DIY Series - Part Four: Expert

Choosing your tapware can be quite overwhelming - we have an extensive range of bathroom, kitchen and laundry taps in a range of styles and finishes. Our taps all use standard Australian plumbing sizes and are all compliant with Australian regulations.

If you’re starting a new build, then choosing your taps is fairly simple - your plumbing can generally be installed based on the taps you choose. Check with your plumber if they have any specific requirements and go from there - simply choose the taps you like. We recommend sticking with one brand and one finish throughout your home so that everything matches, however many customers choose to mix and match. This is particularly easy in standard finishes like Chrome, which will match across brands.

If you are replacing existing taps, then this can limit your options somewhat. It’s easiest to replace taps with the same type of tap - i.e. if you previously had a three hole basin sets, the easiest option is to replace with a new three hole basin set. Replacing this with a mixer can be tricky. If your basin, kitchen bench or tiles already have holes drilled in them, then you will want to choose taps that use the same holes. It can be possible sometimes to patch these holes up, but it tends to be difficult and expensive, and is something you will need to discuss with your plumber.

Three hole basin sets and shower taps (2 for the handles and one for the shower rose or spout) are pretty straight-forward to replace - you can choose from a large range of different styles that use the same basic three hole setup. They can be placed however needed and don’t have any restrictions when it comes to measurements. The main thing you will want to check here is that the height of the spout or shower head is suitable.

Similarly, mixer taps are fairly easy to replace - if you have a single hole in your kitchen bench, vanity or sink, you can use any of our mixer taps. Just check the height of the tap is suitable for your sink, as well as the reach (the distance from the body of the tap to the centre of the spout) - ideally the water flow should be over or fairly close to the drain.

In older homes, exposed shower sets are quite common. These are sets where the pipes connecting the shower rose and taps, and sometimes bath spout, are all exposed and outside of the wall. In this case, exact measurements become very important. Kitchen Kitchen bridging tap sets are the same, as they have the pipe exposed. For these types of taps, you will want to measure the centre-to-centre measurement between tap holes - that is, from the centre of one tap hole to the centre of the other. Many of our exposed shower sets can either be cut down on site, or can be custom made to the measurement you require. If you can’t find any sets on Restoration Online with the exact measurement you need, don’t hesitate to contact our team as we may be able to help you find what you need.

You may notice that many of our taps offer the choice of either standard washers or ceramic discs/rapid action washers. Standard washers are flat rubber rings, used on cross handle taps. They are squeezed tight when you turn off the water, and prevent leaks. Ceramic discs cartridges are used instead of rubber washers, and require only a 90 degree quarter turn to turn off the water. They are longer-lasting, better at preventing leaks and offer a much smoother operation of the tap. All lever handles come with ceramic discs, only cross handles have the option of standard rubber washers. Ceramic cartridges can be cracked if the tap is turned off with too much force - for taps that use these, there should be a “control” under the bench, which is a small cut-off tap that prevents the water from running until the cartridge is replaced. This is a rare occurrence but something to keep in mind. Most modern brands of taps automatically come with ceramic discs - it is generally only old fashioned styles that offer rubber washers.

At Restoration Online we have a large range of lights to suit different styles of homes, from Industrial to Hamptons, Californian Bungalow to French Provincial and everything in between. Our selection includes different types of lights, including pendant lights, chandeliers, ceiling lights, wall lights, multi-arm lights, lantern lights, kitchen bench lights and lamps.

Some of our lighting brands offer matching fittings across different light types - for example, you might want a large pendant light in your hallway and living room, but a batten fix ceiling light in the bedrooms. Instead of having mismatching lights throughout your home, you can have the same shade on different types of fittings. If you need help finding matching fittings, feel free to let our team know.

We also offer a range of outdoor lights. It is important to ensure you are using the right type of light - an indoor light is not legally able to be installed outdoors. Our outdoor lights have a range of IP ratings, which refers to the level of protection provided by the fitting to the electrical parts. It defines the degree to which a light is protected against dirt and water. The IP rating you need will vary depending on how exposed the light will be - if it is undercover on a verandah it will need a lower IP rating than a post light which is out in the elements. It is best to check with your electrician what IP rating your particular setting requires.

Pendant Lights

Pendant lights are one of the most popular choices. A pendant light is suspended by a rod, chain or cord, bringing the light down from the ceiling. They are perfect for using over a bench or a dining table, providing great task-lighting and creating a beautiful focal point in a room. You can choose from a pendant light with a single bulb and simple shade, to something more ornate - even a chandelier can be considered a pendant light.

Generally a pendant light will include these parts:

-A canopy - this is the metal part that sits against the ceiling
-A rod/chain/cord
-A gallery - this is the metal part that is screwed/clipped onto the top of a glass shade
-A shade
-A lampholder/s - this is where the bulb screws or inserts into

There are exceptions, for example a 3 chain suspension light, the chains clip directly onto the shade and there is no gallery. Fittings like chandeliers and metal lantern lights also don’t usually have a gallery.

Like most of our lighting, you will need an electrician to install your pendant light for you. These lights come included with most parts your electrician will require, however they will need to supply a standard ceiling hook, which is usually screwed into a support beam. IIf the light is in between support beams, the electrician will need to install a metal strip or timber trimmer between the two. This is something all electricians should be familiar with. 

Wall Lights

Wall lights are a versatile option and particularly well suited to small rooms such as bathrooms, or placed on either side of a bed. They are also great for highlighting architectural elements and feature walls.

