Bathroom cabinet: which is better to choose + how to install

Bathrooms are less and less resembling ascetic bathrooms with a minimum set of the most necessary equipment, which they were two or three decades ago. Today, even the smallest room is equipped with a set of special furniture, in which there is certainly a cabinet with a sink for the bathroom.

How to choose and install it? We'll figure out.

Why a cabinet with a sink?

The main argument in favor of installing a sink with a curbstone is convenient and very practical. If you choose the right furniture, it will help to organize the space and use every centimeter of it with maximum benefit. This is especially true for rooms with a minimum area, and such, as practice shows, the majority in apartment buildings. Inside the cabinet can be located very different in volume and configuration of the storage area.

They are suitable for perfumes, linen, or, for example, for household chemicals, necessary for cleaning the room. The area around the sink can also be used. Here you can comfortably arrange toiletries and trifles that should always be within reach.

For traditional hanging sinks this is simply not possible. Another important plus is that the furniture has an attractive appearance, which allows it to fit into any interior solution without any problems.

The cabinet with a sink gives a good opportunity to organize the free space of the bathroom as efficiently as possible. Every little thing will be in its place

Sink with a curbstone: what they are

Such bathroom furniture is very diverse. It can be classified according to various criteria.

By type of construction

The bedside table on which the sink is installed may have a different shape. Corner and straight curbstones differ significantly in functionality.The first is designed to be installed in the corner of the room, therefore it has a characteristic triangular shape. The advantages of this solution include compactness and the ability to use space, which is usually not occupied by anything. This frees up space for the installation of some other equipment.

Of the minuses, it should be noted that the sizes of such devices are usually small. And the smaller they are, the more uncomfortable to use the sink. Water splashes and often falls to the floor. However, for small bathrooms this may be the ideal solution. Direct curbstones are usually more overall. Even if they are small, visually they are perceived as massive products. Direct curbstones are designed for installation along walls.

Of the advantages, it is worth noting the maximum usability and variety of design of such products. Of the minuses - massiveness. To level this disadvantage, designers offer a variety of forms of such furniture. These are round curbstones, oval, semicircular, polygonal, etc. The degree of “openness” of furniture also varies. It can be equipped with a variety of doors, the same, but in combination with open shelves, or only open shelves.

The corner cabinet with the sink does not have to be compact. For spacious bathrooms, you can use other interesting design solutions based on the installation of a sink in the corner

Three types of pedestals are also structurally distinguished. Hanging designed to be mounted on the wall of the bathroom. This visually reduces their dimensions, which is important for small rooms. In addition, this method of attachment simplifies cleaning and prevents water from entering the lower part of the cabinet. Thus, possible puddles on the furniture floor are not scary. However, it can not be fixed on every wall.

We also recommend reading an article on how to choose and install a hanging cabinet with a sink. Read more in this stuff.

The base must be very strong to withstand the mass of things filled with cabinets and sinks. Leg furniture does not have this drawback. It looks almost as advantageous as a suspended analogue, especially if it does not have massive legs. But it does not give a significant load on the wall. True, the masters recommend fixing it to the wall to increase stability. Such fastening loads the wall minimally.

The most massive, but they are also the most stable, pedestals with a base. They are almost impossible to turn over, so they do not need additional fastening. Their main disadvantage is the base that is in close contact with the floor covering. It comes in contact with moisture inevitably present on the floor. Therefore, over time, it most often begins to deteriorate.

According to the material of the furniture

In the bathroom, where high humidity and significant temperature changes are common, you can put only furniture made of waterproof materials. The manufacturer is well aware of this, but in the pursuit of profit, sometimes he tries to deceive the buyer. According to statistics, the widest segment of bathroom furniture is wood chipboards with various finishes. This is not surprising, because their cost is minimal.

In order for the bathroom furniture to serve for a long time, you need to choose products made from materials resistant to moisture. Cheap wood chipboards do not apply to them

The walls of such furniture are made from compressed wood industry waste. The plates obtained by this method are painted, laminated with a color film, etc. Varieties of such technologies make it possible to obtain particleboard, MDF, chipboard, etc. They differ somewhat in their operational characteristics, but they have a common property. This is low moisture resistance.

You need to understand that furniture made of wood-based panels installed in the bathroom is likely to be spoiled by moisture.Therefore, despite the promises of manufacturers, it is better not to purchase it. An alternative is solid wood. It is environmentally friendly and durable furniture. She feels pretty good in the bathroom thanks to water-repellent impregnations that protect her from the adverse environment. Its cost, however, is much higher than the previous version.

Sometimes the cabinet is partially, and in some cases completely made of metal or glass. These are also worthy options for bathrooms. In wet rooms, metals that are not susceptible to corrosion “feel” best: copper, stainless steel, bronze, etc. Elite models can be made using natural stone; for more affordable models, choose its artificial counterparts.

