What Materials are Freestanding Vanity Units Made of?

Did you know that freestanding vanities using acrylic solid surface material can weigh 150 pounds or more, giving them a premium and luxurious feel? There are many types of material that freestanding vanities come with, but finding the best one for you or your customer's needs can be challenging.

This article will examine the materials used in the manufacture of freestanding vanity units, including their features, advantages, and suitability for specific applications. The vanity consists of multiple parts. However, the countertop takes the highlight as it is the most vulnerable to damage or loss of color. We will divide the freestanding vanity into sections and explain the materials used within each section. Continue reading to gain insight into freestanding vanities!

What is a Freestanding Vanity Unit?

Any area in a house that requires a sink and storage space can utilize a freestanding vanity unit. As the name suggests, it's a self-supporting structure that features a sink at the top and storage cabinets and drawers below. It can vary in height and width depending on the application. In luxury hotels, a freestanding vanity unit can be as wide as 1800mm with a sink configuration. Let's examine some of the features and types of freestanding vanity units to understand why specific materials are used in their construction.

Features of a Freestanding Vanity Unit

Four main features make a freestanding vanity unit feasible for any home, hotel, restaurant, or mall.

▎Self-Supporting Nature

The freestanding vanity unit's ability to remain standing without support makes it an excellent piece of furniture for individuals who frequently renovate their interiors. In the case of hotels, versatility is key, as they often require repairs and cleaning, which can be easier with a self-supporting structure. You can move around the freestanding vanity unit after just unplugging the plumbing or electrical wires, if any. Whether it's a compact single-sink vanity or an ultra-wide multi-sink vanity for commercial use, their self-supporting nature is always a valuable asset.

▎Sink Integrated into the Countertop

The second feature is the integration of the sink into the countertop. While most freestanding vanities come with undermount sinks, other options are available, including drop-in sinks, vessel sinks, integrated sinks, and semi-recessed sinks. The countertops are available in different materials depending on the desired look and properties. The countertop provides space for the placement of soaps, towel rolls, decorative items, and other objects. The countertop is the

▎Storage Compartments

Another feature that makes freestanding vanities more appealing than freestanding basins is their storage capacity. The presence of storage cabinets and drawers made from high-end material provides storage for users' belongings and toiletries. A typical 60-inch wide freestanding vanity cabinet will provide 150 to 300 liters (approximately 5 to 10 cubic feet) of storage space. However, not all manufacturers utilize the space efficiently. Some even use false drawer fronts to cut costs. 

▎Aesthetically Organized

In comparison to other washing basin designs, the freestanding vanity offers a more elegant and contemporary look that is often required in modern interiors. The objects are well-organized and placed inside the cabinet, out of sight. Clean lines and wooden material enclosures add warmth to your interiors.

Types of Freestanding Vanity Units

Just considering the look while selecting a freestanding vanity is not enough. Finding the right one requires going through all the possible options. Each of them offers its unique look and features. Here are some of the types of freestanding vanity units:

• Single Sink Freestanding Vanity Units: A single sink is installed on top of a freestanding cabinet that can be easily moved.
• Double Sink Freestanding Vanity Units: A double sink freestanding vanity unit features two basins or sinks installed within a cabinet.
• Wall-Mounted Freestanding Vanity Units: Another rendition is the use of a countertop that mounts to the wall, providing stability and taking the load off the cabinets. These are relatively budget-friendly as the cabinet material does not require much strength.
• Freestanding Vanity Units with Integrated Basins: These are the most modern type of freestanding vanity cabinets. Their aesthetics make them stand out amongst all the types. However, if you wish to change the basin or in the event of damage to the basin, it will be a costly repair.
• Luxury Freestanding Vanity Units: These are the most exquisite freestanding vanity units, featuring pure woodwork with a water-resistant coating. The top could be made of Gel-Coat Stone Resin, and the cabinet could feature handcrafted designs that evoke a medieval aesthetic.
• Compact Freestanding Vanity Units: For bathrooms or areas with space constraints, compact freestanding vanity units are an ideal choice. These are typically single-sink, freestanding vanity units, featuring a minimalist countertop.
• Freestanding Vanity Units with Open Shelving: Another popular category, primarily found in hotels, is the open shelving design. It allows ease of access and better visibility of the objects inside. These are ideal for high-volume areas where the frequent opening and closing of cabinets can cause damage, resulting in increased repair work.

Parts and Their Material in Freestanding Vanity Unit

To understand freestanding vanity units, it is essential to examine their construction and materials in more detail. The manufacturing technique and price can vary depending on the material chosen. The type of freestanding vanity can influence the choice of material. Let's have a look at the materials that these units use, and then we can move on to their parts:

★  Materials Used in Freestanding Vanity Units

● Solid Surface

These are the most modern and most reliable countertops. The material does not occur naturally. It's a manmade material that offers a seamless look. Its non-porous surface is excellent for resistance against bacteria and stains. They are highly repairable with easy-to-follow instructions. Most contemporary freestanding vanities feature a solid surface material for the countertop.

● Gel-Coat Stone Resin

It is a combination of manmade and natural materials. Dolomite, marble, or quartz stone is crushed and mixed with resin. The resin is typically acrylic or polyester. The ratio is 65% mineral fillers and 35% resin. The top surface is 0.5 to 0.8 mm thick material of ISO NPG - Isophthalic Neopentyl Glycol. It enhances the durability of the countertop.

