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 Made

Porcelain 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 Porcelain

As 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.

When 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).

• Residential Customers: If a customer desires a new bathroom or kitchen that’s safer or more accessible, they’re depending on your expertise and experience to benefit from the ease of living they require. An informed contractor can suggest new and innovative products or installation types that can dramatically improve the lifestyle, comfort, and convenience of handicap, elderly, and limited mobility customers.

• Commercial Clients: If your business includes commercial services, staying informed about ADA compliance laws and building codes is a must. Regardless of what type of business your client operates, all commercial buildings and spaces must comply with the standards set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

• Lawsuits: Failure to maintain ADA compliance can lead to the development of lawsuits for contractors. Plus, for those with commercial clients who are legally required to maintain compliance, this could open your business to legal action.

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 Bathrooms

At 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:

• Mirror Height Issues: In most cases, bathroom mirrors are positioned at more than 40 inches from the floor. This height is too high for nearly everyone in a wheelchair. The minimum requirement is 40 inches from the floor to the bottom of the mirror. However, when designing the new bathroom make sure to consider who will use the mirror when making your final measurements.

• Grab Bars: Grab bars are required in commercial restrooms and have become more popular in private, residential restrooms. When installing grab bars, there needs to be an inch and a half of space available in every direction. Pay close attention to how close this bar is to the toilet paper dispenser. It’s usually too close.

• Accessible Toilet Stalls: According to law, ADA compliant toilets should be located within 16-18 inches from the centerline of the wall. Failure to maintain this standard can lead to maneuverability concerns. Also, there should be toilet flush levers available so reaching over the toilet isn’t an issue. An easy way to fix this when the toilet violates this rule is to replace the tank instead of the entire unit.

• Kitchen and Bathroom Sinks: As of the 2010 update, in bathrooms, the toilet needs at least 60-inches of clear space surrounding it, and the sink should be installed even further from that area. In addition, the sinks are usually installed too high from the ground, making it difficult for disabled individuals to use them. Fortunately, this mistake is easy to avoid by double-checking your measurements before installation begins. Depending on the bathroom layout, additional space may be necessary.

• Bathroom and Kitchen Doors: Sometimes, the doors may be installed facing the wrong way. Instead of opening outwards, they instead open into the bathroom. When this happens, maneuverability is compromised for those who are wheelchair-bound. Plus, doors usually require more than five pounds of force to close, which is difficult to generate when the user can’t move properly. Simply reversing the direction of the door’s swing can fix this problem.

• ADA-Compliant Cabinets: Cabinets in the bathroom or kitchen are often installed too high up for users in wheelchairs or with lower reaching capabilities. A good rule of thumb is to install the cabinets at 34 inches from the floor. However, your client may require even lower cabinets, which could mean custom work is needed.

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:

• Ample Space: There should be plenty of space available for people in wheelchairs to rotate freely. The minimum is 60 inches in diameter, which is needed to complete a full 180-degree turn. In addition to the required space, this should be facilitated with a forward or parallel approach. The good news is this can still be done with fixtures such as sinks in the way, provided the legs can move freely when the person is in the wheelchair.

• Toilet Accessibility: As previously mentioned, accessibility requirements for the positioning of toilets include a 60-inch width of free space around the toilet. The toilet seat itself should be between 17-19 inches from the floor to the top of the seat. Don’t forget that wheelchair users need to be able to put the wheelchair next to them or in front of them for an easy transition on and off the seat.

• Grab Bars: A horizontal grab-bar handrail that has a smooth, non-slip surface for gripping should be installed in shower stalls, in bathtubs, and next to toilet seats. In addition to being easily grabbed, the grab-bar should be installed onto the closest partition or wall for accessibility. The positioning of the grab bars will depend on the area where it is installed, so make sure to follow these guidelines closely. 

• Bathroom Sinks: The sink should be no more than 34 inches high from the floor to maintain ADA compliance. Also, there should be open space below to allow for knee clearance when wheeling up to the sink. The plumbing located beneath the sink should be protected in a manner that doesn’t compromise accessibility.

