Hi all, would appreciate all suggestion for this issue. The initial plan
was to install a floating bathroom vanity of such design (with extra thick counter top style).

However after starting renovation works, the constructor is sure that the brick wall behind is unable to support the weight of a concrete top + stone surface + basin for a floating design of such length and size (even with drilling metal supporting structures into the brick wall). My constructor believes that only a concrete wall is able to withstand such weight.

Hence in order to keep the floating design, we had suggestions coming in to construct an aluminium frame instead of using concrete, then integrating a quartz top and water-resistant cabinets at the bottom. For a more economical option, there is suggestion to use Formica for the top instead of stone/Quartz.

So my questions are :
1. Is this type of design still doable without using a concrete top? This is so as I’d very much prefer a thick counter top look than just a thin slab of Quartz which isn’t exacting visually pleasing in my opinion
2. If using Formica - will such design be doable?
3. Are there any lighter weight material to construct such a design?
4. I’d very much prefer a recessed or semi-recessed basin compared to a counter top one but if it comes down to sacrificing the basin type for aesthetic purpose, I’m ok with a counter top one
5. Any practical tips/insights on construing a thick counter top? Preferably integrating a semi-recessed/recessed sink

All your inputs are much appreciated

Picture 1: design proposed by an independent ID
Picture 3 & 4 : design of floating cabinets that I personally love very much. Note the thicker upper portion.
Picture 5 : idea proposed by the carpentry guy which I don’t really like - note the narrower upper portion of the vanity (which is a slab of Quartz)
Picture 6 : layout of the bath area. Gonna go with one big basin instead of two as per the layout








This post has been edited by inmyownmind: Oct 8 2021, 09:36 PM

Perhaps no one use concrete slab that thick. Normally even the quartz stone is thin but it is formed to look like picture 1 or 2.

I don't think brick wall can support heavy hanging stuff unless concrete wall. That is why the last picture is proposed with one side to the floor. With wide panel of quartz or solid surface at the front, it will looks like this slab top.

what? floating design without metal support? impossible.

u must have metal support no matter what. once u have support u can use concrete top

This post has been edited by WaCKy-Angel: Oct 8 2021, 10:01 AM

You don't need a concrete top for the stone counter top. Why would your contractor even suggest concrete top? There's a metal bracket installed beneath the stone counter top, most natural stone supplier (not agent) will be able to do so for you.

you can still achieve thick vanity top look by doing L-shaped stone supported by L frame behind. Only that you have a joint, which you would also have with concrete top.
Formica is doable if backing is water resistant panel like HPL or phenolic board...now formica also come in stone finishes.

Yea, that’s exactly my constructor’s concern, even with metal supporting structures drilled into the wall, there wouldn’t be enough support due to it being a brick and not concrete wall

My expectation is for the full vanity to be floating hence that slab Quartz at the side doesn’t really do it for me, so is looking for alternatives of lighter materials so that this idea is able to materialised

Would an aluminium frame be sufficient? There’s suggestion of using a thicker and better quality aluminium such as awning types

I hired a carpentry person for this purpose, guess this isn’t the best option? Your suggestion is to go straight to a natural stone supplier for the top part of the vanity, then the carpentry person can take care of the cabinets underneath?

So by using the L frame, there isn’t a need for concrete top right?

If using Formica, is there a need for the L frame supporting structure? Also with Formica, can a semi-recessed sink be used?

Nope. need steel metal (which would definitely rust) or if u spend more can get solid stainless steel.

Carpentry also will probably source out with stone supplier for the table top.
If u dont mind the hassle u can get stone supplier to install the table top, once done u can get the carpentry to measure and fix the cabinets.

If u need stone supplier try this forummer for his advise/suggestion.
Chook - 0129714630
his factory near Nilai iinm.

Pls dont use Formica unless u really have determination to wipe dry every time the surface gets wet. else expect to change surface every few years.

Can use air brick. Lightweight
The top can be very thin, just box it up to look thick

post the layout here. it will give a better idea.
it there any wall on the left and right of the cabinet?

Thanks for your suggestion on the L bracket. Will convey this to the constructor and see if we can work things out

Aluminium frame not doable then. Noted 👍

I’m located in Ipoh so will have to think about the additional cost to ship that slab down

Thanks for the input on Formica. Some are telling me that there’s better quality Formica that can last longer…..

This post has been edited by inmyownmind: Oct 8 2021, 06:07 PM

Air brick? Wow first time hearing bout this, gonna do some googling

Means do a wooden frame for the top, the line the sides with Quartz?

Edited post with layout plan. There is a brick wall on the R of the cabinets

You can do L slab as per your last pic before the layout plan. Make sure u ask the contractor do water proofing if it is cement slab.

You need to decide the finishing layer will raw or tiles. Not sure if you using stone. If using stone, make sure waterproofing the bottom layer of stone too before put on cement.

You also need to talk to your cabinet maker whether they ok or not; and how they want to mount.
Ask them show you excactly how to mount and get cement contractor to join the discussion.
Ask how is the water outlet is to be done, must get both understand.
How is the basin is place n mount.
Make sure the propose method allow you to change the water tap (basin cannot change is norm for these design).

Also, fyi the cabinet below basin is dummy. It is reserve for water trap.

Your table top is 2.5m, is doable with cement and reebar. Up to 3m still ok one.

This post has been edited by chamelion: Oct 8 2021, 06:46 PM

May I enquire what is the measurement of the master bathroom (as in how big) ?

With that space. I rather have a bathtub
Airbrick is lightweight brick with air bubbles in it.
Avoid wood in bathroom.