Choosing a Bathroom Sink: The Perfect Combination of Style and Durability

The bathroom sink might not be the first thing that comes to mind when it's time for a bathroom renovation, but it's a vital part of any upgrade. When you're sorting through the myriad of options available in bathtubs, toilets and accessories, the bathroom sink might seem like an afterthought. But if you're going through the effort and expense often associated with remodeling, don't overlook the one of the bathroom components you'll probably use the most.

A new bathroom sink can go a long way in revitalizing your bathroom, and when you’re on a strict budget, this may be a good way to change the look of your bathroom without . You’ll be surprised to know that you’re not limited to just a shiny white bowl anymore. Bathroom sinks come in many shapes, sizes, colors, and materials—and with a wide range of price tags. Sinks for the bath can be free-standing, installed into a counter or table top, or hang on the wall. Each installation requires special attention to plumbing and space requirements.

Bathroom Sink Materials

Things to consider when choosing a sink for the bathroom include material, shape and color, as well as how the sink will be mounted. The material and color of the sink often are coordinated with or determined by the flooring or existing toilet & bathtub, these elements usually are kept with exact matching colors. Make your choice of bathroom sink shape based on the way you use it and the most common tasks you perform. Finally, mounting style usually will be determined by the design and material of the vanitie.
The most common bathroom sink materials available today are porcelain, tempered glass, stone, and Copper. Each material has its own particular benefits, so you'll have to think about which qualities are most important to you.

Porcelain Bathroom sinks

Porcelain bathroom sinks — probably the most common in the market today. They are easy to clean and install and come in a wide price range. Porcelain does not scratch easily and diminishes the sound of running water. If you choose a porcelain bathroom sink, you will enjoy easy clean up, no water spots, no worries— they don’t require special care, won't rust, fade or discolor. Porcelain vessel sinks come in a variety of colors, but classic white is still the most popular.

Stone & Marble Bathroom sinks

Natural Stone bathroom sinks — probably the most common in the market today. They are easy to clean and install and come in a wide price range. Porcelain does not scratch easily and diminishes the sound of running water. Stone surfaces can be easily etched by cleaning products containing acids. Clean, polish, and seal only with products meant for natural stone materials. Wipe your stone sink often so that it does not accumulate soap scum. With proper care, stone sinks can add elegance to your bathroom for many years.

Bathroom Sink Shapes

Double-bowl sinks are common these days, but many renovated kitchens now feature sinks with three bowls: often two large ones for everyday use and a smaller one for the garbage disposal. The third bowl doesn't have to be in the middle; some models place it in the corner or on the side, making the main bowls easier to reach.

Another popular option is an extra-deep bowl on one or both sides - perfect for washing large pots or giving a baby a bath. A high-arc faucet that swings out of the way gives you even more space in the area.

Mounting & Styles

Sinks can be attached above the countertop (top-mounted), below it (under-mounted), or level with it (flush-mounted).

Top-mounted sinks (also called over-mounted, self-rimming or drop-in) have a lip that rests on the surface of the countertop, and they are usually held in place by clips and screws. They are easier and faster to install than under-mounted sinks, but the raised lip that sits between the counter surface and the sink makes it more difficult to clean up spills and crumbs. Stainless-steel sinks are often installed this way.

Top-mounted sinks are used with laminate countertops, because the lip can mask the seam where two parts of the laminate are joined.

Under-mounted sinks (also called sub-mounted) are usually more difficult and time-consuming to install, but they offer a more integrated look, particularly when the sink and countertop are made of the same material. There is no barrier between countertop and sink, so cleaning up is easier. In many cases, grooves can be routed in the countertop near the sink, creating a built-in drain board.

Under-mounting is used most often with stone or solid-surface countertops. Because the edge of the countertop is exposed, it cannot be used with laminate countertops.

Flush-mounted sinks sit even with the countertop. The same look can be achieved with an integrated sink — a countertop and sink unit all in one piece.

Other Considerations

Farmhouse sinks (also called apron sinks) feature an exposed front that sometimes juts past the front of the cabinetry that surrounds it. They are commonly used in kitchens with a rustic or country-style décor, and the sinks themselves often are deeper than average. Farmhouse sinks can be integrated with furniture pieces that serve to replace the traditional cabinet sink base, creating a custom look for the kitchen. They often have no deck, so the faucet and other accessories are mounted directly into the countertop behind the bowl.
When you buy a new sink, you must decide how many holes you will need in the "deck" - the flat part behind the bowls. Depending on the style of faucet you choose, you will need one to three holes to accommodate the taps and spigot. More holes will be needed for a hot-water dispenser, a spray accessory (if it's not integrated into the faucet) or a built-in soap dispenser. It's difficult, if not impossible, to add holes once the sink is in place, so get as many as you think you'll ever need. Special accessories are available to camouflage un-used holes.