If you’re looking remodel your bathroom, either a little or a lot, one of the most important things you’re going to have to consider is what type of sink you want to install. While getting the look you want (at the price you want!) should always be your first consideration, different kinds of sinks are better for different types of bathrooms – and some can be a lot harder to install! From amount of storage space to complexity of plumbing, here are a few pros and cons for the most common types of sinks.
1. Undermount Sinks
Toto Undermount Lavatory Sink with SanaGloss
One of two types of so-called vanity sinks, sinks like this Toto Undermount Sink is exactly what it sounds like: a sink that mounts underneath a counter top or vanity. This style gives a great, finished look and a totally flat surface, maximizing available counter space.
These sinks offer lots of concealed storage underneath the counters they’re installed in, too, and the cabinets underneath hide the plumbing, which usually won’t have to be altered to accommodate the sink. The best part, though, is that these sinks can be installed into an existing counter or vanity. Unfortunately, they must be mounted into a solid surface counter (stone or composite) and won’t work with a laminate or tile counter. As well, they almost always have to be professionally installed to make sure the sinks are secure.
2. Drop-In Sinks
Toto Drop In Lavatory Sink with 8 Inch Centers
Drop In sinks also install into bathroom vanities and counter tops, but unlike undermount sinks have an oversized rim that rests on the edges of the counter. Probably the easiest of any type of sink to install, drop-in sinks, like this Toto Drop In Sink, are simply lowered into an existing hole and use primarily their own weight to secure them.
As a bonus, they can be installed in any counter type, from laminate to granite. These sinks offer only slightly less counter space than undermount sinks (because of the lip), but are much more DIY friendly and otherwise offer all the same benefits. These are best for a quick and easy update, if you want to avoid a full bathroom remodel but have an existing vanity sink.
3. Above The Counter
Swanstone Palladio 22 Inch Above the Counter Lavatory Sink
This Above The Counter Sink and others like it are similar to other vanity sinks in that they’re coupled with a counter top. However, rather than sitting in a vanity, they rest on top of one, with the bowl of the sink usually entirely above the surface of the counter, which only has to accommodate the waste pipes.
This is another great way to conveniently change your look without a lot of construction, but be aware that faucet supply lines need to be built into the wall, and your vanity will probably need to be reinforced and well secured to your wall to support the sink’s weight. These are definitely better for bigger construction jobs.
4. Vessel Sinks
Rohl Joe Grauman 16 Inch Aluminum Vessel Lavatory Sink
Vessel sinks are both the most stunning and the most complicated to install. A specific type of above the counter sink, vessel sinks are essentially bowls that sit on top of a counter and drain directly into a waste intake disguised within the vanity. Faucets can be mounted on the vanity or in the wall, but either way, you’re looking at some pretty serious renovation to install one of these, and you won’t end up with a lot of counter top storage space.
On the other hand, though, vessel sinks can make great centerpieces. Made of a wide variety of materials, from stone to hand blown glass to copper or other metals like this Rohl Aluminum Vessel Sink, vessel sinks are designed to look like one-of-a-kind art pieces, and can give your bathroom a dramatic modern flair.
5. Wall Mounted Sink
Toto Wall Mounted Lavatory Sink with 8 Inch Faucet Centers
Wall mount sinks are among the least expensive types of sinks because they’re the most bare-bones. Literally just a sink mounted to your wall, these are especially good for small spaces or small budgets – but obviously don’t offer a whole lot of room for storage. The adjustable height might be a pro for some, but mostly this type of sink is best for a bathroom that doesn’t have room for much else. This Toto Wall Mounted Sink comes with a shroud to cover up the waste and supply lines, but for many models the pipes will be exposed beneath the sink.
6. Pedestal Sink
Toto Ethos Design Pedestal, Lavatory & Foot
Pedestal sinks are a good compromise for smaller spaces. They’re a little more expensive than wall mounted sinks, and take up slightly more space, but the shaped bowls and stems are a lot more stylish.
Again, you’ll have to run your plumbing through the pedestal and usually into the floor to use a sink like this, but for a small space you cant beat it for elegance and style. This Toto Pedestal Sink echoes classical columns, but you can get sinks in this style to work in almost any kind of vintage bathroom.
Just keep in mind that while you’ll have plenty of room for your toothbrush and a bar of soap, going this route will mean a lot less space to store things you’d rather not have out in plain sight.
By S. Lewis for HomeThangs.com