Vanity tops

Sizes

A single vanity is usually 60 to 100 cm wide. A double starts at about 120 cm, but 140 to 160 cm is more comfortable for two people. A two-level top has one level for the basin and another as a shelf, like the beige marble one in our projects. The joints at the step need the most care.

The basin

A countertop bowl only needs a hole for the waste, and it can be a carved marble basin. An undermount ceramic bowl sits under the stone, with a polished cut-out. An integrated basin is built from the same stone, or the top slopes to a hidden slot drain, and of the three it takes us the longest to make.

Thickness

Most tops are 2 cm with a deeper front edge glued on at 45°, so they look 4, 6 or 10 cm from the front and hide the waste. 3 cm is for a long span between brackets. A 140 cm double in 2 cm marble, 55 cm deep with a 10 cm front, weighs about 50 kg. A floating top needs brackets in a solid wall.

Taps

Deck taps need holes behind each basin. Wall taps keep the top clear, but the plumber has to place the pipes before the wall is closed. Decide before we measure, we drill at the workshop.

Which stone

Beige marble and Galala hide limescale and soap. Carrara shows coloured stains. Quartz needs no sealing and is easiest in a family bathroom. Onyx scratches more easily, so we'd keep it for a guest bathroom or a top lit from below.

Old walls

Walls round Troyes are rarely straight. A top that runs wall to wall is scribed to the plaster so there's no wide silicone joint at the back. Same for an upstand or a panel of cladding behind.

See the bathroom page or call +33 7 45 20 76 39.