Choosing a Basin for your bathroom renovation
The basin is often the focal point of a bathroom that sets the style for the rest of the room. Here’s what you need to consider when choosing a basin for your bathroom.
Basins of all shapes, sizes and designs
Wall basins look minimalist and are great for small spaces because they don’t need to take up space on the floor. These can provide easier access to family members with a physical disability.
Semi-recessed basins overhang a vanity, and particularly suit narrow space-saver vanity units. These also enable closer access to the basin, so one doesn’t have to bend over it as much.
Pedestal basins are often basically wall-mounted basins, but with a pedestal beneath the basin which hides the waste pipe. There are also free-standing units that serve the same purpose.
Above-counter basins make an impressive statement and do not encroach on the space within the vanity below. The vanity unit does not need a hole cut for the basin to be fitted into it.
Under-counter basins maximise bench space and make the vanity unit look streamlined and less cluttered.
Inset basins are placed half-way above and below the countertop for a middle-ground option.
All-in-one basins are moulded with the benchtop which make them maintenance-free with no ridges or joins.
His and Hers options
With the ‘his and hers’ option, two basins are fitted alongside one another, so that busy couples can avoid arguing about who uses the sink first! You’ll both have your own basin to use.
Installation
In order to choose a basin that’s right for your bathroom, you need to take the space and dimensions of your bathroom into account. The basin must look visually proportionate to all the other parts of the bathroom.
If you opt for an under-mounted vanity basin, it needs to fit in a custom-cut hole that must be within the frame of the vanity unit. With above-counter vessel basins, be sure to account for the height of the vanity unit, or else the basin might be too high for comfortable use.
If you like the convenience of a mixer type tap, you will have to select a single tap hole basin.
If you prefer separate hot and cold water taps, you will need a two tap hole basin. Or you may opt for two taps with a spout which will require a third hole.
Alternatively, with above-counter basins, you may require no tap holes at all.
We encourage you to invite a BluChip Bathrooms consultant to inspect your bathroom prior to purchasing a basin, so that we can advise on any other limitation such as plumbing or space constraints.
Ultimately appearance matters just as much as function, and we are here to help you make the best choice after discussing your plans and needs.
Cleaning and maintenance
Most basins are best cleaned with just warm soapy water and a cloth. Some household cleaners contain chemicals that could damage the surface, so the use of these is best avoided.
Grime and water can accumulate at the base where a bench mounted basin meets the countertop, so over time above-counter basins can require higher maintenance with the need for careful cleaning and resealing to avoid damaging the benchtop.
With semi-recessed basins, spills are more likely to drip down the sides of the vanity unit and onto the floor, especially if you have children who are not tall enough to bend over the basin. Under-mounted basins can enable an easier wipe down from the benchtop directly into the basin.
Unless the basin is meant to be installed against a wall, we recommend there is at least a 5cm gap between the rear of the basin and the wall to facilitate cleaning.