Bathroom Sinks - Some Basics
11/02/10 14:08 Filed in: bathroom
Bathrooms (and kitchens), are often the most
complicated home renovation projects. Plumbing must
be taken into account and each space has its own
special needs. Here are a few tips about the
selection of the bathroom sink:
Sinks:
Basic Categories: wall-mount/semi-pedestal, pedestal and vanity basins. Vanity basins can be vessel style (like a bowl on top of the vanity), drop-in or undermount.
Materials: glass, metal, china and resin compounds. Some other variations include concrete and soapstone.
Common North-American Sizes:
Drop-in/Self-rimming Vanity Basins: from about 13”w x 18”d to 33”w x 20”d
Undermount Vanity Basins: from about 15”w X 12”d to 25”w x 19”d
Pedestals: from about 20”w x 14”d x 32”h to 33”w x 24”d x 35"h
Wall-mounts/semi-pedestals: from about 17”w x 13”d to 39”w x 23”d
If you are working with a very petite bathroom, you may have to look to European or Japanese designs to go even smaller. Some modern units include built in counter space, towel racks and drawers. Just be sure that the proper installation hook-ups are available in North America. Check www.catalano.it/en/index.php and www.duravit.com for good examples.
An example of a resin composite modern sink from Design Within Reach. It is wall-mounted, a scant 12.5” deep and at 30” long, some built-in counter space is possible.
Vanities: console bases, floor-standing or wall-mount cupboard units are available.
A converted furniture piece can make a truly unique variation. Make sure that the top is deep enough for sink and faucet. For example, if the piece is 18” deep, the smallest Kohler undermount sink (12” x 14”) will allow the mounting of a single-hole faucet off to the side of the basin. Check with your contractor, designer or stone-cutter if you are in doubt.
This antique with marble top and drawers is an example of a suitable furniture piece to convert into a unique vanity. Picture taken at Horsefeathers Home on Castlefield Avenue in Toronto.
Sinks:
Basic Categories: wall-mount/semi-pedestal, pedestal and vanity basins. Vanity basins can be vessel style (like a bowl on top of the vanity), drop-in or undermount.
Materials: glass, metal, china and resin compounds. Some other variations include concrete and soapstone.
Common North-American Sizes:
Drop-in/Self-rimming Vanity Basins: from about 13”w x 18”d to 33”w x 20”d
Undermount Vanity Basins: from about 15”w X 12”d to 25”w x 19”d
Pedestals: from about 20”w x 14”d x 32”h to 33”w x 24”d x 35"h
Wall-mounts/semi-pedestals: from about 17”w x 13”d to 39”w x 23”d
If you are working with a very petite bathroom, you may have to look to European or Japanese designs to go even smaller. Some modern units include built in counter space, towel racks and drawers. Just be sure that the proper installation hook-ups are available in North America. Check www.catalano.it/en/index.php and www.duravit.com for good examples.
An example of a resin composite modern sink from Design Within Reach. It is wall-mounted, a scant 12.5” deep and at 30” long, some built-in counter space is possible.
Vanities: console bases, floor-standing or wall-mount cupboard units are available.
A converted furniture piece can make a truly unique variation. Make sure that the top is deep enough for sink and faucet. For example, if the piece is 18” deep, the smallest Kohler undermount sink (12” x 14”) will allow the mounting of a single-hole faucet off to the side of the basin. Check with your contractor, designer or stone-cutter if you are in doubt.
This antique with marble top and drawers is an example of a suitable furniture piece to convert into a unique vanity. Picture taken at Horsefeathers Home on Castlefield Avenue in Toronto.