Vitreous China VS. Porcelain: What’s the difference?There is a decent amount of confusion when it comes to the differences between vitreous china and porcelain. Are they two different materials or the same material with different names? To state it simply and clarify, vitreous china and porcelain are made from the same exact materials; vitreous china is simply the glazing technique that is added onto porcelain for that sleek, shiny look you see on common bathroom sinks and toilet. How Porcelain is MadePorcelain is made by cooking ceramic materials such as clay, feldspar, and silica, at very high temperatures to achieve the desired look. What we mean by “desired look” is really between a glazed or unglazed look. Glazed or Unglazed?The most popular and frequently seen unglazed porcelain is commonly called bisque or biscuit porcelain, named after its light-tan, off-white coloration. Whether or not you want a glazed or unglazed finish is completely dependant on the manufacturing process, specifically, what is called the firing process. For unglazed styles, such as our VCS-1114B Vanity Sink, the firing process begins by heating up the inorganic materials of clay, feldspar, and silica to harden them. For unglazed styles, the process stops here. You are then left with a very raw, organic-looking finished product that can be fitting for a rustic or vintage bathroom decor such as a modern-day farmhouse. For glazed styles, such as vitreous china, they are subjected to a second firing process to achieve a much higher temperature. Once the right temperature is reached, an stain-resistant enamel liquid glass coating is applied on top of the porcelain. As a result, you are left with the beautiful finished product we know as vitreous china. The smooth vitreous enamel surface of vitreous china offers many benefits that unglazed sinks do not, hence the reason why glazed styles are more popular today. A few of the biggest benefits of glazed sinks are that the gloss enamel coating acts as a protective casing making it more resistant to scratches, more sanitary, and more durable. For these benefits, vitreous china is commonly the choice product for not only individual’s homes but industrial and commercial infrastructures as well as they generally last longer. Caring For Your PorcelainAs a general rule of thumb, you should try to clean your porcelain sinks on a daily basis, if not, weekly to prevent soap scum and other bacterial buildups. Try keeping a washcloth or sponge near your sink at all times so you can easily wipe down the inside of the porcelain bowl as your washing your hands or performing other daily chores over the sink. You should avoid abrasive cleaners! Porcelain is durable, however, if you’re trying to maintain and extend the lifetime of your porcelain sinks, abrasive cleaners will do the exact opposite as they are too harsh for porcelain products. For a deep clean, line your sink bowl with layers of paper towels and pour over bleach, covering all areas of your sink. After roughly 15-30 minutes, remove towels and rinse the bowl with water. This should remove any soap scum and other stains you may have tarnishing your porcelain sink bowls. |
ADA Design for Kitchens and BathroomsWhen it comes to designing a new bathroom or kitchen for a client, the homeowner’s greatest priorities are likely centered on enhanced aesthetics and high performance. However, in households where one or more members of the family are living with mobility issues, safety and accessibility can take precedence over other factors. In any case, building a better bathroom that addresses all three factors at once is more possible and more common than ever before. After all, today’s newest and most innovative products and installation techniques have advanced considerably over the last decade. As the nation’s generation of Baby Boomers advance into elderly stages of life, building a better home that is safe and accessible, aesthetically pleasing, and durable, functional, and energy-efficient is the new goal among today’s best home building and remodeling companies and contractors. However, as the industry’s products and practices evolve, so have ADA Compliance conventions, codes, and practices in the United States. The ability to maintain ADA compliance is an important skill for contractors in the home remodeling and construction industry. Some specific measurements and guidelines must be met to fully satisfy the requirements for building safe and accessible, ADA-compliant homes. As one of the leading manufacturers and distributors of custom sinks and faucets in the Nation , Allora USA’s wide inventory includes high-quality, ADA-accessible kitchen and bathroom products. Demand for these products has risen sharply in recent years, and unsurprisingly, building requirements, codes, and ADA standards have continued to change. For this reason, Allora USA’s team of experts is dedicated to keeping our network of industry professionals up-to-date and informed on the latest in ADA design. In this article, we will reveal some of the most important facts that contractors should know when building handicap-accessible kitchens and bathrooms in 2020. Why Understanding ADA Compliance is Essential for Businesses
While private residences aren’t required to be compliant, there are three critical reasons why professional contractors need to stay up-to-date and informed about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
