The Renovators Guide To Showers, Basins And More

BASIN BASICS

Above Counter: Above counter basins sit on top of the vanity unit or bench top. They are best for creating a design focal point and maximising your under-bench storage.

Semi Recessed: Semi recessed basins have a cut-out on the side of the basin allowing them to be mounted partially on the bench top and partially protruding beyond the bench top.

Under Counter: Under counter basins are installed below the bathroom vanity bench top to maximise bench space and make cleaning easier.

Inset: Inset basins are in between an above and under counter basin, with part of the basin visible above the bench and the other part below it.

Plug & Waste: A basin plug and waste allows you to fill the basin with water then enables the water in the basin to run off safely, regardless of the sink design.

Bottle Trap: A bottle trap maintains hygiene by preventing odours and gases from contaminating your bathroom. When water goes down the drain in your basin into the sewer waste the bottle trap prevents odours by keeping a section of sealed water in your pipes. When gases waft up from your pipe system, they are blocked by the accumulated water in the trap, keeping your bathroom smelling fresh.

Overflow: An overflow is a small hole in the side of a basin or bath, used to drain excess water away before the basin or bath overflows. If your basin or bath has an overflow hole, it will require a pop-up waste with overflow. You are able to also customise your basin choice with a variety of shapes, colours and materials on offer. Also consider other features available in basins, like Stain Resistant materials and the length of the warranty. Finally, when picking your preferred basin style be aware that it may also impact your vanity selection and best taps to select.

BATH & SHOWER SEMANTICS

Baths come in all shapes and sizes so it’s easy to find the right one for your new bathroom sanctuary. There are just a few key considerations:

Freestanding or inset (flange or island): if you don’t have a lot of space, or you are replacing an existing bath, an inset bath might be the right choice for you. An inset flange bath is often the best selection for when your shower and bath are together. If you are after a beautiful center piece for your bathroom, consider a freestanding bath that creates more of a sanctuary feel. Freestanding baths can also come with a Back to Wall option where the bath is positioned against a wall, making it easier for cleaning.

The material: there is a range to choose from including steel which is known for its great quality; acrylic, solid surface or even stone.

The shape: oval and square baths are the most popular, but other shapes are available.

The colour: white is still the most popular choice, however other bath colours are becoming popular with black baths more easily accessible.

Showers have also come a long way and the different types and features available continues to grow. The first big decision about your shower is whether it will be a separate shower or over your bath. With that sorted, you can then turn your focus to the shower style itself:

Fixed Wall: A fixed wall shower is as it sounds, fixed to the wall and unable to be adjusted once installed.

Adjustable: With an adjustable shower, it is still fixed to a wall but will have some adjustability in terms of height with an adjustable arm.

Hand Held: Hand held showers offer lots of versatility and convenience. Shower with it fixed in place or remove for custom placement – great for washing kids and pets in the shower.

Rail Shower: This shower is fixed on a rail on the wall. It allow for the height to be easily adjusted up and down the length of the rail.

Rain Shower: An absolute treat, a rain shower is generally suspended from your ceiling. With a larger shower head it feels like having rain fall on you.

System / Combinations: A combination system will generally include 2 shower heads (Rail and Hand Held) combined on one rail. These showers will need a diverter switch with the taps to allow the water flow to switch between the two shower heads.

And once you have you style of shower, look for the spray patterns and adjustability to find the perfect shower for you and your new bathroom sanctuary.