One of the most common types of household appliances that have long been settled in apartments is a washing machine. And at the same time, one of the most pressing problems remains the issue of its placement, especially if housing does not differ in large area. All living in standard apartments go to a variety of tricks in order to ergonomically place household appliances.
In most cases, a washing machine is installed in the bathroom or in the kitchen. Moreover, the last room is not the best option, and there are several reasons for it: firstly, the washing machine gets dirty, secondly, the noise from the working unit is sometimes annoying, which does not contribute to a pleasant pastime at the table, and thirdly, the machine does not always fit into the interior (after all, a kitchen is a room where they prepare to eat). Thus, it is the bathroom that is most suitable for installing the washing machine, since very little time is spent in this room, and the sound of working equipment will not be distracting.
Despite such a seemingly rational approach, it is not always possible to install the unit in the bathroom due to the lack of "squares". For this reason, many designers and constructors are trying to find the best solution. Today, one of the most unusual and original options is a sink for a washing machine with a countertop.
Requirements for the placement of household appliances
There are not so many of them, but it is not recommended to lose sight of such nuances:
- The necessary communications should be brought to the washing machine - electricity, sewage and water pipes. The socket must be protected from moisture.
- It is desirable that the height of the countertop is slightly larger than that of the washing machine itself. This requirement greatly facilitates the installation and subsequent operation of the equipment.
- Separately, it is worth mentioning the material from which the countertop will be made. The best option is artificial or natural stone, resistant to mechanical stress and temperature extremes, waterproof.
- Not every model of a washing machine can be installed under the countertop. The technique should be quite narrow, not stick out from a niche so that it does not look too unattractive. In addition, a machine with a vertical load of linen cannot be positioned like this.
Benefits
As a rule, people who have household appliances installed in this way note the following positive points:
- A sink with a countertop under the washing machine allows you to use all the free space over household appliances. Towels, shampoos or cosmetics can be removed into the niche thus formed. If hygiene items are already stored somewhere, then decorative items such as lamps or flowers can be placed on the countertop.
- Such a countertop plays the role of protecting the unit from damage and other influences. Heavy objects left on the washer can harm the surface, but such a design perfectly withstands all loads. In addition, the countertop can protect the machine from spilled water or detergent.
- Such an original solution allows you to design your entire bathroom in one style. A worktop with an unusual design can serve as a unifying element for the rest of the details.
Minuses
They are few, but they are still available:
- A sink for a washing machine with a countertop is selected only for a certain model of household appliances, preferably simultaneously with it. It is worth considering not only the dimensions of the unit, but also its technical features. The best option is to choose built-in washing machines, with the same color and style with furniture.
- A sink with a washing machine under a single countertop made of natural or artificial stone will cost a lot. Other materials, despite the lower cost, do not look so impressive.
Varieties of bathroom countertops
All types of bathroom furniture of this type are divided into several categories depending on the installation method:
- Floor standing. They are installed directly on the floor surface with the help of several legs.
- Outboard. Mounted to the wall using brackets.
In addition, countertops can be divided into types depending on their design:
- Solid cast. The sink under the washing machine with countertop is a single unit. The main manufacturing material is artificial or natural marble. Models differ not only in beauty, but also in ease of use. The disadvantages of such structures include large dimensions and too high a price.
- Countertops with overhead washbasin. Such furniture looks very impressive - the sink in this case resembles a vase or a petal of a huge flower. Washbasins are usually made of glass or stone of unusual colors.
- Countertop with integrated sink. They are distinguished by functionality and practicality. The main advantage of such models is their modularity, since such furniture can be equipped with special drawers for storing household chemicals.
Furniture Installation Features
The sink under the washing machine 60 * 40 cm requires compliance with certain installation rules in the bathroom.
- All measurements are taken in advance in the room. It is advisable to measure both the countertop itself and the washing machine several times so that during installation you do not have to redo anything several times.
- When installing the washer, it is necessary to use the building level. Adjustable legs will help to install the unit in the required position, and special rubber pads help to get rid of outside noise and too much vibration during machine operation.
- Separately, it is worth paying attention to connecting equipment to the sewage system and water supply. If the machine is mounted under the sink, then it is necessary to purchase a special siphon.
DIY worktops
Work on creating furniture begins with measuring the dimensions of the room. Using an ordinary pencil and a building meter, the dimensions of the future countertop are determined. Based on the data received, its frame is created. For this purpose, it is best to use a special metal profile used in the installation of drywall.
After that, individual structural details are cut out of the drywall itself. At the same time, in the upper part of the countertop, it is necessary to mark and make a hole in which the sink will be installed. A similar part is cut out of plywood.
Two brackets are attached to the surface of the wall, on which the whole structure will be fixed. First, plywood is attached to them, after which - drywall with cutouts in which there will be a sink under the washing machine (60 * 60 cm, say). From the bottom, everything is closed with an integral structure of the same material.
From the individual strips of drywall, the front of the countertop is created. In order to give the part a curved shape, small incisions are made every 10 mm.
The finished structure is primed and putty. To prevent steam and water from affecting the countertop, it is coated with special compounds.
The best option for finishing such furniture is ceramic mosaic. They attach it to special glue, the seams between the elements are rubbed with a moisture-resistant composition.
Sink under the Water Lily washing machine
The most popular and widespread solution is the combination of a washing machine with a height of not more than 70 cm and a sink in the form of a water lily. They are divided into types according to several criteria: design, shape and location of the drain. Among the features of such models include:
- Placing the drain - they try to place it as close to the wall as possible.
- Flat bottom.
- Displacement or complete absence of holes for the mixer.
This type of sink with a countertop for a washing machine (photos of various models of which it is desirable to see in advance in order to choose the best option) is suitable for almost any household appliance, regardless of its size.
You can buy non-standard, original models, in which the mixer is located in the corner. They are made of plastic, earthenware and polymer concrete.
Overhead, hinged and built-in sinks
Not only “water lilies” are installed above the washing machines, but also many other types of washbasins, especially if the bathroom allows you not to save space. In this case, a sink for a washing machine with a countertop is the best option, while it is not necessary to use flat models - you can install, for example, products of an unusual shape and different depths.
For such purposes, usually use:
- Built-in sinks - they are installed in the cabinet, countertop.
- Conch shells. Attached to the wall surface.
- Overhead. For their installation requires a piece of furniture.
Judging by the reviews, sinks with countertops for washing machines are the best option for small bathrooms, saving space and ergonomically placing all the necessary items.