By the type of attachment of the sink

Actually, there can be only two options. The sink can be laid on when it is installed, as it were, on top of the cabinet. There may be several varieties. The bowl can be completely "drowned" in the cabinet or only half deepened, a third or even installed on top of the base. There are also sinks having elongated side parts that form the actual countertop for the cabinet.

Sinks can be fixed on the cabinet in various ways. Solutions with a bowl standing on top of a countertop look very impressive

Mortise bowls are built into the base, forming as if its continuation. Both options are convenient in operation, but overhead sinks, especially those that are raised half or more above the countertop, have a more spectacular appearance. They are usually large in size, for this reason overhead bowls less often chosen for small and combined bathrooms.

According to the material from which the sink is made

Materials for the manufacture of sinks on the cabinet in the bathroom use a variety of. Most often there are ceramic models, which can be considered the most budget option. By ceramics we mean sanitary ware and porcelain. The first is less expensive, high density and the presence of a large number of pores. For this reason, dirt is easily enough deposited on the earthenware surface.

Porcelain has a lower density, respectively, and weight. It is smoother, so it’s easier to care for. The main disadvantage of ceramics is fragility. Metal shells are quite popular. Most often they are made of stainless steel, but there are models made of brass or copper. They look especially good in vintage interiors. Metal bowls are strong, durable, resistant to damage.

Glass specially tempered is considered one of the best materials for making bathroom sinks. An interesting option is a glass worktop, smoothly passing into the bowl of the sink

The specially hardened glass sinks are very beautiful. They are distinguished by an interesting design, a variety of colors and shapes. Despite the prevailing stereotype, they are durable, and in addition are insensitive to aggressive chemistry, temperature extremes and humidity. Their significant drawback is troublesome care, since traces of hard water and streaks of soap remain on the glass.

Exotic options include bowls made of natural wood, which is processed in a special way. These are very beautiful shells that are sensitive to mechanical damage and various aggressive substances. On sale you can meet natural stone sinks. They are durable, practical, beautiful, but very massive. Bowls made of artificial stone have the same advantages, but at the same time they have much less weight.

What to consider when choosing furniture?

When choosing a cabinet for your bathroom you need to consider a number of important points. First of all, it is the height and width of the product. They must exactly correspond to the size of the bathroom so that the furniture does not “get lost” in a large room or does not look too bulky in a small one. The optimal width for the sink is 0.5-0.65 m.This will be enough to use plumbing and not splash water.

Hanging washbasin cabinet can be mounted at any user-friendly height. The height of the floor options must be selected in order to use them comfortably

However, for small rooms, such a bowl will be too large. It is advisable to install the so-called compact, 0.3 m wide here. It is worth paying attention to the platform intended for the installation of the mixer, if it is supposed to be installed here. Its dimensions should be sufficient for mounting the selected model. They look at the depth of the bowl. The deeper it is, the less spray will fly out of it when used.

The height of the cabinet is also important. The installation of the sink at the level of 0.8-0.85 m from the floor level is considered optimal. However, if those who use the equipment are below or above average height, it may be inconvenient for them. The hanging cabinet can be fixed at the desired level, the furniture on the legs or on the base has a fixed height. This must be considered when buying.

For more information on how to choose the best-sized bathroom sink, read Further.

It is desirable that the filling of the cabinet under the sink into the bathtub be as functional as possible. It can be shelves of different heights. It is better to choose removable structures, since it is easier to care for them. You can always remove, wash and dry. Well, if you can adjust the height of the shelves. So it's easier to choose the best option for yourself. Roll-out shelves are ideal for corner stands, which are very convenient to use.

It is desirable that the cabinet under the sink is as spacious and comfortable as possible. The number of shelves and their purpose is selected in each case individually

For direct models, they are also used. It should be determined for what purposes the internal space of the bedside table will be used and the filling should be selected specifically for this. It is worth paying attention to the number of doors and their location. It is important that they can open freely, without interfering with the free movement of the room and without affecting other furnishings and plumbing.

If there is no room for free opening of doors, perhaps the best option would be a cabinet with open shelves or with drawers. The number of doors can also be different, but usually for structures up to 0.4 m wide, one door, for wider ones - two. Very attractive cabinets of the original design. If you liked just such a model, you should think it over well. It is very important that it is convenient to use, and it fits well into the overall design.

Having decided on the model, it remains to choose the color and control the quality of performance. When choosing furniture design, you need to consider the design of your bathroom. Everything should be sustained in the general style and color scheme. The most beautiful cabinet, which does not fit in the color scheme or style in the design of the bathroom, will be out of the general context and will not decorate, but spoil the bathroom.

The cabinet under the sink can be made in various styles. This makes it easy to choose furniture for your interior.

