How to attach a sink to a cabinet

A modern bathroom is no longer an ascetic room with the minimum necessary. Old Soviet minimalism is a thing of the past. Today, in any bathroom, even a small one, there is a set of furniture, among which there is a cabinet under the sink. The choice of models is very wide and raises a logical question: “How to choose and install correctly?” Let's try to figure this out.

Features of the sink cabinet

When choosing bathroom furniture, you need to take into account a number of factors. The main thing is the safety of things and their quality. In other words, all things must remain dry, and various vials and bottles must remain horizontal. The material of the cabinet must be resistant to moisture, the shelves are reliable, and the doors close well.

Any bathroom furniture should be as functional as possible, but not take up much space. For a small room, the best choice is a hanging cabinet. In addition to functionality, furniture should be in harmony with other objects, as well as with tiles.

A cabinet with a tabletop implies additional space. Materials require special attention. They must be impregnated with a composition that protects against the negative effects of moisture, steam, and also protects against chemicals, bacteria and fungi.

The criteria for choosing a cabinet can be reduced to the following:

• the material from which the cabinet is made;
• dimensions;
• product type;
• harmony with the interior.

Types of washbasins

Bathroom washbasins are divided according to two criteria:

• the material from which they are made;
• method of fastening.

How long the product will last and how durable it will be depends on the material.

Earthenware

These are widespread and popular products. For production, burnt slip is used - this is clay with additives. The surface is covered with glaze, which makes it more durable and reduces surface porosity.

The advantages of this type of shell:

• affordable price;
• variety of shapes and colors;
• ease of care.

But they are very fragile and this is their drawback. Chips and cracks often appear on the surface, and if you hit it hard, it can even break.

Although the glaze partially closes the pores, there are enough of them left to accumulate dirt. This makes washing very difficult.

Porcelain

The manufacturing technology of this type of product is similar to sanitary ware. The only difference is in the raw materials. This is what makes porcelain sinks look smoother. Therefore, they get dirty less, which means they will have to be washed less often. Often such models are painted, which makes them very beautiful.

Their main advantages:

• beautiful view;
• easy care;
• long-term operation.

Disadvantages include fragility and heavy weight. The cost of a porcelain product is higher than that of earthenware.

Steel

For the manufacture of this type of product, special stainless steel is used. As a rule, the composition includes chromium and nickel. These metals allow you to make a product of higher quality.

Positive traits:

• resistant to corrosion;
• durable, not afraid of mechanical stress;
• they are not afraid of aggressive substances and temperature changes;
• they are easy to care for;
• a wide variety of shapes;
• serve for a long time.

The disadvantages include the noise that occurs when water gets into the product. This can be avoided by installing a rubber pad on the outside.

Also, you should not use cleaning products with abrasive particles, as this will damage the surface of the product. Hard water causes a yellow coating to appear on the surface.

A natural stone

Marble, travertine, granite, marble and chalcedony onyx are used to make stone washbasins in the bathroom. Onyxes are notable for the fact that they can transmit light through themselves. This feature allows you to get beautiful shades.

Granite is very durable and not prone to wear. Stone models, in addition to their appearance, have many positive qualities:

• they are environmentally friendly, as confirmed by the certificate;
• serve for a long time;
• are not afraid of temperature changes;
• undemanding in care;
• are not afraid of fungi.

Disadvantages include their severity, high cost and fear of mechanical stress. Impacts leave chips and scratches on the surface. True, they can be restored.

Fake diamond

In addition to natural ones, washbasins are also made from artificial stone. For this, acrylic resins, fillers and pigments are used. The product is almost similar in properties and characteristics to real stone.

Main positive qualities:

• light weight;
• ease of installation;
• wear resistance and high strength;
• hygiene.

The disadvantage of this material is that it does not tolerate high temperatures. Exposure to heat causes stains to appear. Scratches may occur. Defects, however, can be easily restored without the need for dismantling.

Glass washbasins

For sinks, special glass is used, which is characterized by increased strength.

Among the positive qualities it should be noted:

• resistance to high temperatures;
• increased strength;
• are not afraid of chemicals;
• the surface does not absorb dirt and odor and is completely sealed;
• beautiful view;
• variety of shapes and colors.

Attention! These properties are inherent in high-quality sinks from well-known brands. Inexpensive fakes do not have such properties.

Among the disadvantages, the difficulty of care should be noted. Cleaning the sink is not difficult; any detergent is sufficient, you just need to wash it after each use. In addition, high-quality sinks are expensive.

Types of sinks by type of fastening

Depending on the method of fastening the sink, the following types are distinguished.

