At what height to install the sink (washbasin) in the bathroom
Repair is always new and new challenges. Such a seemingly simple question about at what level to hang the sink. Or it can be confusing. No, really. What should be the height of the bathroom sink in order to use it conveniently. We are, of course, accustomed to what we have. But maybe you can make it more convenient? Can.
The content of the article
Shell size and shape
In some way, the shape and size of the sink affects the height of its installation. So let's start with these parameters. According to the size of the washbasin, it can be divided into three categories: medium, large and small. It's simple. The "usual width" of the shell is considered to be 55-65 cm. Anything wider is big, everything that is narrower is small.
Washbasin size | Length mm | Width, mm | Depth mm | Distance to drain, mm |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 400-500 | 300 | 135-150 | 180 |
2 | 550 | 420 | 135-150 | 180 |
3 | 600 | 450 | 150-180 | 180--200 |
4 | 650 | 500/455* | 150-180 | 180--200 |
5 | 700 | 600 | 150-250 | 180--200 |
The table shows the most common sizes of bathroom sinks. Manufacturers and retailers divide washbasins into five size classes. Particularly successful design models are available in several sizes, in several classes. The table, by the way, is a reference. This does not mean that there are no shells of larger or smaller sizes, but they do not belong to the "main" ones.
The width dimension with an asterisk means that this depth is acceptable when installing the sink on a cabinet. This option is not suitable for suspension due to low stability. The stops are too short. And for the nightstand, this is not a hindrance.
A few more words about the depth of the sink and the distance from the edge to the drain. Too shallow sinks are inconvenient, as even a small pressure of water is fraught with splashes around. So we take at least 15 cm, and deeper - you are always welcome. The distance to the drain should also not be less than 15 cm. But here the fact is that it is easier to install a siphon this way. Otherwise, you will suffer, you will have to look for non-standard solutions, and this is always expensive.
The smallest washbasins
The narrowest of the "ordinary" sinks has a width of only 40 cm. Its full size is 22 * 40 * 70 cm. There are other very compact options. The dimensions are about the same, just not elongated in length, but in width. The smallest are rectangular in shape and have a laconic design. There are also small round sinks with a diameter of only about 20 cm. But they are more difficult to install - some kind of countertop is required. And rectangular ones can be installed on conventional brackets or pins.
And also small sinks are installed in a very non-standard way. In any case, you do not expect to see a sink near the door on a wall or behind a cabinet only 42-45 cm wide. Even less expect to see a sink in place of a cistern. This is possible if the installation for a wall-hung toilet is low or if the cistern is simply closed with a false wall.
Overhead: rectangular, oval and round
Today there are more than traditional shells. There are also overhead or desktop. They look more unusual, are easier to install, and are not inferior to traditional ones in terms of comfort. They are perhaps the most diverse in shape.There are rectangular, square, round, oval, bowls and hemispheres.
Shape of overhead bathroom sinks | Length, cm | Width, cm | Depth cm |
---|---|---|---|
Round | 38-52 | 38-52 | 20-35 |
Oval | 52-90 | 38-52 | 14-25 |
Rectangular | 50-80 | 35-55 | 20-35 |
Their sizes should be discussed separately. This, in fact, is not a solid standard and they are placed only on the countertop. When choosing the installation height of the countertop under the countertop washbasin in the bathroom, take into account the depth of the bowl. After all, its edges will rise. So the highest point in this case is the edges. And calculate the level of installation of the countertop, not the washbasin.
Also, don't forget the price. In this category, most of the expensive copies. This is not mass production, but very small batches. But individually and unusual.
Corner washbasins
Time goes by and changes our habits. Today it no longer seems overkill to have a washbasin in the toilet. It is perceived rather as a necessity. But most of the apartments of the old housing stock cannot please with the dimensions of the toilets. And we have to look for non-standard options. One of these is the corner washbasin. They are compact and use the area that is very difficult to "habitat".
Corner bathroom sinks vary widely in size. But to describe their size is difficult - the shape is very non-standard. This is not a triangle either, since the size along the walls is usually smaller - the bowl sticks out. And it sticks out to a greater or lesser extent. And there are those that are attached in the corner, but have the shape of a rectangle. In general, it is not easy.
Let's agree that we will talk about the dimensions of the corner washbasins along the length of the sides adjacent to the walls. The depth of the bowl is also important. The rest is difficult to describe - you need to look at the photo and at the diagram. In general, here is such a run in the sizes of corner sinks:
- Side length 310-650 mm
- Depth 12.5-16 mm
Most corner porcelain or earthenware washbasins are small in size. After all, this option is either in a mini-bathroom or in a toilet. And here the place is limited.
