--- title: "Recessed Paper Towel Dispenser: A Buyer’s Guide to Wall Depth and Access" date: 2026-10-10T02:36:32Z modified: 2026-10-23T09:05:38Z permalink: "https://www.tetch.net/blog/paper-dispensers/recessed-combination-unit-wall-depth/" type: post status: publish excerpt: "" wpid: 1952 categories: - Paper Dispensers featured_image: "https://www.tetch.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/cover-recessed-unit-wall-depth.webp" featured_image_alt: "Dark blue panel with white text “Recessed Paper Towel Dispenser: A Buyer’s Guide to Wall Depth and Access” beside a metal recessed paper towel dispenser and waste bin in a tiled restroom wall." timestamp: 2026-10-23T09:05:38Z tags: - Paper Dispensers --- ## Quick Answer: A recessed paper towel dispenser with a waste bin can keep a washroom layout neat, but it needs the right wall opening and enough room for staff to refill towels and empty the bin. Before ordering, check the model’s installation drawing against the finished wall, and make sure the service door can open freely. TETCH lists K5014 as recessed and K5013 as its surface-mounted counterpart; the published measurements are a useful starting point, not a substitute for the project drawing. Planning a washroom for a new build or renovation? The main thing to get right is the fit. A little time spent checking the wall and daily access can help you avoid last-minute changes once the finishes are in place. Here’s what to check before choosing a recessed combination unit. ## When is a recessed unit a good fit? A recessed unit sits inside an opening in the wall, so less of the cabinet sticks out into the room. It combines a paper towel dispenser and a waste bin in one fixture, keeping both close together for users and cleaning staff. This option works best when the wall can be prepared for the unit and the team can plan the opening before installation. In an existing washroom, first check what is behind the wall. Framing, pipes, wiring, or a shallow partition may limit the space available. ## What should you measure before ordering? Ask the supplier for an installation drawing for the exact model. It should show the outside size of the unit and the size of the wall opening it needs. These are different measurements: the cabinet may be larger than the opening, and the wall’s finished surface affects where the front of the unit will sit. You may also hear the term rough opening. It simply means the hole prepared in the wall for the unit. Have your installer check the drawing against the full wall build-up, including board, tile, and any framing. If the wall contains services, make sure the proposed opening will not interfere with them. TETCH’s current product page lists K5013 as surface-mounted and K5014 as recessed. For K5014, it gives an overall size of 750 × 340 × 150 mm and a wall opening size of 712 × 305 × 141 mm. Those measurements apply to this model listing; confirm the dimension order and required wall depth on the installation drawing before work begins. You can see the [TETCH K5013/K5014 combination unit](https://www.tetch.net/product/combination-unit-k5013/) for the model details. Combination Unit-K5013/K5014 304 stainless steel combination unit: K5013 is surface-mounted and K5014 recessed, each pairing a towel dispenser with a waste bin. [View Product Details](https://www.tetch.net/product/combination-unit-k5013/) ![A silver metal recessed dispenser unit with a top lockable door featuring a paper towel icon, a central open space, and a bottom lockable door with a trash icon.](https://www.tetch.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/5013.png) Also decide how the unit should line up with the finished wall. The installer needs to know where the tile or other final surface will sit, not just where the framing is. Agreeing on that reference before installation helps the finished unit look as intended and keeps the service door clear. ![Side cutaway and front view of a recessed gray metal paper towel dispenser with lower waste bin, labeled with paper towel and trash icons, in a white bathroom wall near a sink and blue wall.](https://www.tetch.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/recessed-wall-depth.webp) ## Can staff refill and empty it easily? Think about the everyday routine as well as the wall opening. Staff will need to open the unit, add towels, remove waste, and wipe the area around it. Check which way the door opens and whether a nearby partition, counter, grab bar, or doorway could get in the way. For a recessed towel dispenser waste receptacle, ask how the bin is emptied and whether it lifts out through the front. Check that staff can reach it without awkwardly leaning over another fixture. If the supplier’s drawing does not show the service door or bin access, ask for that information before you approve the layout. If your team also handles refills, our [guide to refilling a commercial paper towel dispenser](https://www.tetch.net/blog/paper-dispensers/how-to-refill-paper-towel-dispenser/) without jams covers practical loading checks. It is also helpful to confirm the towel format and loading method in advance. Make sure the dispenser suits the paper you plan to buy, then ask about refill capacity if it is not listed. That gives your team a better idea of how often it may need attention. Still deciding which towel format to order? See our [guide to matching C-fold and multifold towels](https://www.tetch.net/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/post/c-fold-vs-multifold-dispenser-compatibility.md) to a dispenser. ![A person in a navy uniform opens a stainless steel recessed paper towel dispenser set into a light gray tiled bathroom wall, with paper towels visible and a sink at left.](https://www.tetch.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/recessed-unit-service-access.webp) ## Would a surface-mounted model be easier? A surface-mounted paper towel dispenser or combination unit attaches to the finished wall instead of sitting inside it. This can be a practical option when you do not want to open the wall or the available cavity is too shallow. The unit will project farther into the room, so check that it does not interfere with circulation or nearby doors. TETCH’s K5013/K5014 pair shows both layouts: K5013 is surface-mounted, while K5014 is recessed. Compare the model code as well as the appearance; the mounting style changes what the wall needs before installation. You can also browse TETCH’s [combination unit range](https://www.tetch.net/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/taxonomy/product_cat/combination-units.md) or standalone [paper towel dispensers](https://www.tetch.net/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/taxonomy/product_cat/paper-towel-dispensers.md) if separate fixtures suit the project better. For a broader look at the format, read our [guide to choosing a paper towel dispenser and waste receptacle combination](https://www.tetch.net/blog/combination-units/paper-towel-waste-receptacle-specification/). ## What information should you include in your quote request? Sharing a few details helps suppliers respond with a model that fits your project. Include: - Whether the washroom is a new build or renovation - The wall type and available depth, plus a drawing or site photo if you have one - Whether you prefer recessed or surface mounting - The towel format and how often staff expect to refill the unit - Your preferred model, quantity, destination market, and timing - Any documents your project team needs before installation Before the wall is closed or the order is confirmed, have the installer review the model drawing. That gives everyone a chance to catch a mismatch while it is still easy to address. At TETCH, we work with distributors and project buyers on commercial washroom equipment. If you’re considering a recessed paper towel dispenser, send us the model you’re looking at and the relevant wall details. [Contact TETCH](https://www.tetch.net/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/contact-us.md) to discuss the options for your project. [Get Free Quote](https://www.tetch.net/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/contact-us.md)