Under Counter Vanity Basins

Under counter, or undermount basins are used with solid surface benchtops to create a streamline, clutter free look for your bathroom vanity. The under counter basin is attached to the bottom of the benchtop giving a more seamless look.

The edge of the hole (cut out) in the benchtop is polished or finished very precisely as this will be visible. The basin is glued to the bottom of the benchtop and the join is silicone to create a water tight seal.

UNDER COUNTER BASIN DESIGN:
• Under counter basins are generally very simple and minimalist designs.

• Most under counter basins will be white in colour, however you might find some that are more colourful and decorative.

• The design of the under counter basin allows a more seamless look to the bathroom vanity and allows greater emphasis on the actual benchtop material and tapware designs than on the basin itself.

UNDER COUNTER BASIN SHAPES:
• The standard shapes for under counter basins are round, oval, square or rectangular. There will be very few, if any, which differ from this.

• Most will be very simple in shape, generally with no tap landing or soap holders.

• The look of the basin is very important, so is the practicality of it, make sure the basin you choose is easy to use for your particular application.

UNDER COUNTER BASIN SIZE:
• Sizes will range from small round basins, to larger rectangle and oval basins.

• The depths of the bowls will vary greatly from shallow to deep bowls ideal for shaving in.

• Make sure the inset basin will fit onto the vanity cabinet or bench, particular the width. Ensure there is enough room beside the basin for storing everyday items.

• The depth of the basin (front to back). You will need to allow enough benchtop material (at least 50mm) between the front of the benchtop to the front of the basin cut out, and the same at the back, to ensure the rigidity of the benchtop.

• The depth of the bowl. You will need to ensure the placement of the bowl doesn’t interfere with the operation of any drawers underneath.

TAPWARE FOR UNDER COUNTER BASINS:
• Under counter basins generally have no tapholes, with the tapware being either wall mounted or bench mounted.

• The tapware you choose can either be single lever mixer tapware or conventional 3 piece tapware.

• Make sure before choosing an inset basin you know what tapware options you can choose. You may already have the plumbing set to a particular type, e.g. Wall mounted tapware.

• If mounting tapware on the benchtop, you must allow enough room at the back of the cut out to place the tapware. Remember to factor in the width of the basin rim when calculating this space. The rim will generally be 25mm wide.

 * Image: Caroma Cosmo Undermount Basin
 

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