Basin types compared
Practical characteristics of each type, and what each one needs from the wall and the tap.
| Type | Supply cost | Fitted cost | Space needed | Splash risk | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pedestal basin | £70-£250 | £200-£450 | 550-600 mm wide | Low | None |
| Semi-pedestal | £90-£300 | £230-£500 | 500-600 mm wide | Low | None |
| Wall-hung basin | £80-£350 | £230-£550 | 400-600 mm wide | Low | None |
| Cloakroom / compact basin | £50-£200 | £180-£400 | 350-450 mm wide | Medium | None |
| Vanity with inset basin | £250-£800 | £450-£1,000 | 600-800 mm wide | Low | Good |
| Vanity with countertop basin | £300-£1,100 | £520-£1,300 | 600-900 mm wide | Higher | Good |
| Double vanity | £600-£2,000 | £950-£2,600 | 1200 mm+ wide | Low | Excellent |
Heights and clearances that make it comfortable
Standard basin rim height is 800 to 850 mm. Taller households are usually happier at 870 to 900 mm, and there is no reason not to set it to suit you.
For a countertop basin, remember the bowl sits on top. Set the worktop at around 750 to 780 mm so the rim lands in the normal range, otherwise you are washing at chest height.
Leave at least 550 mm of clear space in front of the basin so you can lean forward comfortably.
Allow 200 mm from the centre of the basin to any side wall, ideally more, or you will graze your elbow every morning.
Tap reach matters. A short spout over a wide bowl sends water straight down the back, which is how a wall behind a basin ends up permanently wet.
Wall-hung versus floor-standing
Wall-hung units expose the floor, make a small room read larger and make mopping underneath trivial. They are our default recommendation in compact bathrooms.
They need proper support. A stud wall needs noggins fitted before boarding, and a heavy stone countertop needs a substantial fixing arrangement.
Floor-standing units are cheaper, need no special support and hide pipework easily, but they trap dirt at the plinth and make the floor area look smaller.
Concealing the trap inside a vanity is worth doing for looks, but keep it accessible. A trap that cannot be reached is a blockage waiting to become a bigger job.
Materials and how they age
Vitreous china is the standard basin material and remains the most practical. It is hard, glazed and easy to clean.
Solid surface and stone resin basins feel warm and look superb, though they are more susceptible to staining from dyes and cosmetics if not wiped.
Vanity carcasses matter more than the fronts. Moisture-resistant board with sealed edges lasts. Cheap MDF with an unsealed edge near a basin swells within a couple of years.
Soft-close drawers rather than doors give far better access to the space behind a trap and are worth the modest upgrade.
Common mistakes we correct at survey
A beautiful countertop bowl with a standard-height mixer, which splashes on every use.
A 600 mm vanity in a 700 mm gap, leaving an awkward 100 mm strip that looks like a mistake rather than a decision.
A basin positioned so the door into the room clashes with the person standing at it.
A wall-hung unit specified after boarding, meaning the wall has to be opened again for noggins.
We mark all of this out on site during the free survey so the layout is agreed before anything is built.
Frequently asked questions
What height should a bathroom basin be?
800 to 850 mm to the rim as standard, and 870 to 900 mm suits taller households. For countertop bowls, drop the worktop so the rim still lands in that range.
Is a vanity unit better than a pedestal basin?
For storage, clearly yes. A pedestal is cheaper and takes less width, so it still makes sense in a cloakroom or a very narrow room.
Do countertop basins splash more?
They can, if the tap is too short or too low for the bowl. Matching a tall mixer to the bowl height solves it.
Can a wall-hung vanity take weight?
Yes, when fixed to proper noggins or masonry with the correct brackets. It has to be planned before the wall is boarded.
How much space do I need in front of a basin?
At least 550 mm of clear floor so you can lean forward comfortably, plus around 200 mm from the basin centre to any side wall.