The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California

Built In Cabinets And Storage Walls

Three types of lavatories are available. That made for formed metal, porcelain enameled, is usually the least expensive. The other two types—porcelain enameled cast iron and vitreous china—are both widely used. Unless there is ample space available for your counter-cabinet, it might be best to choose one of the smaller sizes to get the maximum counter area.

Unlike kitchen counters, which have a standard height of 36", bathroom lavatories are usually 31" high. Many bathrooms are only large enough to hold the fixtures and seem to provide little extra space for a counter. However, even the addition of a few inches will increase the efficiency of the lavatory greatly and this much at least can always be found. One very common bathroom arrangement is to have all the fixtures arranged along one wall as this makes the simplest piping layout.

If the present lavatory is in the corner, one end of the counter should finish against the wall and the other end can reach to within 15" of the center line of the closet. If the present lavatory is in the Center, one end can be made to finish against the bathtub by building a partial shower enclosure as shown.

If space permits, a soiled linen hamper should be included. A drawing shows how such a hamper can be made. The inexpensive bin-swing hardware is essential to the design of an effective hamper. If, in place of the hardware, you consider hinging the bin at the bottom edge, remember that the sides must be cut at a radius drawn from the hinge. The back will, accordingly, be very low, allowing linen to fall back of it and causing a perpetual nuisance. The bin-swing hardware consists of two rollers and tracks on which the hamper slides out and an adjustable rod that tips up the hamper as it slides out.

When buying the mirrors for the cabinet with sliding doors, tell your glazier the use to which they are to be put and have the backs protected and finger grasps ground into them. The track should be of the roller type with a shoe that fits on the bottom of the mirror.