Hanging cabinet with sink: selection tips + analysis of installation technology

It is not so difficult to make your bathroom beautiful, comfortable and functional if you carefully approach the choice of plumbing and furniture. For example, a hanging cabinet with a sink can be an interesting highlight, which will not only organically fit into any design, but will also become a stylish decoration of the room.

A wide range of models allows you to choose this element of interior for every taste and budget, and not too complicated installation and the presence of all the necessary fasteners make the installation available for home masters.

In this material we will talk about what are the hanging cabinets for bathrooms, what to look for when choosing. And also we will tell the intricacies of mounting suspended structures.

Varieties of suspension structures

The decision to decorate the bathroom with a hanging cabinet with a sink is not even half the battle, because you still have to choose the right model, buy it and install it. Therefore, we start from the beginning - we will find out what the manufacturers offer, and try to decide which option is best suited for the bathroom.

Advantages of suspension systems

Those who have already come across information about bathroom furniture know that there are several types of cabinets, depending on the installation method. Of these, two types of floor standing on the floor with the bottom and legs, and hanging. Read more about bathroom cabinets Further.

So why are hanging cabinets for sinks in high demand?

There are several reasons for this:

• Long service life. Thanks to the most optimal air circulation, suspension systems are less susceptible to the damaging effects of moisture and steam.
• Easy installation. There is no need to attract specialists for installation, if you have all the necessary elements and clear instructions, any home master can handle the installation.
• Service convenience. Easy access to the floor under the furniture allows not only to simplify the cleaning process, but also to notice in time, and, therefore, eliminate leaks.
• Space saving. Do not confuse this quality with the purely visual effect of increasing the size of the room, although it is one hundred percent present. You can in practice make sure that even in a small-looking cabinet there is a lot of necessary things that are haphazardly dispersed throughout the room.
• Individual approach. Even if your height or physique does not go far beyond the standard values, anyway, the ability to install the sink to a height that is comfortable for you makes life much easier.
• Aesthetic functionality. The hanging cabinet is not only conveniently organized for storing the most various little things needed in the bathroom. She also hides behind her own facade all the ugly-looking plumbing stuffing.
• A wide selection of design solutions. It is quite possible to choose furniture for any style and interior or to level the heaviness of the washbasin with the airy design of the hanging cabinet.

Many, having seen a solid list of advantages, will immediately think - are there really no drawbacks in hanging cabinets? Alas, the ideal does not exist. A significant minus of the design is the requirement of a truly reliable support.

Brick or reinforced concrete walls are best suited for this, but for drywall panels it will be necessary to lay a reinforced frame in the places where the curbstones with a sink are attached to them.

With the right approach to choosing a wall cabinet with a sink, you will not only get a place to store various things, but also significantly improve the look of your bathroom

And yet - wall-mounted models look really good only if all communications are hidden. When the sewer pipe is visible to everyone, for example, located along the entire wall above the floor, then hanging an elegant wall pedestal is the same as covering an old sideboard with a lace napkin.

Variety of classification of suspension compositions

As mentioned above, the market offers many options for hanging models. And our task at the moment is not just to choose an original design, but to try to take into account all the nuances - both design and workers. So what varieties exist now and what advantages do they give?

Depending on the characteristics, we have several classification features:

• In size. Large or long hanging cabinets (under one or two sinks) most often attract owners of spacious bathrooms. Moreover, there are simply luxurious examples of this type of furniture, which are not a shame to install in the palace. But in small or frankly small bathrooms mini-bedside tables will perfectly fit. But compact designs are also pleasing with their design variety and spaciousness.
• By location. Direct wall cabinets are suitable for any bathroom. Although they are considered standard, but here you can pick up completely original models. The opposite option is considered angular construction. Their advantage is the so-called "expansion of space", when with a visible minimum of dimensions, a decent amount of usable area is hidden inside.
• By internal functionality. Options complete sets differ in the presence, size and number of drawers, linen baskets, towel racks and shelves behind the doors. And so that the furniture meets the requirements of ergonomics, the variety of internal sections should be chosen taking into account the assortment that you are going to hide behind the facade of the cabinet.

However, all the considered variations should be attributed mostly to the external, even rather the interior look.

But there are important functional nuances by which the design of the cabinet and washbasin is classified.

Such angular constructions look excellent, allow you to clearly structure the space of the bathroom and are suitable for rooms of any size

And now more about the pedestals.

Wall-mounted washbasin cabinet

The simplest option seems to be the "stand alone - sink separately." That is, it is first taken wall mounted washbasin (in some cases you can even use an existing one), and only then the corresponding element of furniture is selected for it.

But despite the visible advantages of this composition like saving money, the ability to increase the choice of components or avoid unnecessary work, there are significant disadvantages:

• Firstly, in any case, it is necessary to change the old sink and its communications. For a deep massive structure from the time of the Soviet Union, with a large siphon and connecting pipes taken away from the wall, the furniture will be just a front drawer, acting as a mask for sanitary nuances. There is not so much useful place in such a pedestal.
• Secondly, most often, a stand that has been purchased separately has to be “finished with a file”, carving holes in the countertop, shelves (drawers) and other interfering parts of both the sink itself and its sanitary parts.
• Thirdly, all newly formed ends after sawing must be protected from the harmful effects of the bathroom atmosphere. And for this, you will either have to stick melamine edges, or lay silicone seals.

