Basins

The main basin types differ in how they are installed:

• Countertop (above-counter) — sits on top of the vanity bench or benchtop. The most popular style in modern bathrooms, creating a bold design feature. Requires a tall basin mixer for adequate clearance.
• Undermount — mounted beneath the benchtop with the rim hidden. Creates a seamless, easy-to-clean surface. The benchtop material (usually stone) must have a cut-out.
• Semi-inset — partially recessed into the benchtop, with the front of the basin protruding forward. Ideal for narrower vanities where you want more bowl space than the benchtop depth allows.
• Semi-recessed — similar to semi-inset, the basin drops partially into the vanity with the front extending beyond the cabinet edge.
• Inset (drop-in) — drops into a cut-out in the benchtop with the rim sitting on the surface. A traditional installation method that works with most benchtop materials.
• Wall hung — mounted directly to the wall with no vanity or benchtop. Great for small spaces and creating a floating, open look underneath.
• Freestanding (pedestal) — a standalone basin on its own column or pedestal. Makes a sculptural statement and does not require a vanity unit.

A cast stone basin (also called solid surface) is made from a composite of natural stone minerals and resin. Cast stone basins have a smooth, luxurious feel and are available in matte or gloss finishes. They are heavier and more substantial than standard ceramic basins, with a premium look and feel. Cast stone is durable, resistant to staining, and can be repaired if scratched. These basins are a popular upgrade for modern bathroom designs where a high-end finish is desired.

Basin size depends on your available space and how the basin will be used:

• Small compact basins (300–400mm) — designed for tight spaces like powder rooms, small ensuites, or cloakrooms. Functional but not suited for heavy daily use.
• Standard basins (400–550mm) — the most common size range, suitable for main bathrooms and ensuites. Provides comfortable hand-washing space.
• Large basins (550mm+) — offer generous bowl space and are ideal for master bathrooms or where the basin is a design feature.

Always check that your chosen basin fits your vanity or benchtop dimensions, and that there is adequate clearance for tapware.

Yes. A pop-up waste is required to connect your basin to the drainage system. It sits in the waste hole at the bottom of the basin and allows you to open and close the drain by pressing the plug. Most basins do not include a waste in the box, so you will need to purchase one separately. When choosing a pop-up waste, check whether your basin has an overflow hole — if it does, you need a waste with an overflow connection. If it does not (common with many countertop basins), you need a waste without overflow.

A bottle trap is a compact, stylish plumbing trap that connects the basin waste to the drain pipe in the wall. It replaces the standard P-trap or S-trap that your plumber would normally install. Bottle traps are used when the plumbing beneath the basin is visible — for example, under a wall-hung basin or a countertop basin on an open vanity shelf. They provide a clean, finished look instead of exposed plastic plumbing. If your basin is inside a closed vanity cabinet, a bottle trap is not necessary as the plumbing is hidden.

The right mixer depends on your basin style:

• Countertop basins — require a tall basin mixer to clear the rim of the bowl
• Undermount, inset, and semi-inset basins — use a standard basin mixer mounted through the benchtop. Some suppliers also offer a medium-height basin mixer — a middle ground between standard and tall — which gives you more flexibility on spout height
• Wall hung basins — can use either a standard basin mixer (through the basin's tap hole) or a wall basin mixer mounted to the wall above
• Freestanding basins — typically paired with a tall basin mixer or wall basin mixer depending on the design

Always check whether your basin has a pre-drilled tap hole. Some countertop and wall-hung basins have no tap hole and are designed to be used exclusively with wall-mounted mixers.

A vanity top is an all-in-one unit that combines the benchtop surface and basin into a single piece. It sits on top of a vanity cabinet, replacing the need for a separate benchtop and basin. Vanity tops are available in ceramic, stone, and solid surface materials. They simplify installation because there is no need for a separate basin cut-out or undermount fitting. A standalone basin, by contrast, is just the bowl itself — it requires a separate benchtop, vanity, or wall mounting depending on the type.