Embedded sinks: advantages and features of choice

A bathroom is a room where a person spends much of his time, so her design project always takes a lot of effort and money during the repair phase. An important component of such a project is plumbing. The modern market provides a wide range of sanitary ware for every taste. This applies to both baths and sinks, including built-in sinks, which are becoming increasingly popular with domestic designers.

The same type and boring shells of the post-Soviet period fade into the background, since the range of modern materials allows you to make a choice in the direction of ergonomic and interesting models. Recessed sink is a single monolithic object, which has no base in the form of legs.It is often called a mortise, because the sink is placed in a certain base, be it a nightstand, a tabletop, or a specially prepared console of various materials in the shape of the product.

There are several types of installation of shells, because in some cases it is fully recessed, and in the rest of the eyes there are beautiful neat sides. There are also semi-recessed sinks, but such models are mounted to the wall from the rear, while outwardly repeating all the outlines of a more practical predecessor.

Recessed sinks are very different from conventional models, not only in the way of mounting, but also due to the materials, appearance, advantages and, of course, disadvantages. These types of sinks have gained popularity among both foreign and domestic designers due to the attractive ergonomic design and special compactness. They are appropriate in both large rooms and tiny bathrooms, as they do not take up much space. This is due to the shape of the bowl and the lack of a base in the form of a certain leg or a special pedestal.

This situation not only saves square meters, but also allows them to use, without turning the bathroom into an incredibly small and uncomfortable room. In the case of suspended systems, there is an increase in free space due to the space in the areas under the cabinets or side tables. It is beautiful, stylish and at the same time convenient, as it facilitates the cleaning process and the furniture seems to float in the air, which is extremely necessary in a small room.

The same happens when installing the sink in a special console that plays the role of a tabletop. It visually expands the space, greatly facilitates the process of washing floors, acts as a space for necessary things in the form of various means of hygiene, hair dryer or cleaning products of chemistry.

Recessed sinks are also mounted in bedside tables and floor cabinets. This option is suitable when there are extra meters and at the same time it is necessary to combine the working area, the washbasin itself and the storage system. Immediately three important components of the bathroom are located in one place.It is ergonomic, comfortable and meets the latest trends in the field of design art.

An important advantage along with practicality is the ease of installation. The installation process does not take much time and even an inexperienced master. You can even install such a sink with the hands of the owner, after reading a few articles or watching videos on the Internet.

It is easy to look after such sinks. They are located in such a way that they do not collect excess dirt and germs on the sides, while being protected from mechanical damage. Conventional sinks require careful maintenance, because the pollution is collected from all sides, but not in the case of ergonomic models that are "recessed" in the base of the tabletop.

A separate word deserves the appearance of such sinks, since they can be used regardless of the style of the interior and the overall situation. There are many sinks with an interesting design, so this product can act as a bright accent and the main pride of the room, as well as an imperceptible element that harmoniously coexists with other design components.

An important advantage is the lack of need to fix the product to the wall.. This is convenient when the room is made of laminated PVC lining, because the material simply will not withstand heavy loads. Quite often, the owners do not want to spoil the expensive wall covering in order to install the sink, because this process requires special care. And also there is a semi-built-in ceramic sink. It is mainly mounted on the bottom and for this you need a special machine.

Manufacturers made sure that the owners of the premises had a wide selection of embedded sinks.

There are such types of installation as:

• built-in;
• semi-embedded

The first option involves the installation of a sink in a special console or any other piece of furniture, which is often used to decorate the space in the bathroom. In the second case, the sink also crashes into the base, but by half. The front part remains free and hangs as it were, giving the room airiness and extra space.

However, the division does not end there, because experts divide the embedded models into two more types. Some are mounted on top of a previously prepared opening at the base of the tabletop, with only the lower part sinking, while the top one remains on the surface of the base and rests sideways on the tabletop. This method allows a well to fix the sink, as well as to avoid subsequent displacement or collapse.

