Tap Heights: What You Really Need to Know Before Your Bathroom Reno Gets Underway
If you're tackling your first bathroom renovation, you’ve probably spent hours choosing tiles, scrolling Pinterest for vanity inspo, and debating between brushed nickel or matte black tapware.
But there’s one sneaky detail that often catches people out…
If you're tackling your first bathroom renovation, you’ve probably spent hours choosing tiles, scrolling Pinterest for vanity inspo, and debating between brushed nickel or matte black tapware. But there’s one sneaky detail that often catches people out…
Tap heights and fixture placement.
It might not sound very exciting, but getting this wrong can mean awkward reach angles, splashes where they shouldn’t be, and expensive mistakes if your plumbing rough-in needs redoing.
Let’s break it down simply so you know what to look out for—and how to get it right from the start.
Why Tap and Fixture Heights Matter
Everything in a bathroom is connected. If your vanity is higher or lower than expected, and your basin sits on top instead of being under-mounted, suddenly your wall taps could end up pointing way too high—or directly into your benchtop.
Same goes for shower mixers, bath spouts, and even your toilet tap. These little details shape how your bathroom feels to use every day.
It All Starts at Rough-In
The "rough-in" stage is when your plumber sets all the pipes and plumbing points inside the walls and floor—before the walls go up and the tiling starts. Once this is done, changing heights gets a whole lot messier (and more expensive).
That’s why it’s so important to have your tap and fitting heights planned early, based on your exact fixtures.
But What Are the 'Standard' Heights?
There are general guidelines—like:
Vanity height: around 850–900mm from the floor
Basin mixer tap (wall-mounted): usually 150–200mm above the basin
Shower mixers: typically 1000–1200mm from the floor
Shower heads: around 2000–2100mm high
But these are just starting points. What really matters is how your selected fixtures interact with each other.
For example:
Got a vessel basin that sits high on the bench? You’ll need to raise your wall tap accordingly.
Choosing a shorter spout? It might need to sit lower on the wall so it doesn't splash everywhere.
Going with wall-mounted vanities or custom cabinetry? That affects everything underneath too.
How to Nail Your Heights
Lock in your vanity and basin early
Know the exact model and dimensions so you can calculate total bench and basin height.
Measure your tapware reach
If your wall tap doesn’t extend far enough, you’ll be washing your hands against the back of the sink.
Sketch it out (or tape it on a wall)
Even a rough mock-up helps you see how everything will work together at eye-level and when standing.
Talk to your plumber early
Share your product specs and double-check your preferred heights at rough-in. Don’t just assume they’ll “know” what height you want.
Document everything
Send a quick reference sheet or even an email with your chosen heights so everyone’s on the same page. It'll avoid mix-ups during installation.
The Bottom Line? Plan, Don’t Panic
You don’t need to be a building expert to get this right—you just need to plan ahead, know your product choices, and have clear communication with your trades.
Tap and fixture heights might not be the most glamorous part of your renovation, but they’ll definitely affect how your bathroom looks and functions. And when it’s done right, you’ll never even notice—which is exactly the point.
🛁 Need help choosing tapware or figuring out the right heights for your setup?
That’s what we’re here for. Our premium design package (50% off SALE!) includes tap heights and measurements being marked out for you as well as a selection list of all items. Reach out anytime or check out our design services if you’re feeling stuck in the decision overwhelm.
P.S We know planning a bathroom renovation can be overwhelming!
Stay organised, save money, and avoid costly mistakes with our all-in-one renovation template!
