How to Choose the Perfect Lavatory for Your Home

Your Guide to buying the best Lavatories

Overview

A lavatory is a necessary feature in any home or business, and selecting the right one is key to ensuring that you make the most of your space. This buying guide will provide you with an overview of the different types of lavatories available, their features and benefits, and tips for making the best choice for your needs. With the help of this guide, you will be able to confidently find the perfect lavatory for your needs.

Key features

  1. Type of Lavatory - Consider the type of lavatory you need, such as a traditional, pedestal, wall hung, or console sink.
  2. Size - Measure the space you have available and look for lavatories that will fit in that area.
  3. Material - Choose from materials like ceramic, porcelain, vitreous china, stainless steel, and stone.
  4. Style - Look for a lavatory that complements the decor of your bathroom, such as modern or traditional.
  5. Installation - Decide if you will purchase a self-rimming, wall mounted, or undermount lavatory.
  6. Faucet Holes - Check for the number of faucet holes the lavatory includes.
  7. Cost - Determine your budget, and look for a lavatory that fits the price range you are comfortable with.
  8. Warranty - Read the warranty and return policy before purchasing a lavatory.

See the most popular Lavatories on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Design - Lavatories come in a variety of designs and styles, allowing buyers to find the perfect fit for their bathrooms.
  • Ease of Installation - Lavatories can often be installed quickly and easily by a professional contractor.
  • Durability - Lavatories are designed to withstand regular use in the bathroom, and are usually made from strong, long-lasting materials.
  • Affordability - Lavatories can be bought for a variety of price points, depending on the design and materials desired.
  • Low Maintenance - Lavatories require only minimal cleaning and maintenance to keep them looking and working like new.

Cons

  • Installation & Maintenance - Installing a lavatory can be expensive, and if it is a complex model, can require a professional installation. Maintenance costs can be high, as well, and repairs may require calling a professional plumber or bathroom installer.
  • Size & Design Considerations - A lavatory must fit the space in the bathroom, both in size and style. It must also be compatible with the existing plumbing, meaning that a larger lavatory may require additional plumbing modifications.
  • Water Pressure & Temperature - Poor water pressure or water temperature can make using a lavatory inconvenient and uncomfortable. The water pressure and temperature should be checked before purchasing a lavatory to ensure it is suitable for the home or business.
  • Cost - Lavatories can be very expensive, especially for more complex models. There are models available at a variety of price points, but buyers should consider their budget before making a purchase.

Best alternatives

  1. Toilet - A ceramic bowl that allows waste to be flushed away.
  2. Bidet - A plumbing fixture that is used to clean the body after using the toilet.
  3. Sink - A bowl-shaped fixture used for washing hands and other purposes.
  4. Urinal - A plumbing fixture used for urination.
  5. Bathtub - A tub used for bathing.
  6. Shower - A plumbing fixture used to direct water onto the body.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Toilet Paper Holder - Device used to store and dispense toilet paper.
  • Toilet Seat - Removable seat cover for your lavatory.
  • Toilet Tank - Tank that stores water for flushing and is typically mounted above the bowl.
  • Toilet Brush - Used to clean the interior of the lavatory bowl.
  • Toilet Flange - Connects the bowl to the waste pipe and secures it to the floor.
  • Waste Pipe - Pipe responsible for carrying waste from the lavatory to the sewer system.
  • Plunger - Used to unclog lavatory drains.
  • Closet Flange - Device that connects the toilet to the waste pipe.
  • Screws - Used to secure and mount the toilet to the floor.
  • Caulk - Seals the joints where the lavatory meets the floor.
  • Water Supply Line - Pipe that delivers water from the main line to the toilet.
  • Shut-Off Valve - Valve used to shut off water supply to the toilet.
  • Toilet Wax Ring - Seals the bottom of the toilet to the floor.

Common questions

  1. What is the difference between a lavatory sink and a bathroom sink? A lavatory sink is typically smaller than a bathroom sink and is used for handwashing and other minor tasks. Lavatory sinks typically don't have a drain plug and are usually wall-mounted. A bathroom sink is larger, deeper, and usually has a drain plug. It is usually mounted on the countertop or vanity.
  2. Do lavatories come in different colors? Yes, lavatories come in a variety of colors, including white, beige, black, gray, and more.
  3. What type of materials are used to make lavatories? Lavatories are typically made from porcelain, stainless steel, or composite materials.
  4. Are there any additional features I should look for in a lavatory? Yes, there are several features you may want to consider when purchasing a lavatory, such as an integrated overflow, a built-in soap dispenser, a pop-up drain, and a pre-drilled faucet hole.
  5. What type of faucets should I use with a lavatory? You should use a lavatory faucet that is designed to be compatible with the type of lavatory you have purchased. For example, a wall-mounted lavatory should have a wall-mounted faucet.

Trivia

In the late 19th century, there was a demand for a new kind of lavatory – one with metal legs and a sloping back. This resulted in the creation of the iconic ‘throne’ style lavatory – a design that has been popular ever since. Although the design has changed over time, the throne style lavatory is still a popular choice for many bathroom designs today. Source: https://www.vitrashop.co.uk/blog/the-history-of-the-toilet/

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.