The joints in the area of ​​connection of the tabletop and the sink are sealed with special means in order to avoid unnecessary dirt and mechanical damage. External qualities are not affected at all.

The second type is built in so that the edges are at the level of the tabletop. The sink is fully recessed, creating the appearance of a monolithic object. The advantage of this method is the ability to place the mixer in any part. In the plumbing market there are also such models where the sink and the cabinet act as a whole. Some of them are equipped with additional panels where you can place hygiene products or towels.

Most of the standard models of the middle class are made of sanitary ware or porcelain, which has high strength.Porcelain has a structure that lacks a large number of pores, which allows to avoid large contaminants. In addition, porosity is an excellent breeding ground for bacteria. Porcelain is easier to wash, various bacteria will not linger in it.

For the manufacture of embedded sinks also use tempered glass, marble, metals, acrylic and stone of artificial or natural origin. Acrylic shells are the most popular because they have low weight, relatively low cost, many variations in terms of color and shape, high resistance to contamination.

Of the shortcomings, users note the possibility of mechanical damage, but gradually the chipping and scratching can be eliminated with a special paste.

Glass sinks are echoes of modern times. They look particularly interesting compared to other models, because they visually expand the space and become the main decoration of the room. This type has certain disadvantages, in particular, it is extremely difficult to care for glass products, since after each use traces of drops and soap stains remain.

At the same time, the cost of the glass shell is higher than acrylic and metal counterparts due to the special durable glass that can withstand heavy loads and a change in temperature regimes.

Marble is one of the most expensive and at the same time incredibly beautiful materials, so it is very popular among designers. However, the use of marble in the bathroom is not the best solution, because the material is porous, which contributes to the accumulation of dirt.

Metal products is a practical and simple option that does not require large expenses and will last for a long time. Metal looks appropriate in the bathroom, while it is easy to care for him.

The parameters of the sink and the console under it are of great importance when choosing a future product. It is important to first determine the size before making a decisive choice and pay for purchases. Before going to the store, you need to make measurements of the cabinet, table top or console.Modern manufacturers are not limited in size, so in the shops you can find sinks from 30 cm to 2.5 m.

But the difficulties do not end there. It is important to take into account the shape, material and depth of the bowl, since it may be suitable in length and width, and the depth will be too large or, conversely, not sufficient for the harvested console. It is advisable to first purchase the model of the sink you like and after that, specially for it, make the base.

At the time of purchase, you also need to pick up the mixer and do it right in the store. This will avoid mismatches in terms of holes for the installation of a crane.

A wide range of plumbing stores gives you the opportunity to choose a built-in sink for every taste. According to the forms they are divided into the following types:

• rounded;
• square;
• asymmetrical.

Classic round and oval sinks are used to decorate bathrooms for more than one decade. Embedded options are much more interesting and diverse than the models of previous years, which allows you to bring into the interior some kind of zest, and not just a boring detail.They are easier to install, and there will be no problems with cleaning.

Square and rectangular products gained popularity a little later, but at the same time they clearly hold their positions. They are used in such styles as high-tech, minimalism, loft, functionalism and Japanese.

Asymmetrical models are appropriate in any style, although they require a lot of space. In small rooms they are used as corner sinks, because this option can be installed beautifully and stylishly.

The most popular shell color is classic white, which fits easily into any design. It gives the room a certain touch of cleanliness and general improvement, creating a unique atmosphere.

In addition to white, relevant shades of black, gold, metal and imitations of materials such as wood, metal and stone. It is interesting to look transparent shells, which every year are becoming more popular. Products from acrylic is always a wide palette. The same rule applies to porcelain stoneware and any artificial stones.

There are matte and glossy options. The first ones look unusual and interesting in the conditions of modern design, but can create difficulties during cleaning. The structure of these materials is more rough, so the pores become places of pollution and it is extremely difficult to clean them. Glossy models are familiar classics.

