The washbasin is installed in our family bathroom. The washbasin is a necessity for any home, as it's typically used for washing and rinsing. Currently, there are two forms of washbasins, commonly known as above-counter basins and under-counter basins. So many people wonder which is better? For example, a friend recently asked: What are the differences between above-counter and under-counter bathroom washbasins? How should I choose?

What are the characteristics of above-counter bathroom basins?

A so-called above-counter bathroom basin refers to a washbasin where the sink is mounted on the countertop. That is, the bottom of the sink rests directly on the countertop, so that after installation, the entire basin is approximately 250 mm above the countertop.

The first advantage is that when we use the basin, the possibility of water splashing is lower. The second advantage is that it has a variety of styles and is very attractive. The third advantage is that the space under the countertop is relatively large, convenient for storing some items.

The first disadvantage is that above-counter basins are not very stable. Especially for families with children, careful selection is important. The second disadvantage is that splashed water is visible on the countertop, making cleaning relatively troublesome. The third disadvantage is that due to the relatively small space, it is relatively less convenient to use compared to under-counter basins.

What are the characteristics of under-counter basins?

A so-called under-counter basin refers to a basin where a hole is cut in the countertop according to the size of the basin. During installation, the entire basin sits within the hole. The top edge of the washbasin is flush with the countertop. After completion, the entire washbasin is below the countertop, which is called an under-counter washbasin.

The first advantage is that it is particularly convenient to use because the overall space is relatively large. The second advantage is that even if water splashes onto the countertop, we can easily clean it back into the basin. The third advantage is that the overall stability is superior to above-counter basins.

The first disadvantage is that the under-counter basin is relatively large, which puts certain requirements on the size of the countertop. The second disadvantage is that the installation space under the basin is relatively small, which is relatively troublesome for future maintenance. The third disadvantage is that the area where the basin and countertop meet is prone to mold because they are sealed with glue.

How to choose between above-counter and under-counter basins?

The first suggestion is that if we have elderly people and children at home, I personally recommend choosing an under-counter basin. Under-counter basins are relatively convenient for the elderly and children. The second suggestion is that for homes where the installation space for the bathroom washbasin is relatively small, I personally recommend choosing an above-counter basin. The overall installation space for an above-counter basin is much smaller than for an under-counter basin.

What are the installation requirements for washbasins?

First, let's discuss the specific installation requirements for above-counter basins. After the installation of our washbasin, it is for our convenient use, so there are requirements for the height of the washbasin. The installation height requirement for above-counter basins is that the distance between the upper edge of the basin and the finished floor surface is 800 mm to 850 mm. If the family members are taller, a higher one should be chosen; otherwise, a smaller one should be chosen. Secondly, let's meet the requirements for the installation height of under-counter basins. The height requirement for under-counter basins is that the distance between the countertop surface and the finished floor surface is also between 800 mm and 850 mm. This size is also chosen according to the height of the members of our family. Third, both above-counter and under-counter basins have common requirements. Both require that our countertop installation must be firm. Many families have reported that their countertops gradually loosen after installation. Therefore, we need to pay special attention to the support under the countertop. Personally, I recommend using different materials such as angle iron or brickwork to make a solid support.

Conclusion

What are the differences between above-counter and under-counter bathroom basins, and how to choose between them? This article has analyzed in detail the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of above-counter and under-counter bathroom basins, and provided a detailed analysis of the issues to consider when choosing between them. Finally, I mentioned some specific requirements for installing washbasins in the bathroom. I hope my answer is helpful! If you have any different opinions or suggestions, please feel free to share them for our discussion and learning. Thank you!