Discover the different types of bathroom sinks aka basins you can buy for your primary bathroom, guest bathroom or powder room.

Discover the different types of bathroom sinks aka basins you can buy for your primary bathroom, guest bathroom or powder room.

The design of your bathroom basin can make a difference in your bathroom remodel or new build in this key, high trafficked part of your house. You know a washroom is functioning properly when absolutely no thought is put into the process of your visit. A high quality water basin can achieve this ease of use, and make a space designated for utility, surprisingly beautiful.

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No matter the size or style of your water closet (did you know that’s what WC stood for? Cuz I didn’t) there are different types of bathroom basins and bathroom vanity units for you to consider using when deliberating your new bathroom design.

Basins can be designed to be sturdy and attractive, and can make for a real centrepiece in any bathroom suite in your home. Whether it’s the bathroom next to your primary bedroom or even a smaller powder room, you will be surprised at how well one of these options can make a difference in a space.

Types of Bathroom Basins (Sinks)

A wall-mounted basin is exactly what it sounds like! This is a basin that uses a sturdy body that hangs off of the wall in your bathroom. This is nice for spots where you have very little space to work with or you simply want a nice minimalist design. The plumbing features are exposed but this can add a nice rustic character to your bathroom — it’s like the bathroom version of an exposed brick wall. This design doesn’t allow for a built in cabinet, but allows for more creativity with storage space! But be warned, try to avoid accidentally sitting on a wall mounted basin, they can’t handle too much weight.

A drop-in basin is designed for a vanity or counter top. This is made with a more traditional design in mind, where the basin placed in the centre of a standard surface. The drop in basin is equipped with a wide rim, making for a very easy installation. All that is required is a properly sized hole in your counter top, and the sink is easily placed in the hole and supported by its own rim.

A pedestal basin is made with a ceramic pillar that is attached to sink basin, and camouflages the plumbing hardware. This is best for spots areas that may feel a little crammed, and a minimal look will help create space. This sink doesn’t allow for any extra storage, so it may best be reserved for 2 piece bathrooms.

A corner basin is similar to the wall mounted basin, but designed for the corner of a room! This is a great way to conserve space as corners aren’t commonly utilized in bathrooms. Again, this is a more casual option for 2 piece bathrooms, as they can’t support weight and don’t provide any storage space. These remind me of the sinks found in public beach bathrooms.

The tabletop basin is a very charming feature for a bathroom. When space conservation is not a priority, this sink will serve as a classy addition to your bathroom. These are wonderful for containing water splashes, and are very easily installed.

An under mount basin is installed underneath your countertop, where the edge of the counter usually covers the rim of the sink’s body. This makes for a very easy to clean counter, and a sleek overall look. A slightly more complex installation than sinks that can be dropped into a hole, these are drilled up into the counter structure.

Basin Shapes

There are three particular types of shapes to look for with regards to your basin. These are organized in different forms of overall aesthetic, spacial awareness, and ergonomic qualities.

Regardless of what you choose, make sure your basin is made with a body that fits well in your bathroom.

Cost

The cost of your bathroom basin is heavily dependent on the arrangement you have. There are three key factors to watch for:

A wall-mounted basin is the most expensive option to get. You would have to spend $500 to $1,500 to get one depending on how big it is, where it will be installed and what you might have to get removed out of your bathroom to make it compatible. Also, a pedestal arrangement can go for about a third of that cost although it will clearly go for more if it’s going to be wall-mounted.

A drop-in option can cost about $100 to $200 to get depending on its arrangement. The same can be said for a tabletop basin. These are the most affordable, but may be lacking in attractiveness.

The typical labor cost for getting a new bathroom basin installed will be good for about $300 to $500. It can take about four to five hours for a professional to get it installed depending on what you are using. While you could always do it yourself, that might be risky due to the heavy weights involved and the amount of internal work around your bathroom needed to actually make it work.

Size

The size of your bathroom sink basin should be about 16 to 20 inches in diameter. This is large enough for washing your hands.

A rectangular or oval-shaped one can be about 20 to 25 inches from one end to the next.

The basin should be about six inches deep. It can gradually move inward on your surface or you can use an option where there are clearly defined solid walls where every part of the basin is six inches deep. The main goal is to prevent water from splashing out of the sink bowl. I say the deeper the better!

Features

There are a few extra features that must be considered if you’re going to get a quality bathroom basin ready:

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to commonly asked questions about bathroom sinks.

Because of the different desires and needs, no standard exists for a bath sink. But there are typical sizes. These sizes range from 16 to 20 inches in diameter (for a round sink). For a rectangular one, about 20 to 24 inches front to back and side to side. Typically, a bathroom sink is 5 to 8 inches deep. These sizes are usually determined by preference. Realize that a replacement sink needs to fill the opening and mount in the same way. If you have a small space, a triangular sink will fit in the corner.