Designers are advised to choose light-colored furniture for bathrooms. It is much easier to care for than dark, since leaks from soapy water on it are less noticeable. Regarding the quality of performance, it is worth considering not only the countertop, sink and cabinet, but also the accessories.

All fasteners should sit firmly and not stagger. No creaking should be heard when opening. The best material option for hardware is chromed metal. Painted plastic will quickly lose its original attractive appearance.

Assembly and installation

The procedure for installing furniture is quite simple, if necessary, a novice master can easily cope with it. A series of operations will be required in sequence.

Preparing the installation site

Before going to the store, they usually know where the purchase will be installed. Calculate its allowable dimensions. Another important factor is the location of utilities. It is optimal that the water outlet is located near the sewer outlet slightly above the level of the middle shelf.

It is especially inconvenient for the installation of cabinets if the exits are placed on the floor. For a mounted model, it is important to check that the engineering communications are inside the structure. If the sewer outlet is located at a considerable distance from water outletThis is also very inconvenient. It makes sense to fix all these problems before installing furniture.

Construction Assembly Rules

Now you need to properly assemble the cabinet. The easiest way to do this is if the instructions from the manufacturer are included with it. Here, the sequence of assembly work will be indicated and all the elements present in the box will be indicated. It remains only to follow all the manufacturer's instructions. In the process, it is important to monitor the quality of the assembly. All screws need to be tightened well, otherwise the structure will be unpleasant to “walk”.

Furniture is usually completed with assembly instructions, following which you can correctly assemble the structure. Retreat from it is not recommended

Tighten the fasteners after final assembly is not always possible. If there is no assembly instruction, you can try to assemble the cabinet yourself. Usually its design is quite simple and the process does not cause much difficulty. In any case, the result should be a product without distortions. Doors should close / open well, hang evenly and not leave the base.

Features of the installation of the sink

For invoices and mortise bowls the procedure will be slightly different. If the sink is completely or partially recessed into the countertop, the latter must be prepared. For this, the edge of the hole intended for the bowl is thoroughly treated with sealant. Next, you need to do the actual sink. If the mixer should be installed on its side, it is assembled and fixed.

The assembly is carried out efficiently so that the mixer does not hang out. Then, water pipes are attached to it. It is advisable to install metal-plastic parts, abandoning the tubes in a metal braid, which often come complete with a mixer. Practice shows that they quickly fail and a leak appears. Then a siphon is mounted.

The siphon is a fairly simple design, which is easy to assemble. The wizards remind you that during the assembly process you need to tighten the joints well so as not to leak

The assembly is assembled following the manufacturer's instructions. Then install it on the drain hole of the bowl. To achieve maximum tightness, gaskets are always used, and the joints are carefully lubricated with sealant. Next to the bowl siphon attached, after which it is installed in a prepared place. If necessary, tighten the fasteners that fix the sink on the countertop.

Put the stand in place

The furniture on the basement is enough to slide it against the wall. For hanging you need to prepare the mount. It is necessary to mark the wall, pressing a curbstone to it. In the designated places, holes are drilled under the dowels. Their diameter should correspond to the size of the fasteners. Next, special brackets should be fixed, on which the structure is then hung. In some cases, it is possible to mount without such brackets.

Products on the legs are installed as follows. The curbstone is pushed to the wall and its upper edge is set exactly horizontally, using a level for this. The easiest way to do this is for furniture with adjustable legs. Then on the wall they plan a place for fasteners, if they are supposed. Next, bolts are installed, the stand is fixed.Alternatively, you can simply stick the structure to the wall. Both methods are almost identical in strength.

Engineering communications connection

If the mixer should be installed on the countertop, it is installed in place. Securely attach and connect flexible hoses. Then check for gaskets and connect the hoses to water outlets. For this purpose, union nuts are used, which are supplied with the hoses. They are tightened tightly and tightly pressed with a key.

Properly assembled and connected to utilities, the system should completely fit inside the cabinet. It is desirable that it takes up as little space as possible so that there is room for shelves

The easiest way to connect the sewer is to use a corrugated flexible pipe. It is possible to use rigid pipes - metal or plastic. In any case, all connections must be securely sealed, otherwise unpleasant leaks will appear.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Overview of the various models of sinks with pedestals:

Step-by-step installation video tutorial:

Recommendations for future buyers of sinks in the bathroom:

A washbasin with sink is a practical solution for a bathroom of any size. It will fit perfectly in both a spacious and tiny bathroom. This is possible thanks to a wide selection of models. Such furniture is very functional, because it makes it possible to optimize the free space of the room. The main thing is to choose the right stand, not to be mistaken with its design and dimensions.

Are you looking for a cabinet with a sink for the bathroom, but you can’t make a decision? Or have questions about the topic of the article? Please leave your comments, ask questions in the block below.