting hardware is provided for the sink.
• A countertop with a sink (cabinets, drawers), and a vanity. This is essentially the same countertop with the option of installing a sink, but it also comes with a sink, which, incidentally, is very convenient for storing a washing machine. In some cases, small cabinets with pull-out drawers and shelves for storing various useful items are installed in addition to the sink.

It's worth noting that it's best to choose furniture that's both practical and beautiful. The pursuit of cheapness could result in you buying a bathroom countertop made of laminated chipboard, which will swell within 1.5-2 years, losing any remaining appeal. It's better, at a pinch, to buy a countertop made of laminated MDF, although even this material is only marginally suitable for a bathroom. Natural or engineered stone is ideal, but these materials are also quite expensive.

Also, consider how the countertop you purchase will be mounted. There are floor-standing and wall-mounted countertops. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages, so decide for yourself which is best for you.

Features of washing machine installation

In our case, it's more accurate to talk about installing not just a washing machine, but a countertop, sink, and washing machine. You'll have to carefully consider the installation of all three elements; one mistake and the washing machine, for example, won't fit under a sink that's too low, or some other problem could occur.

Often, when attempting to install a washing machine under a sink themselves, people end up buying the wrong trap, which then prevents the "home helper" from being installed. In short, before attempting to install the countertop, sink, and washing machine, read the instructions included in the publication. Washing machine in the kitchen under the countertopIn our case, we are talking about a bathroom, but the provisions contained in the cited publication are quite applicable to the installation of furniture in the bathroom.

We've deliberately avoided focusing on the general installation procedure for these interior elements, so as not to clutter the article with too much information. However, we will touch on some nuances.

1. Before purchasing and installing a sink, countertop, and washing machine, carefully compare the dimensions of all these elements, taking into account the space for placing utilities.
2. Be sure to take into account the height of the washing machine. Keep in mind that a standard-height washing machine will force you to raise the sink and countertop to a considerable height, which will create problems when using them.
3. Buy a special trap for your sink and washing machine. It has a special design and won't interfere with your "home helper" being installed.
4. Make sure you have all the necessary plumbing for your automatic washing machine ready: a moisture-resistant outlet, a drain, and a cold water outlet.
5. The countertop for the sink and washing machine must be securely fastened, especially if it's only attached to the wall. Consider purchasing special fasteners in advance.

All pipe and hose connections must be carefully insulated and then checked several times to ensure that no leaks have occurred.

We care for furniture and plumbing

Bathroom countertops require proper care; otherwise, the furniture and fixtures will quickly lose their appearance. It would be doubly disappointing if you spent money on interior items made of expensive materials. In particular, stone countertops should be regularly treated with a special impregnation, which can be purchased at hardware stores. This impregnation will create a protective layer, preventing dirt from adhering to the surface of the furniture.

When cleaning a glass or ceramic countertop, use a glass cleaner. Any type of cleaner will do; it will help scrub the surface until it's squeaky clean. Spray a small amount onto the surface, then wipe away any dirt and cleaner with a dry, soft cloth. Repeat with a clean cloth to remove any streaks.

If you have an inexpensive countertop made of laminated chipboard or MDF, be careful and meticulous about its maintenance. After taking a bath or even if the countertop accidentally gets wet, be sure to wipe it down with a cloth. Clean the ventilation system, install an exhaust fan, and avoid allowing excessive humidity to build up in the bathroom. In addition to the countertop, also wipe down the sink, bathtub surround, and vanity. Remember, moisture is the number one enemy of chipboard and MDF furniture, especially chipboard furniture. Laminate surfaces offer little protection.

There are many DIYers online asking how to build a countertop for a sink and washing machine themselves. This is certainly an interesting initiative, and we might answer this question in a future post, so stay tuned.

In conclusion, in a bathroom, whether small or large, the countertop under the sink and washing machine can become a central element of the interior, in addition to the bathtub. This combined design element will not only decorate the room but also be an integral part of its functionality. All that remains is to choose and install it correctly, but this is where problems can arise!

   

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