TheBathOutlet / Articles / Types of Bathroom Sinks
Buying a bathroom sink doesn't have to be a difficult and expensive process, but first, you should take a minute to learn about all the different types of sinks and some important questions that most customers have about them. This article discusses everything you need to know: types of sinks, how to budget appropriately and save money, which materials to look out for, how to install it, and so much more.
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Popular Questions about Bathroom Sinks
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TYPES OF BATHROOM SINKS
Wall Mounted Sinks
Wall mounted bathroom sinks have grown in popularity. What used to be considered more of a commercial option is now finding a place in residential spaces. Wall mounted sinks are, just as the name suggests, mounted directly to the wall instead of being installed in a bathroom vanity. The piping is often exposed, giving an industrial and vintage feel. If your bathroom is on the smaller side, wall mount sinks can give you the illusion of a larger space, similar to a pedestal sink but without the base. Most wall hung sinks are rectangular or square but you'll find some round or corner options as well. Wall hanging sinks aren't the easiest to install alone but their affordable prices leaves room in the budget to hire a professional. Having your sink mounted to the wall offers plenty of design options as you won't need as much room for a cabinet. If you're hoping to change the layout of your bathroom without doing a complete demo, one of the easiest places to start is by installing a wall mounted sink. Shop for wall mount sinks here.
Wall mounted bathroom sinks have grown in popularity. What used to be considered more of a commercial option is now finding a place in residential spaces. Wall mounted sinks are, just as the name suggests, mounted directly to the wall instead of being installed in a bathroom vanity. The piping is often exposed, giving an industrial and vintage feel. If your bathroom is on the smaller side, wall mount sinks can give you the illusion of a larger space, similar to a pedestal sink but without the base. Most wall hung sinks are rectangular or square but you'll find some round or corner options as well. Wall hanging sinks aren't the easiest to install alone but their affordable prices leaves room in the budget to hire a professional. Having your sink mounted to the wall offers plenty of design options as you won't need as much room for a cabinet. If you're hoping to change the layout of your bathroom without doing a complete demo, one of the easiest places to start is by installing a wall mounted sink. Shop for wall mount sinks here.
Vessel Sinks
Vessel sinks are probably the most popular option on the market today. They offer a professional and designer look without breaking the bank. Vessel bathroom sinks sit above the bathroom counter, similar to the washbasins of yesteryear, and can be found in a variety of materials, including glass and copper. They are typically circular but there are some truly unique designs available. Above-the-counter sinks have a strong Italian influence and can instantly add value and depth to any bathroom design. There are a few things to consider before buying any of our above counter sinks. First, while they're easy to clean, there is more surface area to wipe down and maintain. Also, over the counter sinks can't withstand as much pressure as an undermount sink. If they are installed in a bathroom used primarily by children, make sure that little hands can reach the faucets without having to lean on the sink. If you're looking for a trendy option, vessel bathroom sinks can add tremendous value to your bathroom. Shop for vessel sinks here.
Vessel sinks are probably the most popular option on the market today. They offer a professional and designer look without breaking the bank. Vessel bathroom sinks sit above the bathroom counter, similar to the washbasins of yesteryear, and can be found in a variety of materials, including glass and copper. They are typically circular but there are some truly unique designs available. Above-the-counter sinks have a strong Italian influence and can instantly add value and depth to any bathroom design. There are a few things to consider before buying any of our above counter sinks. First, while they're easy to clean, there is more surface area to wipe down and maintain. Also, over the counter sinks can't withstand as much pressure as an undermount sink. If they are installed in a bathroom used primarily by children, make sure that little hands can reach the faucets without having to lean on the sink. If you're looking for a trendy option, vessel bathroom sinks can add tremendous value to your bathroom. Shop for vessel sinks here.
Pedestal Sinks
Pedestal sinks include a pedestal (leg) and a basin. The weight of a pedestal sink is held up by both the wall behind it and the pedestal underneath it. Because these sinks usually don't take up much space, the pedestal sink is an perfect option where space is limited such as guest bathrooms and half bathrooms. Many pedestal sinks offer a traditional, vintage feel but modern is becoming more and more popular. Buy a pedestal sink if you don't need the extra counter space and if you don't plan on having a vanity cabinet for storage.
Pedestal sinks include a pedestal (leg) and a basin. The weight of a pedestal sink is held up by both the wall behind it and the pedestal underneath it. Because these sinks usually don't take up much space, the pedestal sink is an perfect option where space is limited such as guest bathrooms and half bathrooms. Many pedestal sinks offer a traditional, vintage feel but modern is becoming more and more popular. Buy a pedestal sink if you don't need the extra counter space and if you don't plan on having a vanity cabinet for storage.
