Basin Buying Guide for Modern Bathroom Renovations

One decision to make when renovating your bathroom is choosing the right basin. A basin is a crucial area of a bathroom setup, and your choice can determine the outcome of your renovation work. Hence, it makes sense to choose right.
However, when shopping for a basin for modern bathroom renovations, you will come across several options, capable of getting you lost in identifying the right one for your modern bathroom renovation.
Thankfully, with the right factors to consider, you can pick a bathroom basin that meets your bathroom needs and design. Factors like your bathroom size, tap holes, and mounting options are a few specifications to look out for.
This article simplifies your bathroom basin buying journey with a list of features and specifications to check when making a basin purchase.

Factors to Consider When Buying a New Basin for Bathroom Renovations

Considering these factors will help narrow down your choices when picking the right basin for your modern bathroom renovation:

1. Know Your Bathroom Size

Your bathroom size is the number one factor to consider when buying a basin. Bathroom basins come in various sizes and designs, and the right one for you depends on your bathroom size. If you own a compact bathroom with limited space, it makes sense to go with wall-hung or corner basins, as they help save space.
The key here is that your basin size must match your bathroom size so that your basin doesn’t steal your space.

2. Choose the Right Mounting Option

Bathroom basins come with different mounting methods, and it is important to pay attention to this area during your shopping session. Common mounting methods you will come across on the market include corner-mounted and wall-mounted basins. There are also models installed on worktops or vanities.
Choosing a mounting option for your basin also includes the right basin waste you will need for your basin. This is important since most standalone basins don’t come standard with a basin waste.
This information is attached to your basin, but you can make inquiries with your store salesperson.

3. Choose the Right Basin Height

Your basin height determines how convenient it is to use. An extremely high or low basin can be difficult to use. The idea is to look for a basin height of your waist.
With the right height, you have enough space under the basin to install a vanity unit, and a mirror can go to the space above the basin without struggling to access these fixtures.
However, if the basin is meant for kids or elderly persons with the inability to stand upright, you want to lower the position of the basin for easier accessibility.

4. Choose Your Tap Type

One question you should ask yourself when buying a basin for your bathroom renovation is the type of taps you want. Your answer to this question further helps narrow down your choices of basins.
The compatible tap with your basin influences your experience using it. While different types of taps are available, pillar and mixer taps lead the list.
Some basins are designed for pillar taps, meaning you get cold water from one tap and hot water from the other.
However, mixer taps are more common in modern bathrooms. A mixer tap mixes cold and hot water and dispenses the mix through a single spout.

5. Choose Your Basin Material

The material from which your basin is made can determine the durability to expect from your basin. Basins are available in different materials like ceramic, aluminium, and natural stone.

Common Materials for Basins

Ceramic

Ceramic is one of the most popular basin materials in modern bathrooms. This popularity is credited to high durability and timeless appeal. Plus, ceramic basins are easy to maintain. With regular cleaning with mild soap and water, you can always keep your ceramic basin visually appealing, and you don’t have to worry about scratches and stains, as ceramic basins are resistant to these defects.

Porcelain

Porcelain is a similar but refined version of ceramic. Made from denser clay baked at high temperatures, porcelain offers higher durability than ceramic and is a better choice for modern bathroom basins.
However, since manufacturing porcelain is more labour-intensive, porcelain basins are pricier than their ceramic counterparts.

Glass

Glass basins are made from toughened or tempered glass and are known for their sleek, contemporary look. This buys them a place in modern bathroom renovations.
Go for a glass basin if you want a high-end look in your bathroom, but keep in mind that your basin will require frequent cleaning, as water spots can steal the elegant look of your glass basin. It is also worth noting that glass basins are fragile and can shatter with extreme force, so you want to be careful around them.

Natural Stone

Natural-stone basins have been around for quite a while, and they will continue to be relevant in modern bathrooms. Common stone basins are made from granite, marble, and travertine. Since each stone comes with its unique patterns and textures, home renovation contractors approach stone basins when uniqueness matters.
However, while stone basins are highly durable, they are heavier than other types of basins. Hence, when going for a stone basin, you need to provide strong support to carry the extra weight.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel basins are rarely found in residential bathrooms but are common in industrial and commercial bathrooms.
Although they are durable, they are lightweight and require more maintenance, such as treating scratches and water spots.