Type Of Washbasin
Introduction
The type of washbasin (or sink) you choose will often dictate the choice of materials it is made from. Stand alone pedestal and wall hung basins are invariably made from porcelain or vitreous china (ceramic), however those designed to be incorporated into a counter top can be made from almost any suitable material.
Pedestal basins
The hollow pedestal provides a degree of support for the basin, but primarily hides the unsightly water supply and waste pipes.
- Dimensions: Pedestal washbasins vary between 500mm and 700mm wide at the wall, and project between 380mm and 565mm from the wall. These dimensions can vary slightly depending on the manufacturer.
Wall hung basins
Modern basins are supported on concealed mountings attached to the wall, whereas older wall hung basins are supported on large screw fix brackets, similar to shelf brackets.
Mounting to a solid/external wall should present little or no problem, however depending on the size and weight of the washbasin, it may be inadvisable to attach a wall hung basin directly to a timber frame stud wall. In this case install a mounting board to the stud wall and attach the basin to this board.
The only potential drawback to wall hung basins is that the plumbing is invariably on show, however it should present few problems to hide it behind panelling or trunking.
- Dimensions: Wall hung washbasins vary between 350mm and 500 mm wide at the wall, and project between 250mm and 380mm from the wall. These dimensions can vary slightly depending on the manufacturer.
Corner basins
Often used as a space saver, making them ideal for use in a cloakroom or WC, corner basins can be mounted such that the pipework is easily concealed in an adjacent wall or by being boxed into the corner. Practicality, this means that corner basins are most frequently available in small sizes rather than full bathroom size.
- Dimensions: Corner washbasins are commonly 565mm wide at the wall, and project 560mm from the wall. These dimensions can vary depending on the manufacturer.
Recessed basins
The advantage to this type of basin is that it can be recessed into a wall, on top of panelling or onto a vanity unit. Primarily found in cloakrooms and small bathrooms, recessed basins are becoming increasingly popular as a feature in main bathrooms.
- Dimensions: Recessed or semi countertop washbasins are on average 590 mm wide at the wall, and project 525mm from the wall. These dimensions can vary slightly depending on the manufacturer.
Counter top basins
In a large bathroom space there is often enough room to mount a washbasin, or a pair of washbasins, into a counter top as a part of a built-in vanity unit.
This provides an ideal storage scenario as a variety of bathroom items can be stored below the washbasins. Aesthetically, counter top basins also allow the plumbing to be hidden away within the unit.
- Dimensions: Countertop washbasins vary between 480mm and 530mm wide, and project between 420mm and 500mm across the worktop depending on the shape. These dimensions will vary depending on the manufacturer.
With the large amount of innovation in the bathroom industry over the last few years, counter basins are now frequently available in a large variety of materials from glass, through natural materials such as granite, to Corian®.
As with kitchens, the use of a countertop means that having an undermounted sink is also an option. These are often a great way of incorporating a basin without having to have a large area of white porcelain on show.
Further information and useful links
- Find a Bathroom Showroom near to you
- Find a Bathroom Fitter near you
- Find a Bathroom Fixtures & Fittings supplier near you
- Find a Plumber near you
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