About the Americans with Disabilities Act Maintaining ADA compliance requires an understanding of the original law as well as its updated versions, which is why a review of new or changed policies of the ADA is needed every year. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 was passed as a civil rights law in the United States. The law was introduced as a means of preventing discrimination based on disability. Since this is a law, compliance is not optional for businesses or other commercial properties. In 2010, the most recent design standards were released as an update to the original law. This standard is what designers, architects, contractors, and other similar professions follow to this day. On September 15, 2010, the Department of Justice published updated regulations for Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. This act introduced what is known as minimum requirements or standards for accessible design. These requirements include both scoping/design and technical requirements. The minimum requirements apply to all newly designed, constructed, or altered State and local government facilities, public accommodations, and commercial facilities. Every one of these facilities is to be both readily accessible and usable by any individual with a disability. In addition to new buildings, the 2010 standards also took care to establish a revised reference point for entities that desire to make structural changes to better maintain their accessibility requirements. It’s important to remember that these minimum requirements are just that. They’re the absolute minimum, so there are plenty of opportunities to design features and construct a custom project that delivers a truly safe and accessible experience for your clients. Common ADA-Compliance Mistakes to Avoid for Kitchens and BathroomsAt this point, we’ve established some background for the Americans with Disabilities Act and why contractors need to maintain compliance. As important as these standards are, there are still many common mistakes made by contractors and designers when converting a bathroom or kitchen to an accessible one. Some of the most common building errors to avoid when designing kitchens and bathrooms include:
Building an ADA Compliant Bathroom
Now that we’ve identified the common mistakes to avoid, let’s take a look at what’s needed to build an ADA compliant bathroom for your client. We’ve provided a breakdown for easy review:
Building an ADA Compliant Kitchen
Designing an ADA compliant kitchen requires an understanding of appropriate laws and codes, along with a deep understanding of what your client needs. The kitchen is a room that sees a lot of activity, which varies greatly by the task. As such, true success in building an ADA compliant kitchen is marked by a kitchen design that’s ergonomic for everyone in the house or building regardless of being disabled or not. The minimum requirements are:
Putting Everything TogetherWhether it’s a new kitchen style or an updated bathroom, there are careful considerations both client and contractor must make for ultimate safety and accessibility. In a private residence, space is usually limited, which can make some modifications difficult or costly. Commercial properties have it easier in this regard, but that ease is tempered by stricter guidelines that must be adhered to at every point. How you approach the project will depend largely on the following two factors:
For residential customers remodeling their homes for accessibility, the best way to handle the project is to discuss the plan in detail. Identify the areas of concern with the customer. Discuss the existing space and whether the expansion of the square footage or reconfiguration of the room is needed to meet design requirements. Also, you’ll need to discuss the budget to determine the type of changes that will be possible. Since private residences aren’t mandated to follow ADA guidelines, there is some wiggle room in what’s done to create an accessible kitchen or bathroom. Make sure to carefully outline exactly what will be done and ensure the client understands and approves the plan before beginning. This will help manage expectations and keep your company protected upon project completion. With commercial clients, the rooms should already have all of the required space needed, unless it’s an older building that hasn’t been updated since the 2010 standards were published. Regardless of the situation, the end goal is the same. Every bathroom and kitchen should be 100% ADA compliant to avoid the possibility of legal action against your client or your company. Superior Kitchen and Bathroom Sinks and FaucetsAt Allora USA, we’re proud to provide the nation’s building experts with outstanding products for commercial and residential kitchens and bathrooms. If you’re ready to explore our range of high-quality ADA-compliant sinks and faucets for your client’s project, our team is ready to help you get started. |
Features
- ADA COMPLIANT
- 24″ Minimum cabinet size
- Classic oval under-mount sink
- Unglazed underside
- Rear overflow drain
- True Vitreous China
- Scratch-resistant glaze, non-porous surface
- Installation Hardware Included
- Certified and Listed by UPC, cUPC
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
- Total Dimensions of Sink: 16″ x 19 1/4″ x 5.8″
Specifications
Inside Dimension | 17 1/2″ x 14 3/8″ |