Console Sinks
Console bathroom sinks include two pieces: the console stand (usually with two legs) and the sink. Similar to pedestal sink, console sinks are held up by both the wall behind it and the stand underneath it. These sinks are similar to wall mounted sinks in that the piping is meant to be exposed, giving an overall trendy, modern look. Many console sinks feature an integrated towel bar connected in between the two legs.?Console sinks can also feature a wide sink, allowing for some counter space on either side for the addition of toiletries and accessories.
Console bathroom sinks include two pieces: the console stand (usually with two legs) and the sink. Similar to pedestal sink, console sinks are held up by both the wall behind it and the stand underneath it. These sinks are similar to wall mounted sinks in that the piping is meant to be exposed, giving an overall trendy, modern look. Many console sinks feature an integrated towel bar connected in between the two legs.?Console sinks can also feature a wide sink, allowing for some counter space on either side for the addition of toiletries and accessories.
Drop In Sinks
Drop In sinks function just as they sound: they are dropped into a space or hole in the countertop, leaving the sink lip to support the sink's weight. Usually less expensive and easy to install, these sinks are a great option if you have a vanity cabinet without a countertop. A great use-case for this type of sink would be in your master bathroom, where you installed a large pre-cut countertop with two open spaces - perfect for two drop-in sinks and plenty of counter space around for your bathroom accessories. Drop in sinks are sometimes called self rimming sinks.
Drop In sinks function just as they sound: they are dropped into a space or hole in the countertop, leaving the sink lip to support the sink's weight. Usually less expensive and easy to install, these sinks are a great option if you have a vanity cabinet without a countertop. A great use-case for this type of sink would be in your master bathroom, where you installed a large pre-cut countertop with two open spaces - perfect for two drop-in sinks and plenty of counter space around for your bathroom accessories. Drop in sinks are sometimes called self rimming sinks.
Undermount Sinks
Undermount sinks, also called under-the-counter sinks, are installed underneath a countertop. It is very similar to drop-in sinks, but in contrast to the sink lip resting on top of the counter as it does for a drop in sink option, the undermount sink lip is sealed to bottom of the countertop. This installation creates a sleek, clean feel as well as maximizing space and functionality. The undermount sinks is a popular commercial option for places like restaurants, public bathrooms, hotels, etc.
Undermount sinks, also called under-the-counter sinks, are installed underneath a countertop. It is very similar to drop-in sinks, but in contrast to the sink lip resting on top of the counter as it does for a drop in sink option, the undermount sink lip is sealed to bottom of the countertop. This installation creates a sleek, clean feel as well as maximizing space and functionality. The undermount sinks is a popular commercial option for places like restaurants, public bathrooms, hotels, etc.
ADA Compliant Sinks
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act established in 1990, ADA sinks set the standard for safety and functionality. ADA compliant sinks are designed to be easily accessible by people with disabilities. Because these sinks are required to be installed at a certain height with specfic sink depth requirements, ADA sinks can be accessed with a wheelchair and the faucet can be easily reached.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act established in 1990, ADA sinks set the standard for safety and functionality. ADA compliant sinks are designed to be easily accessible by people with disabilities. Because these sinks are required to be installed at a certain height with specfic sink depth requirements, ADA sinks can be accessed with a wheelchair and the faucet can be easily reached.
Trough Sinks
If you're looking for a touch of European design, trough bathroom sinks are the perfect option. Because of their large size, you can eliminate the need for double sinks in some layouts or simply let your trough sink serve as a stunning conversation piece that commands attention. Trough sinks traditionally have sharp lines and corners but there are oval options available. Most are ceramic and give you the ability to customize your hardware. For example, a porcelain trough sink coated in vitreous china can be paired with metal or brass fixtures for a unique contrast that's completely custom. You can choose a large trough sink that extends most of your counter length, which is great for kid-friendly bathrooms as you'll be able to rinse away messes in a flash, or choose a smaller self-rimming option for an upscale feel. Either way, your imported trough sink will be of high quality and look simply stunning. Shop for trough sinks here.
If you're looking for a touch of European design, trough bathroom sinks are the perfect option. Because of their large size, you can eliminate the need for double sinks in some layouts or simply let your trough sink serve as a stunning conversation piece that commands attention. Trough sinks traditionally have sharp lines and corners but there are oval options available. Most are ceramic and give you the ability to customize your hardware. For example, a porcelain trough sink coated in vitreous china can be paired with metal or brass fixtures for a unique contrast that's completely custom. You can choose a large trough sink that extends most of your counter length, which is great for kid-friendly bathrooms as you'll be able to rinse away messes in a flash, or choose a smaller self-rimming option for an upscale feel. Either way, your imported trough sink will be of high quality and look simply stunning. Shop for trough sinks here.
