Types Of Bathroom Basin Installations

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When renovating or building a new bathroom, as well as choosing what kind of shower to construct and what tiles to lay, you also need to select the type of bathroom basin to install. Basins can be fitted in a number of different ways; you will need to make decisions about where and how to install it within the bathroom.

Drop-In And Undermount Basins

One common installation type is a drop-in basin that is fitted into a hole carved into the vanity countertop. The lip of the bowl fits snuggly over the hole edges, forming a rim which bears the basin weight. The plumbing remains concealed within the vanity unit.

Another way to fit a basin to a vanity countertop is to under-mount it. Again, a hole is carved into the benchtop, but this time it is cut slightly smaller than the basin diameter. The bowl is then installed from inside the vanity unit and fitted to the underside of the countertop. Because of the size difference between the cut hole and the bowl, the counter will slightly overhang the basin. With this configuration, the countertop needs to be sturdy enough to carry the basin's weight. Aesthetically, under-mounting creates a sleeker appearance than over-mounting because there is no rim protruding over the countertop. Both drop-in and under-mount basins usually have openings to fit the tapware.

Bowl Basins

Another popular option is a countertop basin, where the bowl either sits directly on top of the vanity unit or else is only slightly lowered into a hole carved into the bench. With this installation type, the taps are often fitted to the countertop or else to the wall behind. The vanity or the wall respectively hide the plumbing. Alternatively, the plumbing can be exposed, making an industrial design statement.

Pedestal Or Wall-Mounted Basins

If you don't need the storage provided by a vanity unit or you plan to locate storage elsewhere, you have two other possibilities. One is a pedestal basin type where a basin is fixed to a pedestal stand which houses the plumbing within. Or else, a wall mounted basin can be secured to the wall at the correct height, with the plumbing covered by the wall. Attaching a nearby wall shelf can create a place to store handy items. 

When choosing a basin for your bathroom, consider first whether you want a basin/vanity combination. If you do, you can either over-mount or under-mount the basin, or else sit a bowl on the countertop. Other options, such as pedestal or wall-mounted basins, can create a spacious feeling without the vanity underneath. Home builders can provide more specific advice, taking into account the specific bathroom size and shape.

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