Countertop Basins

Countertop basins for Commercial Washrooms

Countertop basins are designed to sit directly on top of a vanity unit with the trap and plumbing concealed below (though they can also be placed on many other types of flat surfaces). They rise up above the surface of the vanity top, acting as a bowl for hand washing which offers a more modern, executive look, especially when combined with tall pillar taps. If you’re looking for something a little different to make an impact in your washroom, these are the basins for you.

Not sure if these basins are for you? You might also be interested in other products in our range of commercial wash hand basins, including inset basins and wall hung basins. If you would like to speak to a member of our friendly team for advice or to ask any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Planning a commercial washroom refurbishment? We offer supply and fit services to really bring your project to life! You can see some of the previous bathrooms we’ve worked on by looking through our washroom case studies.

Many common questions and general advice on basins and sinks can be found by reading our blog. Of particular relevance is the Washroom Sinks information and articles including:

• What height should a vanity unit be?

• The benefits of wall mounted taps

• Spoilt for choice: sink and wash trough options

Countertop Basin FAQs

What is a countertop basin?

A countertop basin, as the name suggests, is a type of wash basin which is placed on top of a counter or flat surface such as a vanity unit or wall hung basin shelf. In terms of their appearance, you can find large bowl shaped basins or rectangular designs, offering a modern look to any washroom.

Are countertop basins practical?

Countertop basins are a practical option for many commercial washrooms due to a number of reasons, including:

• They have higher sides than many standard washbasins so there is less splashing when used.

• They don’t need to be built into a unit, making them compatible with a range of countertops.

• Countertop basin vanity units are a perfect choice for smaller bathrooms as you’ll have more storage space. 

In terms of other benefits of countertop basins, you can look forward to:

• A choice of options when it comes to finding the right shape, size and design, so you can find a basin that suits the available space you have.

• They have a sleek, modern appearance but you could also find an option that fits in with a more traditional bathroom.

• They’re easy to install.

• They’re more modern than many other styles of wash basins.

What can you put a countertop basin on?

These types of basins are designed to be placed directly on top of a counter but they can also be placed on a surface which is flat. That said, they are most commonly found on top of a bathroom vanity unit (either freestanding or wall-mounted).

How to install a countertop basin

Countertop basins are easy to install, but we recommend that you hire a professional plumber to carry out the work to ensure that they’re fitted correctly. Here’s how the installation process usually looks:

1. Measure the drain hole - place the countertop basin where you’d like it to sit (ensuring it is practical and will be near to the taps) and draw around the drain hole of the basin. Once you’ve finished measuring, remove the basin and put it somewhere safe.

2. Cut your drain hole (over where you’ve drawn) where the bottle trap will sit. Ideally, the hole should be 12cm in diameter.

3. Cut holes for your taps and connections and make sure all edges are sealed to prevent water damage.

4. Fit your countertop basin - apply silicone around the base of your basin and ensure it’s fixed to the holes you’ve cut. Remove any excess silicone.

5. Apply silicone to your waste pipe through the drain hole and the hole in the counter. 

6. Fit your taps and connections to where you’ve cut holes, ensuring they are well sealed.

7. Thread your rubber gasket, washer and lock nut up the waste pipe and ensure they’re tightened.

8. Allow time for the silicone to set (you should aim to leave it for at least 24 hours so it can dry).

9. Test that everything is working properly.

Remember, here at Commercial Washrooms, we’re experienced in supplying and fitting countertop basins as well as other sanitaryware products, get in touch with us to discuss your project today.

What taps can be used with a countertop basin?

A countertop basin doesn’t require specialist taps so you’ll have plenty of choice when it comes to choosing the right taps for your bathroom. Some countertop basins will have a tap hole that allows you to mount a mono mixer of your choice but many others will work best with a wall mounted tap or a tall basin tap as this style of basin has higher sides than other wash basins.

What height should a countertop basin be?

Typically, a comfortable height for a countertop basin is around 75 to 90 cm high. That said, you’ll need to think about who the basins will predominantly be used by. For example, if you need countertop basins for a primary school, they will need to be installed at a lower height so that children can easily wash their hands.