The Evolution of Bathroom Sink Cabinets

The overall attractiveness of your bathroom can be influenced greatly by the bathroom sink cabinet in the room, and these cabinets serve a useful purpose as well. There are a variety of cabinet styles to choose from, and a number of wood types are suitable for their construction. There may be either a counter top with a drop-in sink, or a sink top included with these built-in cabinets. Bathroom sink cabinets have been in use from the time that modern plumbing was invented.

In their earliest days, bathroom sink cabinets were constructed to hold a vessel sink, and serve as a piece of furniture. Over the vessel sink bowl, a valve or faucet would be located. There were no plumbing lines leading from this bowl, therefore, it had to be emptied manually. A bowl and pitcher sitting on a washstand, was the predecessor to this bathroom sink cabinet.

The bathroom sink cabinets became a built-in feature of the bathroom, with the advent of modern plumbing, which allowed a water supply line, as well as a waste line to be installed. This meant that waste water exited the sink through the new technology of hard plumbing. There are a variety of tops that are appropriate for these bathroom sink cabinets. A drop-in sink could be housed in a top made of granite, laminate, tile, wood, or other material. Another alternative is to top these cabinets with a counter top and sink that are a single unit.

There are quite a few wood choices that will be appropriate for the construction of this cabinet, and your selection may be based on the decor that is already present in the room. It is not necessary to consider the decor throughout the rest of your home when planning your cabinet, as the bathroom can have a feel and look of it's own. Over the years, oak has been a widely used type of wood for bathroom cabinets. Appealing cabinets can also be constructed of hickory, walnut, ash, maple, pine, elm, and a few additional varieties of wood. You have a number of choices when it comes to the finish that your cabinet will have. Some individuals prefer to leave their cabinets in their natural state, while others will choose a stained finish. The grain of the wood will be enhance when sink cabinets are stained. It is also important to remember that this will be an area that will be wet or moist quite often, therefore, you must prepare for this by applying a protective finish to your bathroom cabinet.

There are many sizes to choose from when purchasing sink cabinetry. The cabinet will generally be between 18 and 21 inches deep. The typical minimum length of a bathroom cabinet is 18 inches, and the requirements of your bathroom may call for a custom made length. It is common for drawers and doors to be basic elements of a bathroom cabinet. With these features, your bathroom toiletries can be stored conveniently. When considering the design of the cabinet doors, it is important to take into account, that the installation of the plumbing and sink will usually involve access through the doors. A more elegant design for the doors may include routered edges and corners, or you may prefer a more straightforward approach by keeping your doors square and plain. Door options include raised or flat panel, or flat and solid. The majority of homes now utilize bathroom sink cabinets.