That is, you will not only not make your life easier, but will also be forced to do extra work.

When preparing the countertops for insertion of the hinged sink, you should work very carefully and act according to the established principle of “measure seven times”

True, for real masters, additional work is not an obstacle, and they can make a masterpiece even from conventionally suitable material.

Built-in washbasin design

This type of suspension system differs from the previous one only in the presence of structural elements already fitted to each other.

There is an option when the sides of the sink protrude above the plane of the countertop, are flush with it or recessed under the lid.

When you buy a kit with a built-in sink, you get elements that are already perfectly matched to each other, which can be installed easily

A very convenient variety, since it allows you to use not only the internal volume of the cabinet, but also its upper part. When installing such a composition, you need to take care of the tightness of the "countertop-sink" joint to prevent moisture from entering inside.

Wall-hung system with washbasin

A simpler version of the built-in washbasin. Exclusively because the sink itself is used as a countertop, which has additional wide sides.

This model retained all the advantages of the previous type with a nice bonus - there is no need for additional work on sealing joints.

In this design, the sink is placed on top of the cabinet, like an ordinary countertop, eliminating the need to carefully seal the joints

Wall-mounted cabinet with washbasin

A special composition for refined natures - when the washbasin is installed directly on the surface of the cabinet lid.

Externally, the model looks very elegant and stylish, especially if glass sink. And the installation process of such a suspension system is much simplified. Not to mention the much more complete use of the interior of the cabinet.

Such a composition looks elegant and does not require additional work on fixing the sink to the wall or floor

Suspension materials and their combination

In addition to the design and constructional characteristics of hanging cabinets with a sink, the materials from which the composition elements are made should also be considered in the selection process.

What are shells made of?

The main options for the sink are most often the following materials:

• Ceramics (porcelain or glazed earthenware). They are distinguished by good quality, but they require caution during installation and use, as they are significant in relative fragility.
• A rock (natural or artificial). Excellent performance, but even heavier in weight than ceramics. Go on the linkto find out more.
• Glass. They look very impressive, especially when using a color or matte version with backlight. Despite the fragility of the material, it is quite difficult to break such a sink, but scratching with improper care is quite possible.
• Metal (stainless steel, copper, bronze or brass). Rather rarely used in the bathroom, but for some interior styles, for example, the "old" retro or urban hi-tech is in great demand. Like glass, it requires careful maintenance.
• Plastic (acrylic). The most short-lived material, although here everything depends on quality - expensive acrylic sinks can last quite a long time, but cheap options will last only a couple of years, no matter how you care for them.

Such a variety allows you to choose a washbasin not only in appearance and quality, but also in price.

Any of these materials allows you to make not just original, but even unique sinks in the form of bowls, drops, shells, etc.

Also, wood is used as a material for sanitary ware, but only specially treated with moisture protective agents.

Material for the manufacture of hanging tables

As with the sink, various materials are used to make the cabinets.

• Chipboard. Laminated wood chipboard has proven itself in the manufacture of furniture, but it is for the bathroom that it is used only in the most budgetary options. The fact is that, despite the protective coating, moisture still penetrates the plate itself, which is why it eventually swells and delaminates.
• MDF. Such plates with special impregnation are more moisture resistant, and if they are painted or hermetically sealed with a plastic coating, then the durability of furniture made of such a material is essential even for the atmosphere of the bathroom. And the price of the models is very loyal.
• Wood. This is already an elite option, since wood, not only moisture resistant, but also hardened by moisture, is a road in itself. Therefore, it is used most often in individual "manual" work.
• Metal. Corrosion-proof alloys are much more reliable than wood-based panels, but products from them are not suitable for every interior.
• A rock. A heavy and reliable option, also related to the elite.
• Glass. Modern and increasingly popular material for the manufacture of furniture. Gives the whole interior lightness and airiness, can be used in a variety of forms. The only minus is that care is required when using and careful maintenance, because even on frosted glass, any drips and spots from water are perfectly visible.

Despite the fairly rich selection, the most popular among the majority of the population are cabinets made of MDF and glass.

Whatever material is used to make the curbstones, you can always create both lightweight and solid reliable models

When choosing a complete set from the washbasin and cabinet, pay attention to how such a set looks harmonious. In doing so, consider the rest of the bathroom.

Hardware - which workmanship is better?

In addition to the main elements of the suspension systems - cabinets and sinks, there are also additional ones - fasteners and decorative parts. And the appearance and durability of the operation of the whole structure as a whole also depend on their quality.

Experts advise choosing accessories made of chromed metal, since plastic or gold-plated products serve much less.

