Bathroom Sink: Choosing the Right One for Your Home

The bathroom sink is more than just a place to wash your hands. It's a key part of your bathroom's look and functionality. Getting the right sink is very important, whether remodelling your whole bathroom or replacing an old one. At All Needs Plumbing, we've been helping homeowners and business owners find the perfect bathroom sink for years. So, let's dive in, shall we?

Types of Bathroom Sinks

There are more options than you think! Here’s a rundown:

Wall-Mounted Sinks

These are great if you're tight on space. They give a modern, minimalist look that opens up a small bathroom. However, you'll see the plumbing unless you box it in and need a strong wall to hold it up. This style works well with modern designs and can be an excellent choice for bathrooms near bedrooms or guests.

Pedestal Sinks

A classic choice! They hide the plumbing and look elegant, making them popular for traditional or vintage-style bathrooms. However, they don't offer much counter space, so they're best suited for smaller bathrooms with limited storage.

Vessel Sinks

These are super stylish and can sit at your counter, making a bathroom look more fancy. Just be mindful of the height—you don't want to reach up too high to wash your hands. Plus, cleaning around the base can be fiddly, so make sure you're comfortable with that.

Undermount Sinks

Undermount sinks sit under the countertop, giving you a seamless, easy-to-clean surface. They require a solid countertop material like stone or quartz. Because they're so easy to clean, undermount sinks are perfect for creating a sleek, modern look and are great for busy households.

Drop-in (or Self-Rimming) Sinks

These are the easiest to install—you just drop them into a hole in the countertop. They're versatile and work well with most countertop materials. However, you'll see the rim, which can be a drawback if you want a minimalist look.

Console Sinks

This type combines the sink with a supporting structure (legs or a frame) and often includes a shelf. It can be a stylish option that adds a bit of elegance to your bathroom. However, it can sometimes be pricier than other types, and you'll need to consider the available space.

Pro-Tip: Consider how you use your bathroom. Is it a high-traffic family bathroom or a small powder room for guests? This will influence the best sink type for you.

Bathroom Sink Materials

The material matters just as much as the style!

Ceramic/Porcelain

A classic for a reason. They're durable, easy to clean, and look great. But they can chip or crack if you're not careful. Because it is fired at a higher temperature, porcelain lasts longer than regular ceramic because it is denser and less porous.

Glass

Gives a unique and modern look. Glass is non-porous, which means it's resistant to stains and easy to clean. However, it can show water spots, so you must wipe it down regularly to keep it looking its best.

Stone (Granite, Marble, etc.)

Stone sinks are luxurious and durable. However, they can be pricey and may need sealing to protect them from stains. Still, they are hard to beat if you want a high-end look.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is modern, durable, and easy to clean. However, it can scratch and be a bit noisy. Because it's so resistant to wear and tear, stainless steel is excellent for busy households.

Cast Iron

Cast iron is a seriously durable option with a classic look. It's heavy and can rust if the enamel coating is damaged, but it's an excellent choice if you want something lasting.

Solid Surface (Acrylic)

It offers a seamless look, is repairable, and comes in various colours. However, the material is not as heat-resistant as some others, so do not put hot things directly on it.

Factors to Consider

Choosing a bathroom sink is a big decision, so here's what you need to think about:

Bathroom Size and Layout

Don't cram a substantial sink into a tiny space—ensure enough room to move around comfortably.

Style and Aesthetics

Does it match the rest of your bathroom? Consider the overall look you're going for – modern, traditional, minimalist, etc.

Budget

Sinks range from budget-friendly to seriously expensive. Set a budget and stick to it.

Intended Use

A master bath sink gets much more use than a powder room sink. Choose a material that can handle the traffic.

Faucet Compatibility

Make sure your chosen faucet will work with the sink. Some sinks require specific faucet types, so check compatibility before buying.

Countertop Material

The countertop is key if you're using an undermount or drop-in sink. Ensure it's compatible with your sink choice.

Pro-Tip: When choosing a sink material, consider your lifestyle. Select a more durable material like stainless steel or cast iron if you're hard on things.

Installation and Maintenance

I always recommend professional installation. To avoid headaches, leave plumbing to the experts. Proper maintenance will keep your sink looking its best.

I remember a customer who tried to install a vessel sink themselves and cracked the countertop. It cost them way more to fix the countertop than it would have cost to hire us to install the sink!

FAQs About a Bathroom Sink

Which type of sink is best for a bathroom?

It depends on your space, style, and budget. To find the best fit, consider the pros and cons of each type (wall-mounted, pedestal, vessel, etc.).

What's the best material for a bathroom sink?

Porcelain and ceramic are popular because they are durable and easy to clean. However, other materials like glass, stone, and stainless steel offer unique looks and benefits.

What's better, a ceramic or porcelain sink?

When porcelain is fired at a higher temperature, it becomes denser and less porous. This makes porcelain generally more durable and stain-resistant.

What type of sink is most scratch resistant?

Stainless steel sinks are the champs when it comes to scratch resistance. Quartz composite sinks are also very durable.

What is the most durable type of bathroom sink?

Cast iron sinks with a porcelain enamel coating are super tough. Stainless steel and some stone sinks are also good options.

What if I avail myself of services for my bathroom sink?

Choosing the proper bathroom sink can feel overwhelming. 

But don't stress! All Needs Plumbing is here to help homeowners and establishment owners. We’ll help you find the perfect sink for your needs and install it properly so that you can enjoy it for years.

If you choose us, you will receive the following benefits: a $0 callout fee, 24/7 same-day service, a 15% seniors' discount, and $150 off hot water systems.