• Bathroom Faucets: All ADA bathroom faucets should be operable with just one hand. The best faucet designs are lever-operated, push, touch, or electronically controlled. The key is to ensure the user doesn’t have to strain the wrist to operate the faucet.

• Hand Dryers: These should be touch-free or motion-activated. Also, these dryers shouldn’t extend more than four inches from the wall to ensure ADA compliance.

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:

• Clearance: People in wheelchairs need to move around freely, which requires plenty of space. For example, a pass-through kitchen should have 40” width spacing while a U-shaped kitchen should be 60” wide. It’s important to match up the desired kitchen layout to the minimum measurements needed to create a fully functional kitchen.

• Workspace: Everyone who operates in the kitchen needs counter space. It’s where meal prep occurs along with other tasks. For this reason, a 30” wide space of unobstructed kitchen counter space is needed to maintain ADA compliance.

• Kitchen Sinks: This is one of the most important considerations for an ADA compliant kitchen. The sink is needed to wash hands, produce, and the dishes among other things. For true accessibility, an ADA-compliant sink should be somewhere between 28-34 inches from the floor. Don’t forget that knee clearance is needed as well, so consider carefully how the plumbing will be protected when installing an accessible sink.

• Cabinets: At least 50% of all cabinet space should be accessible. This is one area where accessibility can meet design for a unique and satisfying design process. Carefully work with your clients to determine the best layout that satisfies both minimum requirements and how they plan to use the kitchen.

• Appliances: Appliances are an automatic component of the kitchen considering refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers are commonplace. When it comes to accessibility, the key is to make sure there is a clear floor space of at least 30×48 inches positioned forward.

Putting Everything Together

Whether 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:

• How much available space already exists?
• Is the client residential or commercial?

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 Faucets

At 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.

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
conditions, are not manufacturing defects but are indicative of normal wear and tear.

This limited lifetime warranty DOES NOT COVER the following:

1. Defects or damages arising from shipping, installation, alterations, accidents, abuse, misuse, environmental factors, lack of proper maintenance and use of other than genuine Allora USA replacement parts, in all cases whether caused by a plumbing contractor, service company, the owner or any other person.
2. Gloss reduction, scratching, staining and acid or alkaline etching of the finish over time due to use, cleaning practices or water or atmospheric conditions, are not manufacturing defects but are indicative of normal wear and tear.
3. Deterioration through normal wear and tear and the expense of normal maintenance.
4. Commercial application.
5. Options and accessories. Allora USA’s limited warranty on these items is one year for parts only. This one-year limited warranty covers accessories manufactured by Allora USA against defects of material or workmanship. Limited warranty coverage begins on the date the accessory was originally purchased by the owner.
6. Postage or shipping and handling costs for returning products for repairs or replacement under this limited warranty and labor or other costs incurred in connection with product removal or installation under this limited warranty.
7. ANY LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING LABOR, ALL OF WHICH ARE HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMED, OR THE EXTENSION BEYOND THE DURATION OF THIS LIMITED WARRANTY OF ANY IMPLIED LIMITED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING THOSE OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR AN INTENDED PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT WILL ALLORA USA BE LIABLE FOR THE COST OF REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF ANY INSTALLATION MATERIALS INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO TILES, MARBLE ETC.
8. Responsibility for compliance with local code requirements. (Since local code requirements vary greatly distributors, retailers, dealers, installation contractors and users of plumbing products should determine whether there are any code restrictions on the installation or use of a specific product.)
9. This limited warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may have other statutory rights that vary from state to state or from province to province, in which case this limited warranty does not affect such statutory rights.

***ANY CLAIMS MUST BE REPORTED WITHIN 30 DAYS OF INCIDENT. CLAIMS REPORTED AFTER 30 DAYS ARE NOT VALID***

Allora 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.