Outside Dimension | 19 1/2″ x 16″ |
Bowl Depth | 5 3/8″ |
Box Dimensions | 22x19x6 |
Box Weight | 17 |
Dimension
Warranty
Allora USA Warranty
Allora USA warrants to the original purchaser consumer of an Allora USA sink that it will, at its option, repair or replace such product if it is found by Allora USA, in its sole judgment, to be defective under normal residential use, provided that it has been installed and maintained in accordance with Allora USA’s instructions. This limited warranty applies only to the initial installation and is not transferable from the original consumer purchaser. In the event of a limited warranty claim, proof of purchase will be required – save sales receipt. Registration must be done within 30 days of original purchase. If this product is used commercially Allora USA warrants the product to be free from defects in material and workmanship for one (1) year from the date of purchase, with all other terms of this warranty applying except duration. Improper care and cleaning will void the warranty. Gloss reduction, scratching, staining and acid or alkaline etching of the finish over time due to use, cleaning practices or water or atmospheric This limited lifetime warranty DOES NOT COVER the following:
***ANY CLAIMS MUST BE REPORTED WITHIN 30 DAYS OF INCIDENT. CLAIMS REPORTED AFTER 30 DAYS ARE NOT VALID*** |
Downloads
- ADA-1417 Installation Instruction
- ADA-1417 Specification
- ADA-1417 DXF Cut Out
- Allora USA Warranty
- Care and Maintenance Information
- Allora USA Catalog
About Allora USA
Click to see about the brandAllora USA is a privately held manufacturer of custom sinks and faucets. We use the best materials and workmanship in every product we offer. We are committed to providing the highest level of professionalism and customer service. We strive to achieve a long term relationship with our clients by delivering high-quality and cost-effective products. Allora USA is a family owned and operated business that strives to be the best distributor on the Eastern seaboard and Mid Atlantic regions. By catering to the needs of industry professionals such as builders and kitchen & bath dealers, Allora USA has quickly gained a loyal following within the trade. Our goal at Allora USA is to offer top quality faucets, sinks and strainers at the lowest possible price along with exceptional customer service. We provide innovative and cost effective product designs to meet the specialized needs of our customers. Our company enhances its reliable product line with short lead times. We have a wide selection of kitchen and bath products to meet the unique needs of our large clientele. The unique competitive advantage that Allora USA has over competitors lies in the ability to offer the most advanced faucets and other sanitary products available. We pay attention to every last detail as if it were the first. We welcome the opportunity to serve your needs. |
Faucet Options (Sold Separately)
Allora USA Single Hole Brushed Nickel Bathroom Faucet With Drain Assembly
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Allora USA Tulip Single Handle Brushed Nickel Bathroom Faucet
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Allora USA Tulip Single Handle Chrome Bathroom Faucet
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Allora USA Tulip Dual Handle Centerset Brushed Nickel Bathroom Faucet
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Allora USA Tulip Dual Handle Centerset Chrome Bathroom Faucet
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Allora USA Tulip Two Handle Widespread Brushed Nickel Bathroom Faucet
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Allora USA Tulip Two Handle Widespread Chrome Bathroom Faucet
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does ADA compliant mean?
ADA (American Disabilities Act) products are specifically designed to cater to the special needs of people with physical limitations and/or disabilities. |
What size base cabinet is needed to fit this sink?
This sink fits a 24″ cabinet. |
What is vitreous China?
Vitreous China is fired longer and at a high temperature than regular Ceramic sinks. This makes them more durable and less likely to crack or chip over time. Our porcelain sinks are all made from Vitreous China. |
What is the drain size for this sink?
This sink has a standard 1.5″ drain opening. |
Does this sink have an overflow?
Yes, this sink has an overflow drain. |
How to take care of your new sink/faucet?
Like most things in the kitchen that needs care and attention click the links below to see how to take care of your new Allora USA product. |
How to Clean Your Bathroom Sinks and Faucets?
Your bathroom comes in contact with a lot of elements on a daily basis aside from just water. Faucets are easy places for dirt, soap, and calcium buildup to accumulate causing your faucet to look unappealing. Luckily, cleaning up your bathroom or kitchen faucet is easily accomplished. In fact, most of the materials should already be in your home already. Here’s what you’ll need:
Steps To Clean Faucets
Steps To Clean Bathroom Sink BowlFor the bowl of your bathroom sink, using bleach or other chemicals is not recommended. Try opting for a non-abrasive cleaner such as Bar Keeper’s Friend® for sink bowl cleaning. BKF is safe to use on stainless steel, porcelain, and most solid surfaces. |
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