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Dawson Court
Billington Road Industrial Estate
Burnley
BB11 5UB
Countertop, semi-recessed, corner… who knew there could be so many different types of bathroom basins? If you‘re on the hunt for a new basin and not quite sure where to start, our bathroom basin buyer’s guide will help you choose the perfect one.
Whether you need a basin for a new bathroom or just want to replace what you already have, you will need to ensure you measure the space accurately, and double check all your measurements just to be on the safe side.
Before choosing a new sink, it’s important to think about how your sink will be used. If your sink is for a cloakroom, it will probably only be used for washing your hands, which means you can choose a small basin with a shallower depth. If there’s limited storage space within your bathroom, then you can opt for a vanity unit with sink, so you can store whatever you need underneath your basin.
If you have plenty of space to play with, you can take your pick from a wider range of sizes and designs. Basins that are bigger and deeper will allow you to hand wash clothing, or wash your hair. With so many sinks to choose from, you will have no problem finding one to perfectly suit the size and style of your bathroom.
Different types of basins are designed to be fitted in certain ways, for example, wall mounted or countertop mounted. Countertop basins can’t be fitted to the wall, so it’s important to check that your chosen basin can installed in the way you require. Don’t forget to check what basin waste you’ll need – you can find out in our basin waste buyer’s guide.
Then there’s the taps. This is just as important as choosing the basin itself. You will need a tap that matches the style of the basin and bathroom. Also, check that the tap is suitable for fitting to your basin. For example, some basins only have a single tap hole, so you’ll need to choose a basin monobloc tap. Some sinks don’t have tap holes, which means you’ll need to opt for a wall mounted tap. Find out all you need to know about taps in our bathroom tap buyer’s guide.
Buying a good quality basin that meets your requirements is an important part of your new bathroom, and we understand that it can be difficult trying to choose the right one when you’re confronted with a load of jargon that doesn’t make much sense. So, to make things clearer, here’s some words and phrases you may come across when shopping for a new basin.
Basin waste
A waste is an essential item for any basin. Made from brass and usually chrome plated, a waste is what the water drains through when flowing out of the basin. There are different types of wastes including push button, flip top and of course the standard plug and chain waste.
Slotted waste
You will need a slotted waste if your basin has an overflow.
Unslotted waste
You will need an unslotted waste if your basin doesn’t have an overflow.
Overflow hole
The overflow hole is a small hole that’s drilled into the basin, and sits just underneath where the tap goes. The overflow drains the water away if too much flows into the basin, preventing it from overflowing onto the floor.
Bottle trap
A bottle trap is a small section of brass tubing that connects the bottom of the basin to the drainage system. Chrome bottle traps are usually used with wall mounted basins, where the pipework would be on display.
Cloakroom basin
Cloakroom basins feature compact dimensions, making them a great option for small spaces. They are available in modern and traditional styles, as well as corner designs too.
Inset basin
An inset basin is fitted into a worktop. It provides a space saving solution and keeps the basin compact within the unit, usually with drawers or a cupboard underneath, this also conceals the pipework ensuring a neat and tidy finish.
Countertop basin
Available in various shapes and sizes, countertop basins are designed to be fitted onto a worktop. They are usually fitted with a wall mounted basin tap or a high rise basin tap.
Semi-recessed basin
A semi-recessed basin is built into a worktop but not completely enclosed. This style is where the front of the basin is on show. The pipework is hidden away in the unit for a neat finish.
Full pedestal
A full pedestal extends down to the floor and is what the basin is fitted to. The pipework is concealed behind the pedestal ensuring a tidy finish.
Semi pedestal
A semi pedestal is a shorter version of the full length one. A basin with a semi pedestal is a great option for a small bathroom.
Bathroom sinks or basins are available in an array of sizes and styles ranging from the modern to the traditional to suit any home. They also come in one, two and even three tap hole variations, so you’ll need to decide if you would like a basin mono tap or a pair of separate taps – one for hot and one for cold. Three tap hole sinks use a mixer tap with separate handles to control the water and have a spout in the centre. Some basins, such as a countertop style don’t have any tap holes, this type will require a wall mounted tap or a high rise basin mixer tap.
Basins are also available with a full or semi pedestal. Full pedestals are a popular option as they are easier to install, they support the basin and conceal unsightly pipework from view. Semi pedestals also hide pipework, but maximise floor space, making them a great option for a smaller bathroom. In addition to these free standing basins, there’s also wall mounted basins, furniture basins, cloakroom basins and corner basins.
A bathroom basin is made by blending clay, fillers and fluxes with water in a large mixing vessel. This raw clay mix is then modeled into the basin shape and dried. A white or coloured glaze is then sprayed onto the basin – this is fused chemically and physically to the clay body by applying very high temperatures in a kiln. The finished vitreous china basin has a very hard surface that’s resistant to fading, staining and scratching. This process allows basins to be made in a wide range of sizes and shapes.
