"How do I measure for bathroom fixtures?"

Two sets of measurements are needed for placing bathroom fixtures. The first is overall measurements of the room with notes about windows, doors, switches and heat outlets. The second is centerline measurements of existing toilet, lavatory and tub drain from the nearest wall. If you make a drawing of the room using one half inch on paper to represent 12 inches in the room, and then mark both sets of these measurements, you will have a useful representation of your bathroom.

"What does it mean ‘vanities come in standard sizes’?"

Standard size vanities come in 24", 30", 36", 42", and 48" across by a standard 21" front to back. Some manufacturers also make 60" and 72" wide vanities. Standard sink base vanities can be grouped with drawer stacks that are available in 12", 15", and 18" widths to make a non-standard size. For example, a non-standard space of 54" could be filled with a 36" sink base and an 18" drawer base. Vanities typically measure 21" front to back, but in 36" and smaller the standard sizes are also available in 18" front to back dimensions. Heights of vanities differ between manufacturers, but the typical height is 30" or 31".  Many manufacturers offer "adult heights" of  32" or 34 1/2".  If you are tall or have lower back problems, these higher vanities may increase the ease in your daily hygiene.

"What is the maintenance on faucets with special finishes?"

Vast improvements have been made in the finishes used on decorative  faucets in the last fifteen years. However, in a hard water area, such as Central New Jersey, the best way to maintain a special finish is to wipe the faucet with a soft cloth after each use. If not dried off, the minerals from the hard water will be left behind when the water evaporates. These minerals are abrasive when the faucet is cleaned and they also tempt the use of harsh chemicals to remove them. The surface of any faucet is degraded by harsh chemicals and abrasives, and ultimately the faucet finish suffers.

"My old polished brass faucet is tarnished.  Is there an alternative?"

New technology called Physical Vapor Deposition has revolutionized polished brass faucets and now also is used for Satin Nickel and other colors of finishes as well as polished brass.  According to manufacturers, this new technology creates a hard, stable surface that is bonded to the faucet that does not have any sealant coating to wear off.  We now have low maintenance, durable special finishes in bath and kitchen styles.

"What is the difference between self-rimming and undermount sinks?"

Whether in kitchen or bath self –rimming sinks can be used with any type of countertop and mount on the surface of the counter. Undermount sinks can only be used with solid countertop materials, such as Corian, granite or marble. The sink is mounted underneath the slab of the countertop for a smooth, clean look on the countertop. Unfortunately, this sink is not seamless—only a Corian sink bonded to a Corian countertop is seamless. The undermount sink moves the seam between sink and counter to a place that is hidden between the two surfaces. For homeowners who are primarily concerned with sanitary surfaces, the self-rimming sink is the better choice over undermount because the joint between the two surfaces is visible.  For the Easy Clean as Top Priority Folks, a Corian Sink bonded to Corian deck is almost in a "self-cleaning" category.

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