Calculation of the dimensions of the cabinet

To select the perfect hanging cabinet, a prerequisite is to determine the installation location of the washbasin. And here we have two options - mount the new thing to the same place where the old sink was, or find a more convenient location. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the comfort of use for all family members.

What should I look for?

• The most prudent owners use the oldest system - a practical approach. Each of the residents in the selected place should try on, performing the usual actions when washing. For a more complete effect, you can put a stool with a basin there. Thanks to this homemade “test”, it immediately becomes clear how convenient it is to use the sink, whether walls, pipes, a bathroom or other objects will interfere.
• After the final decision - the washstand will be here! - the horizontal dimensions of free space are removed taking into account all interfering communications. It is they who will be limited by the dimensions of the structure.
• Finally, we determine the most convenient installation height. Following the recommendations of SNiPs, the standard distance from the rim of the washbasin to the floor is set within 80-85 cm. But according to anthropological studies, a comfortable sink is located 7-8 cm below the bend of the elbow.
• At the same time, you should think about the vertical dimensions of the cabinet and the use of free space under it. For example, some will prefer a small bedside table to install a washing machine, laundry basket or a small pull-out step for a child below.

Given all the proposed criteria, the choice will be difficult, but right.

Even when using anthropometric measurements in calculations, at least all adult residents in the apartment should be considered

And after purchasing a system that is suitable on all sides, you can proceed with its installation. We also recommend that you read our other article, which presents selection tips. suitable sinks For bathroom.

Suspension Installation Technology

Installation instructions for a hanging cabinet with a sink are usually enclosed with the purchased kit along with all fasteners. And although for each particular variety they differ, it is still possible to identify common points that are suitable for any design.

There is no universal instruction for installing a hanging cabinet with a sanitary sink, since all models have individual design features. However, literally any technology has common features. As an illustrative example, consider one of them:

The preparatory stages of work have been completed. The sink is suspended and connected to the sewer outlet. Now you need to install and fix the hanging pedestal:

The first step when installing any model of suspended structure is to make sure that the outlets of the water supply and sewerage are exactly where you need it. That is, even when determining the installation location, take care of summing them up. And only after that it is necessary to start "art" work, that is, drawing markings on the wall, along which the fastening will be carried out.

Be sure to check all lines for evenness with the help of a building level, as drawing "by eye" can lead to unpleasant distortions. It is most convenient to do this with an assistant, then one person holds a sink or a curbstone frame attached to the wall with the level placed on top, and another with a marker or pencil marks the points of future fixtures directly in the holes intended for this.

The next step is drilling. If you bought a kit with a hinged sink, then first we drill holes for anchor hooks or studs for fastening.

After that, we prepare the openings for the dowels for the curbstone itself. A small nuance - when working with ceramic tiles in marked areas, carefully make small recesses with a chipper so that the drill does not slip at the beginning of rotation. And remember, for strong walls (brick or slag concrete) it is better to use drill bits.

We insert into the made holes of the dowel or anchor. We install and fix the sink, tightening the nuts with an ordinary wrench (it is best to use a spanner). We assemble and connect the siphon and mixer, acting strictly according to the instructions attached to the kit. Be sure to install all the necessary gaskets.

We check the tightness of the joints. To do this, put water in the sink and leave it for about 10-20 minutes. We lay sheets of paper under the washbasin in the area where the water and sewer pipes exit. If the paper remains dry after the allotted time, it means that the connection is made correctly. Otherwise, leakage will have to be fixed.

We mount the cabinet, having previously removed all the internal elements such as boxes from it. We check the correctness of the installation using the building level laid on the bottom of the cabinet.

We pay special attention to the joints between the sink and the wall, and the sink and cabinet. Experienced craftsmen advise using an ordinary door (or window) elastic sealant for such places. It perfectly seals cracks, serves much longer without losing its properties, unlike silicone sealants.

We insert into the cabinet all the removed parts, aligning the possible distortions. Everything is ready. We carefully inspect the mounted system and enjoy the new thing.

Almost any kind of suspension system "cabinet + sink" can be installed with your own hands, if you act carefully, carefully and follow the manufacturer's recommendations

It seems that the scheme is not too complicated, the main thing in this work is the accuracy and exact execution of the attached instructions.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

You can see some varieties of hanging stands of various designs in this video, which will allow you to go to the store with more confidence:

Example of installation instructions for a hanging cabinet with a hinged sink-countertop:

Here you can appreciate the work of professionals who install a custom-made hanging design with an overhead washbasin:

As you can see, choosing a suitable hanging design with a washbasin is much more difficult than installing it in the bathroom. And if you coped with this task correctly, then installation will be on your shoulder.

But if you have doubts about your own technical skills, there is always the opportunity to turn to professionals who will collect and connect everything qualitatively. Especially, such an appeal is appropriate in the case of buying a really expensive model.

Perhaps after reading our article you have questions - ask them in the comments box, and we will try to respond to them promptly. Or maybe you had to independently install a suspension structure in the bathroom and you know the subtleties that we did not mention? Please share your editing secrets with our readers.