Your bathroom sink should be cleaned with warm soapy water. You can also use water and baking soda to clean the basin – wet the surface of the basin with warm water and sprinkle on baking soda, rub it in with a soft cloth or sponge until a paste is formed. The baking soda will remove stains and soap scum without damaging the surface.
The most popular type, pedestal basins are easy to install and come in an array of styles and sizes. There are two options available – full pedestal and semi pedestal.
A full pedestal sits on the floor, which the basin rests upon and is securely fixed to the wall behind. This type provides a great way to hide unsightly pipework and plumbing. A full pedestal also allows for a bigger and heavier basin, and is therefore an ideal option for a family bathroom. Basins with a full pedestal are also the easiest type to fit.
A semi pedestal basin is wall mounted, but rather than featuring a full pedestal, it uses a small pedestal that still conceals pipework. As the pedestal does not reach the floor, it provides the illusion of more space, which makes your small bathroom look bigger and easier to clean too. If choosing this type of basin, you will need to ensure the wall is strong enough to support the weight of the sink.
Why choose this basin?
Handy hints
A wall hung basin is a great option for small bathrooms, en-suites and cloakrooms, and it can be fitted at the desired height. The wall mounted design maximises floor space and creates a cleaner look. As the plumbing is exposed with a wall mounted basin, you may wish to fit a chrome bottle trap, rather than a plastic one, for a neater finish. Wall hung sinks come in both modern and traditional styles, as well as a range of sizes.
Why choose this basin?
Handy hints
If you have a small bathroom or cloakroom, then you may want to opt for a corner basin. This style of basin helps to make the best use of what could otherwise be wasted space. As with a wall mounted basin, you may want to fit a chrome bottle trap to your corner bathroom sink to ensure a neat and tidy finish to the pipework.
Why choose this basin?
Handy hints
Countertop basins are the perfect choice for adding chic, contemporary style to any bathroom or en-suite. They are available in an array of styles ranging from simple round shapes to more elaborate forms that make a real statement. Designed to be fitted to a countertop, this type of basin can have one, two or no tap holes.
Why choose this basin?
Handy hints
Semi-recessed basins are a great choice for adding classic style to your bathroom. This type of sink has been designed to sit partially in a countertop with the front on show. The sink is fixed into position using silicone sealant, and leaves no visible pipework.
Why choose this basin?
Handy hints
If you want to incorporate storage into your bathroom, a vanity sink unit is the best option. A vanity unit cleverly combines a sink and storage into one handy unit so you can keep toiletries and beauty products neatly hidden away. Vanity units come in many sizes and styles, as well as wall hung and floor standing designs to suit any bathroom.
Why choose this basin?
Handy hints
Once you have decided on a style and size, you can then decide how many basin taps you want. The amount of tap holes that are pre-drilled into the basin will determine the type of taps you can choose.
Most bathroom sinks have just one tap hole; this is because the majority of taps are mixer taps. A mixer tap combines the hot and cold water before it comes out of the spout, making it easier to handle. Mixer taps come in both modern and traditional styles to enhance the design of any bathroom. For a more authentic traditional look, opt for a basin with two tap holes, so you can fit separate hot and cold taps.
Some basins such as a countertop design, don’t feature any tap holes, so you will you need to fit either a wall mounted tap or a high rise tap.
Now that you have chosen a basin for your bathroom, you can start to think about those all-important finishing touches.
Basin taps are available in so many styles to suit any bathroom. When choosing new taps make sure they enhance the design of your sink. If your sink has a curved shape, then opt for a tap with rounded lines. If it has an angular shape, choose a tap with clean, geometric lines.
A waste is an essential item for any sink. There are two main basin waste types – slotted and unslotted. If your basin has an overflow, then you will need a slotted waste. An unslotted waste is required for basins without an overflow. When it comes to style, you can choose from a classic plug and chain waste, pop-up, push button or a flip-top design.
Most modern basins don’t have a hole for the chain to be fitted to, so make sure to check your basin before choosing a plug and chain waste.
A pop-up waste features a lever behind the tap – simply pull upwards to lower the waste plug, and push down to raise again.
With a push button waste, you simply push the waste plug down to prevent the water from draining away, and push down again to release.
A flip-top waste features a metal disc that you flip by hand to stop the water from draining.
Hi, I’m Liz, an interiors blogger. My main focus area is the bathroom, where I aim to inspire anyone who’s planning and designing a new bathroom – you’ll find plenty of tips, how-to guides and a wealth of ideas!
Dawson Court
Billington Road Industrial Estate
Burnley
BB11 5UB