When choosing wall lights, consider the following; are you wanting a light fitting to match the rest of lights (pendant and ceiling lights) throughout your home? Are you wanting a light that will make a statement, such as a small chandelier style wall light or an old fashioned sconce? Or is it purely for function, and you just require something classic and simple?

If you are planning to install a wall light in your bathroom, you will want to discuss this with your electrician before purchasing. There are legal requirements around the placement of lights in bathrooms, as the wiring needs to be far enough away from plumbing for safety reasons. Once you have confirmed with your electrician that a wall light is suitable, then you can place your order.

At Restoration Online we have a large range of light switches, from rectangular traditional switches to round switches and power points, and even Art Deco and Bakelite options. We will explain some key information for the different type of light switches below.

Traditional Rectangular Switches

Our Tradco rectangular switches come in a range of finishes and are available in 1, 2, 3 and 4 gang (number of switches) options, as well as single and double power points. The switches are available in both a large size as well as an architrave version, which is smaller and allows for installation on the architrave (door frame).

You’ll note on our website that on every switch page we offer a number of additional options. These are mechanisms that can be inserted into the switch plate, in place of the normal switch or toggle. For example, you can choose from USB ports, dimmer knobs for normal and LED globes, fan controllers, TV aerial sockets, data sockets and telephone sockets. These are swapped out for the normal toggle or rocker switch.

For example, if you wanted a switch that both turned a light on and off but also had a dimmer, you would want to choose a 2 gang option, and replace one of the toggle/rocker switches with a dimmer mechanism. Keep in mind that dimmers and fan controllers do require a separate on/off switch - so for a dimmer you will need one switch for the light and then the dimmer mechanism. For a fan you would need one switch for the fan to turn on and off, and then the fan controller mechanism as well.

Another example - if you want a double power point with a USB mechanism, you would choose one of the “Double Power Point with Switch”, and also select the USB port option. Your electrician can then replace the centre switch with the USB port instead.

Round Switches

The round switches come in a few different styles - the classic round switch, then a Federation style switch which is a slightly different shape, designed for Federation houses which are quite common in Australia. There is also a fluted style, which is much more decorative, as well as an option with a porcelain base, in either Ivory or Brown.

The round switches are sold as switches and power points, but there are also matching mechanisms available, such as dimmers, tv aerial sockets and fan controllers. USB ports are not an option due to the shape of these switches.

These only come as a single switch. So for example, if you need to operate a dimmable light, you would need to purchase a normal light switch plus the matching dimmer switch. Timber mounting blocks are also available in round, rectangular and square shapes with 1-4 holes.

Bungalow Switches

The Bungalow Switches, from brand Classic Electric Switch Co, are square in shape with a toggle switch and a diamond shape in the centre. These are designed for Californian Bungalow homes, another popular architectural style in Australia.

The Bungalow style is available in switches, matching power points and with mechanisms such as TV Sockets, 3 Speed Fan Controllers, Universal Dimmers and Telephone Sockets. The universal dimmer will require a separate on/off switch for the light. The 3 speed fan controller mechanism however, includes the fan on/off control.

Timer mounting blocks are also available to suit the Bungalow switches, which allows you to neatly install all the switches for a room together on one mounting block.

Art Deco Bakelite Switches

Made of genuine Bakelite, our Art Deco Bakelite switches come in either white or brown, and are perfect for Art Deco style homes from around the 1920s - 1940s.

These come in single or double switch configurations, as well as universal dimmers, power points, telephone sockets, TV sockets and fan controllers. There is also an option for a 1 or 2 gang switch with a dimmer on the same plate, rather than needing an entire separate dimmer switch plate.

Bakelite switches are made with American fittings and will not fit standard Australian Mounting Boxes. For brick or masonry, you will need to select the wall box option, and for plasterboard or gyprock you will need the mounting bracket.

We have a range of toilets available for both traditional and contemporary style bathrooms. Checking the size is one of the most important first steps, but you’ll also want to select either an S or P trap toilet. These different configurations refer to the shape of the water seal at the bottom of the toilet, which prevents gases and smells from the sewer reaching your bathroom.
An S-trap has a pipe that passes down through the floor, whereas a P-trap has a pipe that exits horizontally through the wall. If you’re replacing an existing toilet and keeping the same plumbing layout, you’ll want to choose the same option that was there previously. If you’re building a brand new bathroom, you will have a lot more flexibility, but you’ll still want to check with your plumber if they advice a particular type.

Our range includes Rimless Toilet options. Timeless toilets are easy to clean, and still have a strong flush. They feature a fully glazed open rim, with no lip around the rim. The rim on a standard toilet can be difficult to get to which can cause a build up of germs, so rimless toilets can be a more hygienic choice.

Many of the rimless toilets do not have a standard latch ceramic cistern attached, but are just the pan section of the toilet. These are designed to be paired with an in-wall cistern, such as the Gerberit Sigma 8 available on Restoration Online, as well as a metal flush plate in a colour of your choice. The Gerberit brand of in-wall cisterns is high quality, water-saving and has a 15 year warranty.

If you’re looking for something more traditional we have a range of standard toilets in both white and ivory, as well as a high lever toilet with a pull chain - if you’re considering this option, you’ll want to check with your plumber to ensure it will work with your plumbing.

If you need an entirely new vanity, complete with basin, we have a range of different options to choose from. All of our vanities come with basins included, so you don’t need to work out what size to choose - the work is done for you.

The main things you’ll want to check are that the vanity will fit in your space, and the number of tapholes to select. All of our vanities come with the option of either one or three tap holes. If you’re wanting a single mixer tap, then select one taphole. For a three piece basin tap set, you’ll want to select the three taphole option. We have plenty of options on Restoration Online for both of these types of vanity taps.