● Granite

It is a naturally occurring material usually extracted from the earth and shaped into a countertop. It is an igneous rock that forms after lava cools. It is a hard material with a hardness of 6-7 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it scratch-resistant. However, its brittle nature makes it susceptible to cracks.

● Marble

An exquisite material that is popular primarily due to its wide range of colors and intricate patterns. The veining gives it a luxurious look. However, its porous nature requires careful use and regular cleaning.

● Quartz

Another material that combines the look of natural stone and the reliability of artificial material is quartz. It's 90-95% ground natural quartz (a tough mineral) mixed with 5-10% polymer resins and pigments. The non-porous surface makes it stain-resistant.

● Laminate

In the budget-friendly category, laminate provides good value. A high-quality laminate typically consists of a layer of MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard), a decorative layer, and a protective overlay. The top layer protects against scratches and abrasion. However, if water seeps into the MDF layer, the material swells, forming visible bumps.

● Wood

One of the oldest materials, dating back to the Indus Valley civilization, is the use of wood as a countertop material. However, they are highly porous and prone to stains. They need to be handled carefully, and a protective layer of lacquer is applied to make them non-porous.

● Tile

The variety of materials used in tile production is immense. However, ordinary ceramics and porcelain are popular due to their cost-effectiveness. It is highly resistant to scratches and provides a non-porous surface. However, it is heavy and contributes to the weight of the unit.

★Parts of the Freestanding Vanity

1. Countertop

The highlight of the freestanding vanity is the countertop. It is the top part of the vanity that sits on top of the cabinet. It can either have a cutout to accommodate a sink or feature an integrated basin. The material needs to have a smooth surface, water resistance, stain resistance, and chemical resistance. Manufacturers use a variety of materials to achieve these properties.

Standard Materials: Solid Surface, Gel-Coat Stone Resin, Granite, Marble, Quartz, Laminate, Wood, and Porcelain Slab

2. Sink (Basin)

The sink is also a critical part of a freestanding vanity. It can either make or break the look of the vanity. The variety of materials used in sinks and basins is lower compared to those used in countertops. However, it also uses the same material in most cases. The most exquisite ones are made from copper or natural stones, as they require a premium to create and deliver safely.

Standard Materials: Solid surface (acrylic or polyester resin), glass, enameled cast iron, acrylic, copper, fireclay or Ceramic/porcelain, stainless steel, natural stones such as granite and marble, and engineered stones like quartz.

3. Cabinet Base (Body)

The cabinet base is the primary component that supports the entire structure, enabling the countertop to be mounted correctly. It needs to be capable of handling the weight and moisture from the countertop.

Standard Materials: Plywood, MDF, Wood, or Acrylics

4. Doors and Drawers

Having a door and drawer made out of plywood can feel light and inexpensive. To give the door a luxurious feel, they are often made from wood. MDF can also provide decent weight in comparison to plywood.

Standard Materials: Wood, MDF, or Plywood

5. Hardware (Knobs or Pulls)

The hardware is essential for longevity. Users will immediately notice the quality of the hardware. Interactive with the knobs and pulls on daily basis can cause wear and tear. In low-quality material, it can lead to breakage or damage.

Standard Materials: Metal Alloys or Aluminum

6. Hinges and Sliders

These are also a critical part of a freestanding vanity. Metal alloys are best as they offer water resistance and toughness required for materials in constant motion. These can wear out over time, so high-quality is vital. There are slow-closing, spring-loaded, and various types of hinges and sliders.

Standard Material: Stainless Steel or other metal alloys

7. Legs or Feet

It's vital to carefully evaluate the legs and feet of a freestanding vanity unit. A substandard material will deteriorate when it comes into contact with a potential wet floor. As the unit is freestanding, any damage to the legs will cause the whole unit to be wobbly and unstable. It can lead to damage to other parts of the freestanding vanity.

Standard Material: High-end Acrylic, Pure Wood, or Metal Alloy

Final Word: Materials in Freestanding Vanity Units

The material plays a key role in the finishing and functionality of a freestanding vanity unit. Material selections start from the countertop and end on its legs or feet. Each part is selected with an engineering approach to ensure the stability of the unit and its long-term performance. Whether you choose solid surface, quartz, gel-coat stone resin, granite, wood, or any other material, just ensure that they are water- and chemical-resistant with low porosity, as there is a chance of liquid spills on the surface. However, placing heavy or sharp objects is improbable.

If you are looking for a high-end freestanding vanity unit that is both durable and aesthetically pleasing, then consider KKG (Kingkonree) as your brand. They have extensive experience in crafting luxury items with contemporary designs that all modern interiors require. Visit their page to discover their range of freestanding vanity units.

FAQs

• Do freestanding vanity units come with a countertop?

Yes, freestanding vanity units typically come with a countertop that usually contains space for plumbing or sink (basin) placement. Some countertops even come with an integrated basin, giving them a modern, contemporary look. The material of the countertop can be solid surface, granite, marble, quartz, wood, or gel-coat stone resin.

• Are freestanding vanity units suitable for small bathrooms?

Freestanding vanity units are an excellent choice for small bathrooms as they combine storage with sink (basin) facility in a single unit. It opens up the small bathroom, making the space visually more open. It eliminates the need for a wall-hanging cabinet, which can obstruct the view. There are single-unit compact freestanding vanities suitable for small bathrooms.

• Do freestanding vanity units require plumbing installation?

The plumbing requirements of a freestanding vanity unit are minimal in comparison to other sinks. All you need to provide is a water supply, a drain, and an electrical connection, depending on the type of freestanding vanity. The structure is self-supporting requiring no other wall installation.