Bathroom worktops

[clockworks]

One of the last things we need to order for the bathroom refurb is a worktop for a 1.6m run of units - toilet with concealed cistern, 300mm cabinet, and a 600mm with semi-recessed basin.

The thin stuff (half inch) looks better than the thicker rolled edge type, but at least twice the price - £250 and upwards online, £400+ from a DIY store. Thinking of buying a wider worktop and using a strip as a full width splashback.

What is this thin worktop actually made of?
Is it solid, or do the cut ends need some kind of trim/finishing strip?

One end will butt up against a wall, but the other end will be against the fixed glass shower screen and visible.

[fourstardan]

Is it resin based?

[clockworks]

Compact laminate, whatever that is

[Rough101]

If it’s the solid stuff it’s as hard as hell and you don’t finish the edge, so you need to cut it bang on.

It’s craft paper in resin, you need TCT tools to cut it, including your hole saws for pipes.

[Rob.]

I've not been that impressed with ours. It's a MAKStone acrylic solid surface worktop. The installation instructions said it's meant to be fully sanded and polished after installing which seems crazy in a brand new bathroom. It also scratches insanely easily.

[Rough101]

Rob. said:

I've not been that impressed with ours. It's a MAKStone acrylic solid surface worktop. The installation instructions said it's meant to be fully sanded and polished after installing which seems crazy in a brand new bathroom. It also scratches insanely easily.

That sounds like a Corian type material, which I wasn’t talking about, I was taking about a high pressure laminate type material.

I used to have Corian in the kitchen, it’s quite soft but as it’s solid all the way through it can be infinitely sanded and polished back.

[clockworks]

Rough101 said:

If it’s the solid stuff it’s as hard as hell and you don’t finish the edge, so you need to cut it bang on.

It’s craft paper in resin, you need TCT tools to cut it, including your hole saws for pipes.

Thanks.

I found an installation guide, seems like it's not too bad to work with as long as you use the right blades, and support it well while cutting.

Looks like it's the same concept as Paxolin (SRBP), the stuff that old circuit boards were made of

[LooneyTunes]

1.6m is potentially into offcut territory.

Unless you’re dead set on a particular surface, perhaps have a chat with your local stone worktop place. We have one near us that keeps loads off off cuts that they’re happy to template and cut as needed.

Much cheaper than regular list prices (presumably the original customer ordering them has already paid for the material).

[Rough101]

clockworks said:

Thanks.

I found an installation guide, seems like it's not too bad to work with as long as you use the right blades, and support it well while cutting.

Looks like it's the same concept as Paxolin (SRBP), the stuff that old circuit boards were made of

That’s the stuff, yes, I worked it OK myself, just bought a brand new fine cutting TCT blade, thought I could muddle through with new HSS hole saws, but it needed TCT.

I done about 3 linear metres of cutting and the blade was done after that, still cuts wood, but was chipping this stuff, it wasn’t an expensive blade.

[clockworks]

The issue with using a natural product like granite is the way the sink mounts to the cabinet.

The sink is "semi-recessed" into the cabinet, overhanging the front, and going back to the wall. The front top edge if the cabinet has a rounded profile to match the underside of the sink.

I think I will have to fit the sink first, then butt the worktop up to it. On the right hand side of the sink there will only be a thin strip of worktop, about 50mm wide, up to the shower screen.

I've just had a closer look at the 3 cabinets, and they all have a glossy top with rounded front edges - might not even need a worktop!

For the splashback, now thinking about using stainless mosaic tiles....