Here I will try and explain the different styles of basin and what they are used for:
Countertop Basins sit directly on top of a worktop or vanity unit. If they come without a tap hole they are often used with a tall free standing basin mixer, or a wall mounted tap the spout to reach over the top.
Wall Hung Basins can be mounted to a brick, or stud wall (into timber,) they are light enough to be held in place with fixings. Fixings are not included as the right fixings need to be chosen based on the type of wall or material the basin is being mounted onto.
Pedestal Basins are still mounted on the wall, but due to their weight, it is recommended to provide them more support. The pedestal also hides the waste and any pipework.
Semi Recessed Basins are a specific kind of basin that is used on fitted furniture, they are designed to hang over the edge of the worktop and fix in place at the back. You are generally required to cut the furniture to fit the curve of this basin and they come with a template to do this. We highly recommend using a qualified fitter/plumber for this.
Undercounter Basins are used in worktops where the hole is cut and the basin sits underneath. The basin is larger than the hole and the rim of the basin is used to attach it to the underside of the worktop. These can provide a very neat solution but are much harder to fit than other types of basin, again we recommend using a qualified fitter/plumber.