Popular Questions about Bathroom Sinks
I am interested in buying a modern bathroom sink. Where do I start?
If you are looking to buy modern and contemporary sinks, thinner, sleeker, and more rectangular bathroom sinks may be the way to go. Ceramics are becoming stronger even as they become more lightweight, so newer bathroom sink designs have thin, straight, and narrow edges. Most vessel sinks are round or oval shaped, but rectangular vessel sinks are more modern. If you shop for bathroom sinks online, you will have a larger set of modern and contemporary sinks to choose from.
If you are looking to buy modern and contemporary sinks, thinner, sleeker, and more rectangular bathroom sinks may be the way to go. Ceramics are becoming stronger even as they become more lightweight, so newer bathroom sink designs have thin, straight, and narrow edges. Most vessel sinks are round or oval shaped, but rectangular vessel sinks are more modern. If you shop for bathroom sinks online, you will have a larger set of modern and contemporary sinks to choose from.
What are some benefits of buying a vessel sink?
Because vessel sinks are bowls installed over the counter, they are not difficult to install, and also easy to replace with a different design or a new vessel sink. Also, most bathroom sinks are made of ceramic but vessel sinks have a variety of different choices for colors, styles, and materials like glass, stone, and wood.
Because vessel sinks are bowls installed over the counter, they are not difficult to install, and also easy to replace with a different design or a new vessel sink. Also, most bathroom sinks are made of ceramic but vessel sinks have a variety of different choices for colors, styles, and materials like glass, stone, and wood.
What type of bathroom sink works best for a small bathroom or powder room?
For small spaces and small bathrooms, corner sinks may be ideal because they typically do not take up much room. Small corner sinks can be mounted on a vanity cabinet, which is a great idea if you want some extra storage space for towels or accessories. You could also mount the corner bathroom sink on the wall, saving some space in your mini bath for other fixtures. Ideally, you want a small size or narrow sink in the installation you need.
For small spaces and small bathrooms, corner sinks may be ideal because they typically do not take up much room. Small corner sinks can be mounted on a vanity cabinet, which is a great idea if you want some extra storage space for towels or accessories. You could also mount the corner bathroom sink on the wall, saving some space in your mini bath for other fixtures. Ideally, you want a small size or narrow sink in the installation you need.
What types of sinks are best for a large bathroom like a master bathroom?
Before you determine which bathroom sink you want to buy for your master bath, you need to decide on your bathroom vanity and countertop. How big is your bath vanity -- is it a double sink vanity with his-and-hers bathroom sinks? Will the vanity top support two vessel sinks or will it have holes for an undermount sink? Will you have two bathroom vanities or a single wide one? These are choices you will have to make buying your bathroom sinks.
Before you determine which bathroom sink you want to buy for your master bath, you need to decide on your bathroom vanity and countertop. How big is your bath vanity -- is it a double sink vanity with his-and-hers bathroom sinks? Will the vanity top support two vessel sinks or will it have holes for an undermount sink? Will you have two bathroom vanities or a single wide one? These are choices you will have to make buying your bathroom sinks.
Which material is best for a bathroom sink -- ceramic, glass, stone, wood, copper, or steel?
Most bathroom sinks are made of ceramic, a high quality material that will last a long time in your bathroom. Typically, wall mounted sinks and undermount sinks are made of ceramic. Vessel sinks or above the counter sinks allow you to choose between ceramic and porcelain and other more creative materials like glass, stone, wood, copper, and steel. Although these options may not be as durable and easily cleaned as white ceramic, they give you the ability to match different colors and styles in your bathroom.
Most bathroom sinks are made of ceramic, a high quality material that will last a long time in your bathroom. Typically, wall mounted sinks and undermount sinks are made of ceramic. Vessel sinks or above the counter sinks allow you to choose between ceramic and porcelain and other more creative materials like glass, stone, wood, copper, and steel. Although these options may not be as durable and easily cleaned as white ceramic, they give you the ability to match different colors and styles in your bathroom.
What is the purpose of a bathroom sink overflow?
If the basin is full of water, having a sink overflow allows the water in the sink to drain faster. The overflow itself is just a small hole in the basin that lets water into the drain, which helps aid faster draining when required. Some bathroom sinks like vessel sinks generally do not have overflows because of the shape of the sink, and although it can be a useful feature, it is not needed.
If the basin is full of water, having a sink overflow allows the water in the sink to drain faster. The overflow itself is just a small hole in the basin that lets water into the drain, which helps aid faster draining when required. Some bathroom sinks like vessel sinks generally do not have overflows because of the shape of the sink, and although it can be a useful feature, it is not needed.
