Table-Top and Under-Counter Basins: Counters, Taps and Sizes

Table-top and under-counter basins both need a counter, usually granite, marble or a vanity unit. They give you space for soap and toiletries and can hide the plumbing inside a cabinet. They are also the most common choice for the wash basin near the dining table that many Indian homes have.

Table-top vs under-counter

• Table-top basin. The bowl sits fully on top of the counter. It looks like a vessel and is the focus of the vanity. Table-top sizes commonly run from about 410x300 mm to 560x405 mm (roughly 16x12 to 22x16 inch).
• Under-counter basin. The bowl is fixed below a cut-out in the stone, so the counter top runs right up to the opening. Common sizes run from about 510x405 mm to 665x360 mm.

Getting the counter height right

With a table-top basin, the bowl adds its own height on top of the counter. If you put a tall bowl on a counter built at normal height, the rim ends up too high and water runs down your elbows. Find the bowl height first, then set the counter lower so the rim sits at a comfortable level, usually around 800 to 850 mm from the finished floor. Under-counter basins do not have this problem since the rim is at counter level.

Choosing the tap

A table-top bowl needs a tap that reaches over its rim. You have two options:

• Tall counter tap or tall mixer fixed on the counter behind the bowl.
• Wall-mounted tap with a spout long enough to reach the middle of the bowl. This keeps the counter clear, but the concealed pipe must be placed at the right height before tiling.

For under-counter basins, a normal height counter tap or a wall-mounted tap both work. Decide the tap before the stone is cut, since the tap hole is part of the cut-out.

Stone counters and cut-outs

Under-counter basins need a cut-out matching the basin's template, with the inner stone edge polished smooth. The basin is fixed from below with clamps or brackets and sealed with silicone. Give the fabricator the exact basin model or template, not just the size. A granite counter also needs proper support from a wall or frame, because stone plus a full basin is heavy.

For table-top basins, the counter only needs a waste hole, so even an existing counter can often take one.

Cleaning the joint

• Table-top: wipe around the base of the bowl, where soap water collects against the counter. A clear silicone bead at the base keeps water out.
• Under-counter: the lip under the stone collects scale. Run a soft brush around it weekly, especially if you use borewell or tanker water.

The dining-area wash basin

In many Bengaluru homes, a basin near the dining table is used for washing hands after meals. A table-top basin on a small granite ledge, with a mirror above, is a neat solution. Tile the wall behind with an easy-wipe tile, and pick a bowl deep enough to stop splashes on the floor. Our dining area page has wall tile ideas for this spot.

If you do not want a counter, look at wall-hung basins or pedestal basins, or start with the wash basins overview.

Bring your counter size and any stone already fixed, and contact the shop to check which table-top and under-counter basins are in stock.