Cantilever or mounted

The product is mounted on the wall using brackets. First of all, install the brackets, then the sink itself on them. Consoles can be either straight or angular.

Corner structures are successfully located in rooms with small dimensions, as they allow the most useful use of space. They also differ in the type of mixer installation.On sale you can find both monolithic products and sinks with a hole for installing a mixer.

A console sink can also be installed above a washing machine. This model has a compact size, and the drainage system is located at the back of the case.

The ideal option is a product that comes directly with the machine. They fit optimally.

Positive qualities of a console sink:

• reliability - since the brackets are firmly attached to the wall with dowels;
• free access to communications;
• ease of installation.

The main disadvantage is the unaesthetic appearance, since all communications and the siphon are open to view. This can be corrected by installing a cabinet, which not only hides everything unnecessary, but also allows you to organize additional places for small things.

Basins with pedestal

People call these models “tulips”. Initially, such shells looked exactly like a plant on a stem. The sink is installed on a pedestal. Such a support not only holds the sink on itself, but also hides communications from view.

On sale you can find separate and whole types of products. The most common are separate ones. Such models can be angular or straight.

Positive qualities of such devices:

• versatility - they will suit any interior;
• variety of shapes, different colors and designs;
• hiding communications;
• ease of installation;
• low cost.

The product is convenient and functional.

Built-in sinks

They are installed directly into the countertop. There is a huge variety of forms. The most convenient are rectangular and oval. The sink can go entirely into the countertop or rise above it.

The sink can be built into almost any furniture.It is best to choose a model with sides.

Among the positive qualities of these models:

• they are practical and ergonomic - they allow you to make the most efficient use of space;
• they do not need to be attached to the wall;
• there is additional protection from accidental damage, since the bowl is located inside the countertop;
• beautiful view.

Large dimensions are the main disadvantage. This option will not work in a small room.

Overhead sinks

The sink can be installed on any surface. Installation is possible not only in the center, but also on any side. The shell can have any shape, but the most common are round and quadrangular.

Positive traits:

• use space sparingly;
• the surface not only holds the sink on itself, but also allows you to place various small items;
• can be installed anywhere, as long as there is a countertop;
• easy to connect;
• beautiful view.

The disadvantage of such a sink is its cost.

Choosing a place for a cabinet with a sink

The cabinet under the sink should be installed in such a way that it is easy and convenient to use. That is why you should correctly determine the location for its installation. If you take into account the dimensions of the room, it would be optimal to install a cabinet next to the bathroom.

Attention! The installation location of the cabinet must be determined before installation and laying of communications.

The main stages of preparing a place for a sink cabinet:

• measure the room and zone it;
• mark places for a bathtub, shower stall, sink and other items;
• decide on the sides to open the doors - they should not interfere with the communications lines.

Installation process

Sometimes the cost of installing a vanity cabinet can be too high.However, if you have minimal skill in handling tools, then all this can easily be done with your own hands. The main thing is to correctly connect the sink to the sewer and water supply.

Before you begin assembly, you should prepare everything you need:

• washbasin cabinet;
• sink;
• screws and screwdriver;
• impact drill;
• metal corners;
• siphon and mixer;
• metal-plastic pipes;
• silicone sealant.

Reference! The cabinet with the sink is fixed using metal corners and screws.

How to assemble a cabinet

There is nothing unusual or complicated in assembling the cabinet. It is enough to check the completeness of the package and carefully study the instructions that come with the kit. Assembly must be carried out strictly according to the instructions. The main task is to ensure that all structural elements are properly fixed.

How to attach a sink

The greatest difficulty in assembly is installing the sink on the cabinet. Initially, you should install the mixer - make sure that it does not dangle or rotate. The faucet needs to be connected to the water supply.

It is better not to use standard bends from the kit. They are braided with metal, which rusts over time and leaks form. It is better to use bends made of metal-plastic. Next, you need to install a siphon and screw it to the drain hole of the sink.

We install the assembled structure on the cabinet and move it close to the wall in the right place. We mark on the wall the places where the fasteners will be located. The holes for the mounting bolts are located on the back of the sink. After moving the cabinet away from the wall, you should make holes in the right places.

After the dowels are installed, the cabinet is put in place and the sink is secured with bolts. The outlets are connected to the water supply and sewerage systems. It is better to treat the joints with silicone sealant to prevent leakage.

Final work

Once all work is completed, all that remains is to check the correct connection. Turn on the water and see if there are any leaks. And finally, all that remains is to remove the dirt remaining after installation. Now all the work is completed and you can use it!