Can you list out all the plumbing parts I need to shop for my new sink?
When shopping online for your new sink, you want to make sure you buy a bathroom sink along with the required plumbing parts. First, you will need a sink faucet or two, depending on whether your sink comes with one or two faucet holes. For double hole sinks, you will need two of the same faucets. It's important note that a single faucet bathroom sink might have three faucet holes, one each for the hot and cold knob and one for the faucet itself. You will also need a p-trap and a pop-up waste (also called a click-clack drain) to control the flow of water in your sink. You will also need to buy a pair of angle stop valves that will control the flow and temperature of water to your faucet.
When shopping online for your new sink, you want to make sure you buy a bathroom sink along with the required plumbing parts. First, you will need a sink faucet or two, depending on whether your sink comes with one or two faucet holes. For double hole sinks, you will need two of the same faucets. It's important note that a single faucet bathroom sink might have three faucet holes, one each for the hot and cold knob and one for the faucet itself. You will also need a p-trap and a pop-up waste (also called a click-clack drain) to control the flow of water in your sink. You will also need to buy a pair of angle stop valves that will control the flow and temperature of water to your faucet.
How long will it take to install a wall mounted sink and will I need to hire a pro/contractor?
Although it's not required, it may be in your best interest to work with a contractor or professional before you purchase your bath sink. Some sinks are very easy to install and may take a few minutes, while others like wall mount sinks may be a little more difficult. If you plan before you buy, by taking measurements and dimensions of your bath, you can DIY, but having help installing your bathroom sink won't hurt.
Although it's not required, it may be in your best interest to work with a contractor or professional before you purchase your bath sink. Some sinks are very easy to install and may take a few minutes, while others like wall mount sinks may be a little more difficult. If you plan before you buy, by taking measurements and dimensions of your bath, you can DIY, but having help installing your bathroom sink won't hurt.
What is the difference between a vitreous china sink, a porcelain bathroom sink, and a ceramic sink?
Vitreous china and porcelain are essentially the same thing. Both are made of fireclay but vitreous china refers to a porcelain sink with an added layer of shiny gloss/coating. This coating will provide the ceramic sink with extra protection and durability. As far as the difference between porcelain and ceramic sinks: porcelain is the hardest type of fireclay and is considered to be a high-quality ceramic, which is why it can be pricier than other ceramics, but also more popular.
Vitreous china and porcelain are essentially the same thing. Both are made of fireclay but vitreous china refers to a porcelain sink with an added layer of shiny gloss/coating. This coating will provide the ceramic sink with extra protection and durability. As far as the difference between porcelain and ceramic sinks: porcelain is the hardest type of fireclay and is considered to be a high-quality ceramic, which is why it can be pricier than other ceramics, but also more popular.
Any tips/ideas on shopping for bathroom sinks on a budget?
A great way to find budget bathroom sinks is to shop online because you will have a variety of choices right at your fingertips and it will be easy for you to compare prices and reviews. At TheBathOutlet, we frequently discount our bathroom sinks and/or provide coupons for our customers. Also, our sales and daily deals section have a variety of discounted bathroom sinks for sale.
A great way to find budget bathroom sinks is to shop online because you will have a variety of choices right at your fingertips and it will be easy for you to compare prices and reviews. At TheBathOutlet, we frequently discount our bathroom sinks and/or provide coupons for our customers. Also, our sales and daily deals section have a variety of discounted bathroom sinks for sale.
Are high-end or luxury bathroom sinks worth the money?
The answer is: it depends on what type of sink you want. The more unique the design, and the better the quality, chances are the bathroom sink will also be more expensive. TheBathOutlet focuses on providing great selection of designer quality, modern ceramic sinks at a great value.
The answer is: it depends on what type of sink you want. The more unique the design, and the better the quality, chances are the bathroom sink will also be more expensive. TheBathOutlet focuses on providing great selection of designer quality, modern ceramic sinks at a great value.
What is an ADA compliant bathroom sink?
ADA simply stands for the Americans with Disabilities Act, and ADA compliant sinks must meet the requirements set forth by this act for people with disabilities. The sink must meet certain space and size qualifications: there must be clear space beneath the sink, and the washbasin must have a depth of at least 17" away from the wall. Shop for ADA compliant sinks here.
ADA simply stands for the Americans with Disabilities Act, and ADA compliant sinks must meet the requirements set forth by this act for people with disabilities. The sink must meet certain space and size qualifications: there must be clear space beneath the sink, and the washbasin must have a depth of at least 17" away from the wall. Shop for ADA compliant sinks here.