Advice on sanitary ware manufacturers

[eduk]

Hi,

I am looking to do a complete refit of the bathroom. So will need a new bath, toilet, basin, bathroom furniture etc. Like anything, sanitary ware comes in many different prices and qualities and these do not always go hand in hand.

In general I google until I find a well written guide breaking down the specifications of the product I am interested in. Then I am more inclined to buy from that retailer. For example a steel bath will come in different thicknesses of steel, which most manufacturers seem to print. Chrome fittings again come in different standards, although I've found that information hard to find. Porcelain sinks and toilets can be fired, one, two or three times, again it's hard to find out this information. The clay used in sinks and toilets can range in quality, again hard to actually find information on.

Does anyone have any links to good sites where this information can be found? Or any recommendations for particular manufacturers where you know the specifications.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Regards

 

[kay-jay]

Good stuff in eastbrook catalogue. Ask a local merchant for one

 

[eduk]

Thanks for the recommendation. What exactly makes them good?

 

[kay-jay]

Thanks for the recommendation. What exactly makes them good?

Higher end quality

 

[Chalked]

Use Grohe taps, In 34 years I have never replaced one!
stay well clear of the diy sheds, Victoria plumb and bathstore.

 

[Ray Stafford]

Thanks for the recommendation. What exactly makes them good?

A few points in Eastbrooks favour.

1) They are a trade brand. Trade customers repeat buy every week, unlike retail customers who buy relatively rarely. A trade brand is therefore much more subject to customer satisfaction than a retail brand.
2) They are still a family run company, owned by the Doouss family, who are still actively involved in the sourcing of products and customer after-care.
3) Their catalogue is comprehensive and contains a wealth of technical information. I am not sure it contains things like the microns of chrome (which not many customers would ask about). Nevertheless, I bet if you phoned them, they could tell you those answers.

 

[eduk]

I'd pretty much worked out to stay clear of places like B&Q, but thanks for the reinforcement.

I'll have a look for Eastbrooks, it makes sense that a trade brand is often better than a consumer brand, it's certainly what I have noticed in my own experience.

 

[lame plumber]

you'll need a plumber to be able to buy from Ray though