Built-in sinks for the period of their existence have won love and popularity among designers from around the world. The main reason for this situation is universality, since they are relevant in any interior.

Asia, particularly Japan, is attracting more and more Western attention, which is why designers are inspired by the amazing culture and traditions of this country. In this style, rectangular and square shells are used that look minimalistic and support the overall concept. Clear lines, simple and understandable forms are the characteristic features of the Japanese style in the interior.

For the modern style is characterized by the use of a small amount of furniture and plumbing, which certainly meets the needs of the owner.Functional and simple models are used everywhere, and they can be both rectangular and rounded.

The classics, although it supports a certain order and rigor, but in many respects requires smooth and delicate elements of the interior. Asymmetrical and oval-round sink types are best suited for the classic bathroom option.

Traditions and culture of the Middle East have determined their style in the interior. It represents the use of high-quality and fairly bright materials, an abundance of colors in terms of palette and furniture and plumbing, which is characteristic of Eastern countries. For the design of bathrooms in this style, sinks with a deep rounded bowl are the best suited. It can be made of transparent glass or any other material. Often, these shells have interesting colors on the Oriental motif.

Practically all large companies for the production of sanitary equipment have built-in sinks in their range. Excellent quality and ergonomic design of such sinks is a merit of foreign manufacturers whose products are most popular. These are mainly German, Italian and Spanish companies, which annually produce models according to the needs and financial capabilities of customers.

The list of the best manufacturers of embedded sinks includes the following brands:

• Roca (Spain);
• GSI and Galassia (Italy);
• Vidima (Bulgaria);
• Laufen (Austria);
• Ideal Standard (Belgium);
• Villeroy & Boch, SSWW (Germany);
• Hatria (Italy);
• Jacob Delafon (France).

Among domestic producers is known the duet of Russia and Poland Cersanit. And also it is worth noting the budget and at the same time interesting options among the collections of brands Melana and Santek, which are widely represented in the domestic market. The original model produces American company Kohler. Only they make sinks of cast iron, stainless steel and vitreous porcelain, which have non-standard colors. The series of Loop Friends shells from Villeroy & Boch has also shown its worth. This rating will help determine the choice.

When choosing a built-in sink, you should rely on your own needs, financial capabilities and distinctive features of the bathroom. The most practical are the shells of 55–60 cm in size and with a bowl depth of 50 cm on average.

To install the sink you will need the following components:

• washing;
• siphon and pipes;
• mixer;
• pencil;
• ruler;

• drill;
• pliers;
• file;
• hacksaw;
• sandpaper;
• special sealant that should be selected according to the material of the tabletop. For example, for plastic and wood are well suited compositions on alcohol.

Installation of the built-in sink consists of several stages.

• It is necessary to put the bowl upside down on the tabletop, then circle the sanitary ware with a pencil, drawing a contour.
• The distance from the lugs to the edges of the shell is determined. The resulting numbers are the distance that you have to retreat from the edge of the contour inside the circle.
• The result is a new contour, which in terms of parameters is slightly less than the previous one.If you can not accurately calculate, you can simply retreat 1.5 cm deep into the circle.
• Cut the opening for the subsequent installation of the sink. This is done with a jigsaw or hacksaw. In the second case, you must first drill a hole for the tool.

• Joints and edges are processed with a file and sandpaper.
• A sealant is applied on the inside of the opening, after which the shell is installed and the fastening elements are tightened.
• Excess sealant must be removed, since such parts can ruin the appearance of the resulting structure.
• At the last stage, the mixer and the siphon are installed, the system is connected to the sewage system.

How to install the sink in the countertop, see the next video.

Rectangular sinks are great for functional and minimalist interiors, where strict lines and simplicity of forms create a special charm. Oval and round sinks are a universal element of the bathroom interior, which will not lose its relevance for many years.

To bring a touch of originality in the design of the bathroom, you can install an asymmetrical sink.