The bathroom is, without a doubt, one of the most used environments in the home. Therefore, at the time of renovation, attention is needed. In addition to a project with the personality of the residents, the space also needs to be functional and safe.
To meet these demands, an item that cannot go unnoticed is the tub. There are many models available on the market, and each one has specific technical characteristics. Understanding these differences is essential for us to be able to make more assertive choices for the environment. But we help you on the mission!
Dimensions indicated
1- Height
The recommended height (tub + bench + furniture) is between 85 and 92 cm, according to Neufert’s book (known as the architecture bible and which addresses standard measurements for projects). These dimensions provide comfort and ergonomics for whoever will use it. But remember: in cases of people who are extremely tall or short, it is necessary to customize the measurements with the help of a professional in the area.
2- Depth
The recommended depth for a bathroom countertop is approximately 50 cm. Next, it is necessary to define the dimension that the vat will have. And don’t forget the ergonomics and functionality of the environment: such as adequate spaces for circulation, opening doors, etc.
Remember to leave a minimum space of 5 cm between the end of the tub and the pediment for cleaning. And in the case of taps with activation at the bottom, which will be installed on the back of the tank, it is necessary to have at least 10 cm of space for comfortable handling.
Another extra tip to avoid problems is always to confirm with the bench supplier the specific recommendations of the chosen material.
3- Width
Currently, there are several options of sinks that serve small and large bathrooms. It’s important to think about whether it’s preferable to have a larger bench space, to use when putting on makeup or brushing your hair, for example. Or if the tub should be wider to be able to wash your face, without the risk of water running off and dampening the entire bathroom. Each project has different needs and must be analyzed in a unique way.
4- Vats and Bench Manufacturers
In many situations we buy the workbench and the tub from different companies. In this case, it is very important to send the tub to the company that will make the workbench, so that the installation holes are made correctly. I do not recommend doing this service on site, as the risk of damaging the material is greater.
5- Types of Vat
I made a guide with the types of vats that exist on the market and listed technical tips to help you choose the best type of vats for your project. Bathroom with black support tub under a black iron structure, walls covered in burnt cement, square mirror with black frame.
6- Support Vat
Blue and white custom bathroom countertop with blue and white custom built-in tub.
This style of tub is the most specified by professionals and there are many choices of materials, colors and models available on the market. It rests completely on top of the counter and has great prominence in the bathroom. It’s worth daring and choosing a stylish piece, because it will be the protagonist in your project. But remember, it’s important to pay attention to the final height so you don’t feel uncomfortable on a daily basis.
As this type of tub is taller, you also need to be careful when choosing the faucet. There are models with a table and without a table – space to support the faucet.
If installed directly on the bench, it is recommended that it have a higher spout. If it is positioned behind the tub, check the activation. To be more comfortable, it is ideal that the opening and closing is from the top. This way, you don’t have to put your arm behind the tub every time you turn on the tap.
And if you have a table, it is recommended to use a low spout.
7- Build-in tub
Round tub under white round bench, with black tap.
Build-in tubs are more delicate and clean. They are completely under the counter. As they are deeper, the bench must be large enough to support them. With the right technology, it is possible to make cuts in the marble to fit it with a good finish on the top.
These tubs are fixed at the bottom of the countertop and I recommend using a cabinet or cabinet at the bottom, for a more pleasant aesthetic in the bathroom. Remember that the space inside the cabinet will be reduced to accommodate the body of the tub.
The built-in tub can be found in square, rectangular, oval and round models. So, pay attention to the best dimension for the size of your countertop.
8- Overlapping Vats
Bathroom with glass shower, burnt cement countertop with white washbasin, wooden cabinet, square mirror and gray floor.
The overlapping bowls have only one edge resting on the bench. They have a cleaner design and are intermediate between the support – which are fully supported on the bench – and the built-in ones. But unlike the latter, they take up less space on the countertop furniture and are snapped together rather than glued together. In this case, the most suitable faucets are the low spout.
In addition to the more classic white porcelain models, there are several types of designs for the overlapping vats, with different colors and materials, such as the Brutalismo line, by Deca, which is made of cement.
9- Semi-fitting
Tubs: bathroom with wooden wall and floor with white semi-fitting tub.
This type of tub is ideal for small bathrooms that need narrower countertops. The back is fixed and the front is more visible, leaving the tub in evidence. The sides of the bench have a smaller depth and this facilitates circulation and the opening of doors.
In this case, the countertop skirt must be at least the same height as the edge of the tub to have a good finish and support the dishes. The semi-fitted vats have few variations of different colors and materials. The easiest to find are white, with different dimensions and formats for you to adapt according to the size of your countertop. But beware: it is essential to take this tub to the company that will make the workbench, to be fitted with precision.
10- Suspended tub or washbasin
Basins: Wall with suspended sink coated in granite, wood cabinet at the bottom and round mirror.
In this model of tub it is not necessary to have a bench and, in many cases, cabinets are not placed at the bottom. It is widely applied in residential and commercial environments. It is usually fixed directly to the wall, but if the surface is drywall it is important to make sure it can support the weight of the suspended countertop. This type is suitable for bathrooms that need accessibility, being possible to fit the wheelchair at the bottom.
Signed by Rio designer Rubens Szpilman, specialist in bathroom accessories made of polyester resin, available in different colors and transparent.
11- Carved
Vats: carved black tub with black tap.
The carved vats are well sought after by professionals for the creative freedom that the model offers to the project. It is possible, for example, to make this type of tub with the same material as the workbench, ensuring the fluidity of the piece. The tub can be made with ornamental stones, synthetic stones or porcelain tiles that reproduce different types of materials.
In this style, it is still possible to hide the drain and create different designs that meet the needs and aesthetics of the project. And a great advantage is that, depending on the material applied, it is possible to cover floors and walls with the same material.
12- Floor Vat
The floor sinks have a more minimalist design and make the rooms more modern. A big advantage is that they don’t need to be supported by any wall like the other models. With creativity it is possible to compose super different environments.
An important detail is that it is possible to use cabinets at the bottom of the floor sinks. It is also worth investing in niches, upper cabinets or shelves, making a harmonious composition.
In this type of tub, a wall, ceiling or floor tap is used. And if it has a table (space for a faucet on the countertop), a low spout faucet is recommended.
The sewer point is on the floor and as it is different from traditional models, it is important to notify the person responsible for the labor in advance so that the hydraulic part is properly prepared.
