I would like to remodel our bathroom countertops.
by
LaVonne
+13
Are people raising their bathroom countertops when they remodel? My cousin said that they are raising them to the height of kitchen countertops which is 36 inches?
15 answers
-
My contractor raised my bathroom countertop and I really enjoy it. It is more comfortable. I don't have to bend over to use the sink.
Martha M
on Dec 29, 2011
-
I don't think you can go too wrong either way in terms of resale value. Just do what is comfortable for you.
3po3
on Dec 29, 2011
-
Our last house had sinks at different levels. Worked great for us since my husband is over a foot taller than I am. We will renovate this bathroom the same way.
Carol
on Dec 29, 2011
-
Are you just replacing the tops and not the vanities? Do keep in mind that raising the vanity more work than you realize. Look at where the water lines and drains are coming from. Also, are they factory cabinets or custom made? - they may come out in pieces that cannot be put back together. If they are factory cabinets and the pipes are from the floor, you have it easy. If from the wall too? You will need to drill new holes. Another alternative is to add wood to the top of the cabinets. Depending on the finish of your cabinets, this could as ethically unpleasing. If you can match, or paint .. then adding a few inches here could maybe be treated with an embellishment (fancy molding) or something to make it look like it belongs. Post a photo for more advice if you like!
Designs by BSB
on Dec 30, 2011
-
Good points, BeckySue.
3po3
on Dec 30, 2011
-
It is typical now that the vanity counter top height is 36"...be sure before you move forward that you have selected your sink and faucet....if you are doing a vessel type of sink you'll need to account for the height of the sink above the counter top so it soesn't get to be too high. Happy New Year!
S and W Kitchens, Inc.
on Dec 30, 2011
-
Hi Becky Sue: I checked & our pipes are from the wall rather than the floor. I think that we would need a new cabinet. Our house is 18 years old but we are now doing some updating. Two months ago we replaced our formica kitchen countertops with Yellow River pattern - granite. Had travatine tile backsplash put in. I was TIRED after all that - plus had a new stove top, microwave,etc. HOWEVER - I am now thinking of our master bathroom. I would like to replace the formica countertops with Cambria quartz - I THINK - when we raise the countertops. I have had 2 back surgeries in two years - my husband is 6 ft plus so I think the taller cabinets would be nice. To S & W kitchens - I don't think I would use the vessel type of sinks. They are beautiful but a bit too modern for this grandma. That was really a good point you had though. I appreciate it. LaVonne
LaVonne
on Dec 30, 2011
-
Raising the cabinets are a personal choice but a very wise one. Most if not all are set higher compared to cabinets used only a few years ago. The trend is higher overall. The construction industry as a whole is going towards intelligence design or a term that has been heard more and more and that is Aging in Place. Aging adults are staying put longer then they did when our parents were aging. You see this more and more with new homes being built. No longer are you seeing homes with above grade entrances. Less steps makes it easier for those who are needing a walker to get around. Look at door handles in new construction. They are all lever style types. Much easier to push the handle down then to twist them. Same goes with cabinets and interior designs in baths and kitchens alike. Higher tops make it easier to wash up. Older adults loose their balance when bending over so far, the result is higher tops. Look at kitchen appliances as well. No longer do you see knobs in back of stoves. They are in front were its easy to reach and see. Dishwashers are being installed higher so the aging adult owner does not have to bend over loosing their balance when filling or removing dishes. Lots of young family's are afraid of doing aging in place designs as well as some older adults for fear that the home will end up looking like a hospital or senior center home. Years ago this was true. Manufactures back then only offered Hospital type fixtures and equipment for their aging population that would be using their facilities. However with the baby boomers coming to age they are demanding nicer quality fixtures, cabinets and designs. Many of which are being used every day and people are not even aware that they were designed to assist them when they get older. So sure raise your counters. Install your handrails that double as towel racks and enjoy your life!
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Dec 30, 2011
-
Thank you so much Woodbridge Environmental. All very helpful ideal for us. LaVonne
LaVonne
on Dec 30, 2011
-
Woodbridge makes some great points but the first line says it all. Personal choice is top of the list. Of course availability of cabinet styles is a close second. You may like it but, if you can't get it, it's either customize or Oh Well! I rarely make decisions on what to put in for my customers. Find something you like, you'll be much happier.
Midlantic Contracting LLC / Midlantic Electric Inc
on Dec 31, 2011
-
One last note. If your choosing a contractor to do this work for you or for more ideas, look for contractors who have the CAPs designation to their company. A "Certified Aging in Place" contractor has had special training not only to understand the needs of older adults or those with special needs, they have a lot of valuable resources at their disposal when it comes to finding those hard to find cabinet, parts, accessories that do not look like hospital equipment to fit into the home.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Dec 31, 2011
-
Thank you so much Woodbridge Environmental. All good points to consider. Actually we are thinking more in terms of what is 'in style' at this point'. However - taller countertops would be more comfortable for my husband & would have been wonderful when I was recovering from my last & SUCCESSFUL back surgery. I would always wash my face at the kitchen sink or in the shower as I was not supposed to bend for several months. Would you suggest Cambria (quartz) or granite for the countertop. Thus far we like the 2-month old granite in our kitchen.
LaVonne
on Dec 31, 2011
-
In a bath environment its more about function with tops then style . So any type of top that you choose works fine as long as what ever you choose will fit the function. So type of material is not as important as perhaps the height you choose to use. I would be sure however to pick rounded style edges and corners on any tops regardless of what you pick out, as if you do slip and fall your less likely to injure yourself with cuts because of sharp style edges. Remember its not about what you use its about thinking about how your using it. Lever style faucets vs, turn types. Push style rocker switches for lights as apposed to the old standard light switch. Lighted switches so you can find them in the dark. Additional lighting above to make the room brighter. Careful choice on floors, no glossy tiles and try to restrict the use of carpet both for tripping issues on slippage over tiles and for mold development on wall to wall types. Less complicated color tops are better to find pins and small objects on then those tops that have all sorts of colors and designs. Remember our eyes do not work as well as we think. Making it harder for us to find things that are right in front of us. In kitchens the suggestion is lighter solid color tops as its easy to find crumb partials when we clean as apposed to those real busy tops that are all the rage these days. To add to this, outside of the bath, Package shelves near door that you enter when you come back from shopping. How many times have you fumbled with your keys while holding the shopping bags? Also with better locks you can get your home keyed much like your car, you can put the key in either way and the car starts. Well you can get your house key done this way now. So its easier now you do not have to turn the key over in order to align it with the door knob. Part of the CAPS classes was that we put socks on our hands, smeared Vaseline on glasses and were confined to a wheel chair for an hour while we were told to do a bunch of tasks throughout the building where the class was taught. It gives one a whole new prospective on getting older.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Dec 31, 2011
-
you can raise or lower your counter tops to whatever height you want.... the market says that for the bathroom it has to be no taller than XX inches & the kitchen has to be XX inches....this is your house(well you & hubby's) & you can pretty much do whatever you want with it.
Capernius
on May 03, 2015
-
One will just have to be careful to not have the counter tops installed on a height which the kiddies will find difficult to use?
Isobel
on Mar 17, 2016
Sign Up to Answer
Suggested Project Book