Yes, bathroom sink water is safe to drink. The water is just as safe as water from the kitchen sink. Realize that kitchen sinks have an aerator. This might make the water taste better because the water has air infused in it. If drinking from the bathroom sink, you may need to let the tap run for a few seconds before drinking. This eliminates the water that may have been sitting in the pipes running throughout your house. It may taste different; but it’s not bad for you.

The depth of bathroom sinks is not standardized. Common sizes exist according to different choices. Most bathroom sinks have a depth of between 5 and 8 inches. When selecting the correct sink dimensions for your bathroom, it is a matter of style and space limitations. If you are replacing a sink, work with the existing dimensions. Another thing to consider about proper sink size is the location of the plumbing hookups.

Bathroom sinks can be repainted. It is unnecessary to hire a professional to do it, either. Painting your sink may seem difficult, but not as difficult as you probably assume. Preparation will consume most of the time. As you can probably imagine, it is important to have your sink clean, dry, and “scuffed” before you begin. Get a high-quality paintbrush and epoxy paint, and you will have the tools to paint your sink like a professional.

Whatever kind of sink you have, it will develop rust and/or chips. Rust increases the chances of cracks and water damage. This may be a problem when and if you sell your home. Sink refinishers can fix these problems and not touch the plumbing. Re-glazing your sink makes the surface seamless and shining. Realize that you do not have to replace a sink that is rusted or damaged. Get on the Internet and search for sink re-glazing in your area or use a search engine to do the same thing.

Bathroom sinks can be refinished. Sometimes refinishing, Re-glazing, and

resurfacing all refer to the same thing. Methods for refinishing a sink vary among companies, but the results do not vary. Common results include cleansing the sink, repairing the cracks, scratches, and chips. Primer, a bonding agent, and a final refinishing coat are applied. After 24 hours, the sink is dried completely and is ready for use. If not for function, the decision to refinish a sink usually rests upon aesthetics.

Two practical things to remember when selecting a sink: what look you want to achieve and the space available. There are wall hung sinks that attach to the wall. These sinks do not use floor space. There are also the traditional sinks that sit in a vanity or above a countertop. Common styles include self-rimming sinks, vessel sinks, wall-mounted sinks, pedestal sinks, undermount sinks, and console sinks. These choices vary with what you want, need, and the space in your bathroom.

Bathroom sinks are made from any of the following materials.

1. Cast Polymer

Cast polymer basins are made with a polyester resin that is mixed with marble materials. A gel coating is typically added to create a sturdy body. This is popular for being very durable and strong. However, the shine on your basin might fade over time depending on how you use this.

2. Composite

Composite basins are made with acrylic resins and grounded compounds. This offers a solid color and is very tough. You will have to spend more on such a material though.

3. Copper

A warmer look is possible in your bathroom when you have a quality copper basin to work with. This is a durable option but it also costs a good deal of money.

4. Cast Iron

Cast iron is available in a variety of colors. It is thick and does not scratch. It will not chip either. You will have a very easy time cleaning it off too. Still, you must be cautious with getting it installed as it is rather heavy. You’ll have to get the cast iron supported on a series of pillars or other materials to make it easier for it to stay intact without being at risk of breaking apart or falling.

5. Stainless Steel

You can always get a stainless steel basin that is somewhat similar to what you can get out of a kitchen sink. Stainless steel is popular for how it resists water spots, is smooth and lasts for years. It is easy to clean off too. You will have to check on the gauge of the steel though. When the gauge is smaller, the steel is thicker. A thicker option does better with resisting dents and water spots. This is thanks to the concentration of nickel in its body being a little greater. Still, it will cost extra for you to get a kitchen sink in that form.

Sinks get a lot of use. Some things your sink takes include dirt and food, soap, grease and even things that need not be there. There are also many variables regarding your home’s plumbing to answer simply. The answer depends upon the way you treat the sink and whether you get the repairs it needs. Realize that no fixture in your home can last forever. Also realize that styles, tastes, and preferences change over the lifetime of a sink.

Bathroom sinks can be repaired. In most instances, you can do these repairs yourself. However, sometimes your sink will need some professional attention. Properly maintained, sinks can last many years. Usually, a quick improvement is worth it. Some things worth repairing include a cracked basin, years of improper cleaning, and permanent stains. A remodel may, however, prompt a new sink.

The porcelain and ceramics composing a sink may be crushed or recycled. An old toilet can be recycled and mixed into concrete. Places to take old sinks vary among cities and towns. Go online or call your local refuse/recycling center to get directions on how this is done. People rarely associate the words toilet and recycle, at least in this context. Recycling is environmentally friendly.

It is possible to sell a sink online at eBay or Amazon. In addition, depending upon the condition, a local pawn shop or thrift store may buy them. Call and make sure places in your area buy bathroom sinks. You probably need to ask about conditions of sale, such as the condition of the sink, the aesthetics of the sink, size of the sink.