Bathroom sinks

Bathrooms have changed enormously in recent years, and bathroom sinks are no exception. From the simple oval washbasin, lavatory sinks have evolved into a vast array of shapes, sizes and models, from pedestal sinks to drop-in basins and free-standing vessel sinks that sit on top of the counter or vanity.

The vanity unit has also come a long way. Bathroom vanities and cabinets are now available in many different styles and with diverse countertop options. There's one to suit every room size and decor.

Choose the most suitable bathroom sink for your needs

UNDERSTAND YOUR NEEDS

How much space do you have for the sink?

Will the sink be used by young children?

Do you require storage space under the sink?

What type of sink or washbasin would look best in the room – a recessed or above-counter model?

What is your preferred style – classic, vintage or contemporary?

If you are remodelling, can you use the existing plumbing pipes and connections?

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SINKS: TERMINOLOGY, PARTS AND FEATURES

Centre distance: The distance between the centre points of the two holes for the water supply lines that will connect up to the faucet. It is important to measure from the centre of one hole to the centre of the other.

Overflow: Small hole located near the top rim of the sink and connected to the drain system. Its purpose is to prevent the sink from over-filling and overflowing.

Shapes and colours

Bathroom fixtures are available in various colours and styles. The key is to coordinate the various elements. Some manufacturers offer full ranges, allowing you to match the sink with the bath, shower and toilet. Whether you match or simply coordinate colours, shapes and finishes, the aim is to achieve a harmonious overall look. The most popular colours for bathroom fixtures are white, off-white, beige and black.

Washbasins can be completely or partially recessed in a vanity or cabinet, or, in the case of vessel sinks, sit directly on top. Basins can also be wall mounted, giving the appearance of being suspended. Pedestal sinks are in fact wall mounted sinks, the pedestal base serving simply to hide the plumbing. Finally, there are vanity top sinks, which provide varying amounts of storage space.

Bathroom sinks come in standard sizes. The standard height for wall-mount sinks is 31" (up to 34") above the floor. The width of sinks can vary greatly but is usually somewhere between 17" and 30" (unless it is a particularly small model). Sink depth also varies, generally between 17" and 22".

Materials	Advantages	Disadvantages
Vitreous china	Non-porous Does not stain, fade or rust Does not lose its shine Will not chip or flake Easy to clean
Acrylic	Light Fade-resistant Easy to clean Can be colour-matched with acrylic bathtub	Not very resistant to scratches or corrosion from solvents
Stainless steel	Strong	Hard to keep clean (shows finger and water marks) Tends to scratch
Enamelled steel	Inexpensive Resistant to scratches and corrosion from solvents	Relatively fragile Will chip easily if knocked
Glass	Attractive choice of colours	Hard to keep clean
Solid surface (e.g. Corian)	Wide range of colours	Hard to keep clean Not very resistant to scratches or burns (including cigarette burns) If the sink breaks, the whole counter must be replaced
Cultured marble (composite made from marble dust and polyester resin)	Wide range of colours Imitates marble, onyx and granite Used to make washbasins and countertops Fits various sizes of counter	If the sink breaks, the whole counter must be replaced

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SINK TYPES

An essential component of any bathroom, the bathroom sink has changed enormously in recent years, evolving from a utilitarian fixture – often in a bulky vanity unit – to a design object in itself, sleeker and more stylish than ever before.

A bathroom lavatory sink is composed of a washbasin and its support, and is connected to faucets and a water drainage system. The plumbing elements are often concealed but may also deliberately be left exposed.

Description	Features	Installation
Traditional bathroom sink embedded in the countertop 1-3 holes for the faucet	Can be fitted into all types of counters Shapes differ (round, oval, square or rectangular)	Set into a hole in the countertop
The rim of the sink is set just above the surface of the counter. Well suited to narrow vanity units and therefore ideal for small bathrooms.	Can be fitted on all types of counters and widens the choice of faucets (countertop or wall-mount installation) Shapes differ (round, oval, square or rectangular)	Partially embedded in the countertop
Takes up very little space – perfect for small bathrooms Has 1-3 holes for the faucet	Offers no storage space The drain may be exposed, depending on the type of pedestal
Free-standing bowl mounted on a low countertop Gives the bathroom a contemporary look	Can be fitted on any type of counter and widens the choice of faucets (countertop or wall-mount installation) Shapes differ (round, oval, square or rectangular) The high sides of a vessel sink make it impractical for young children	Sits on top of a low countertop
Offered in a much wider choice of styles than before Countertop can be very long, which offers considerable storage space Has 1-3 holes for the faucet	Countertop has to match the size of the vanity. Very easy to install.	Sink is part of the countertop
Does not touch the ground, so floor is easy to clean Ideal for small rooms Has 1-3 holes for the faucet	Plumbing elements may be exposed	Affixed to the wall Can be placed at any height
An undermount bathroom sink is as handsome as it is practical; the countertop is easier to clean and no residue can accumulate under the sink edge.	The bathroom sink is supported from below with special mounting clips glued under the countertop. This structure is strong enough to support the weight of the sink when filled with water.	Set under a stone or solid-surface counter Sleek, elegant finish

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INSTALLATION

The installation method depends on the type of sink. Installing a sink is generally a fairly easy job, especially if you are replacing an old fixture and do not need to move existing plumbing lines. To install a bathroom sink yourself, you will need screwdrivers, a level, an adjustable wrench, a hacksaw, a putty knife, anti-microbial caulk and a tape measure. Installation procedures vary, depending on the type of support; if the sink is mounted directly on the wall, for instance, the wall structure needs to be reinforced in order to support the weight. Cutting through a laminate counter is relatively easy, but if you are working with a granite or solid-surface counter, it is best to ask a professional to cut the hole.

When replacing a sink, be sure to measure the existing sink so that you choose another one the same size. The hole in a melamine countertop can be made bigger but not smaller. If the counter is made of stone or a solid-surface material, you will need to ask a professional to make any necessary adjustments.

Choose faucets at the same time as you choose the sink, so that you know what type of installation is required.

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ACCESSORIES

Sinks are sold with or without faucets. Faucets are available in a wide range of designs to match any style of fixture, whether classic, vintage or contemporary. Prices vary, depending on quality and design.

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