So most of the walls are about 38-45 cm. And more often they have an irregular shape. In the sense that the length is shorter on one wall, longer on the other. There are much less symmetrical ones. Well, everything is clear here. These are options for the right or left corner. Indeed, in one of them there is often a riser.
But there are not only small corner washbasins. There are quite large ones, measuring on the walls 60-65 cm by 45-55 cm. They can be mounted above the bathroom. Not to say that it is very convenient, but better than washing over the bathtub.
Bathroom sink height
In addition to choosing the size, you will also have to decide at what height to install the washbasin. According to the recommendations of SNiP, the installation height of the washstand is 75-85 cm from the floor. But these standards were written over twenty years ago. They are calculated for average height. It's no secret that the previous generation was lower. And significantly lower, according to statistics.
So the recommended parameters became too inconvenient. If washing your hands is still convenient, then you have to bend too low to wash your face. In narrow rooms, tall people have to demonstrate almost acrobatic tricks.
How to choose the height of the sink
If state institutions are obliged to comply with the instructions, then in private houses and apartments you can choose the height of the sink installation that is convenient. How is it defined? The upper edge of the washbasin should be about 10-15 cm below the elbow of the standing person.
If the inhabitants of a house or apartment do not differ much in height, everything is clear.It is even easier if there is only one person living. In such cases, the height of the bathroom sink is easy to determine. But what if the difference in height is large? A compromise must be sought. You can either choose the "average" value, or navigate by the majority. It should also be said that children and adolescents in the active phase of growth are not taken into account. They grow rapidly, and repairs in the bathroom are clearly done more than once a year. To make it convenient to use, they make a ladder bench.
But the older ones of short stature cannot be driven up the ladder. Of course, it depends on the person, but some are not annoyed by the fact that they have to raise their hands to wash or wash them. It is more important for them not to bend over. This is really a problem. If an agreement cannot be reached, if there is a possibility, two sinks are made. By the way, this is also a solution to the problem if several people are going to work at the same time, and there is only one bathroom.
When you don't have to choose
Sinks with a pedestal or tulip and a washbasin cabinet will not allow you to choose the height of the washbasin. What height is the cabinet or pedestal, on which the washbasin will be located. There are still at least some options with a curbstone. If the legs are adjustable, you can add a couple of centimeters. You can, of course, replace the legs with higher ones. But this is also only a few centimeters. True, there may also be enough of them to make washing more convenient.
There are, however, wall-hung vanity units in the bathroom. They are fixed at any height. So in this case, you can also raise or lower the level at will.
With “tulip” washbasins, there is no way to change the height at all. What height the "leg" is, so it will be. But there is an opportunity to choose the height of this "leg". True, our assortment is not so wide, but almost everything can be made to order. Yes, and you can order via the Internet and not only on domestic sites. You will be surprised (or not), but often it is cheaper to buy in Europe and pay for delivery than in a store.
Installation methods
There are several ways to install a bathroom sink.
- Hang on the wall.
- On wall-mounted pins. Hanging sinks have pin holes at the back. This is how they differ from invoices.
- By assembling or purchasing a special structure that is also attached to the wall.
- On brackets.
- Make a countertop and install a washbasin in it. There are two options:
- Washbasin built into the worktop. This is when the edge of the sink is the same height as the countertop. Looks good, but difficult to implement.
- Surface mounting. A small hole is made in the countertop to install the sink, but smaller than the size of the sink. It turns out that the sink just lies on top. The height of the overhead sink may not be too high.
- Install on a sink under the sink - moidodyr.
The first two methods provide that you can / will need to independently choose at what level to install the sink. After all, for attaching brackets and pins, the height of the sink is selected according to your desire. But not all walls can withstand such a load. And installation in a ready-made cabinet is much easier. You do not need to drill or fasten anything. They just installed a sink of a suitable shape, connected the water and sewerage system, and that's it. But there is no way to significantly change the height of the shell.
Is it possible to transfer and what is needed for this
The washbasin can be carried within the bathroom without any restrictions. You can only be limited by the laid communications - water and sewage connections.Changing the height of the washbasin is generally only your business. Well, there may be more builders who will do the job. It will only be necessary to observe the minimum distances to walls, bathroom, etc. But this is only for ease of use. In your home, in this regard, you have the right to violate the recommendations of SNiP.
You do not need to notify anyone about the installation of a new sink if it is placed in "wet" areas. These include all types of bathrooms. That is, if you decide to install a washbasin in the toilet, and before it was not there, you just need to make new connection points to the sewerage and water supply. Well, and install and connect the washbasin.
Beautiful and original washbasins
These photos are for inspiration. Sometimes you don't know where you will find "your" idea. We looked at some interesting options in different styles.