Luxury Housing Trends & Home Improvement Ideas

One of the choices you have to make when you remodel or add on a bathroom is what type of sink you want. Sinks come in a number of different categories. Let’s take a look at each of them:

Undermount Sinks

These vanity-mounted sinks fit below the countertops. Because the edges of the countertops are exposed, they need to be finished and watertight. Many people choose solid-surface or stone countertops with undermount sinks because it’s easy to get a good seal with those materials.

Flush-mounted Sinks

These sinks are recessed into the countertop in order to rest flush with the surface. Benefits are that they blend nicely and are easy to keep clean.

Self-rimming Sinks

These vanity-mounted sinks have rolled edges designed to rest on the countertop. They’re generally the least expensive type of bathroom sink, and they’re the easiest to install too. A con is that, because they don’t sit flush, the joint between the countertop and the sink can get dirty easily and need extra cleaning attention.

Integral Sinks

These molded basins are integrated seamlessly into, and made from the same material as, the countertop. These sinks can come in stainless steel and solid-surface materials that look good and are fairly inexpensive. They are also easy to clean because there are no cracks or seams, and minor damage can usually be buffed out (though major damage will mean the whole unit has to be replaced, not just the sink).

Vessel Sinks

Popular in recent years, vessel sinks rest above small cut-out openings that are covered by the base of the sink. The vessels look like wash basins of old and can be hard to clean around the seam, since the bowl extends out over it. Faucets must be installed on the wall or on the countertop surface with vessel sinks.

Wall-hung Sinks

Mounted to the wall, these sinks are useful in small bathrooms or for homes with people who need wheelchair access. Some wall-hung sinks come with decorative “shields” to hide the plumbing beneath. One thing to remember about these sinks is that they usually require special blocking between your wall studs for structural support.

Pedestal Sinks

These sinks include decorative bases that are attached to the wall. Many people like the look of pedestal sinks, but one downside is that you can’t hide storage beneath them, so make sure you have plenty of other places for cabinets and drawers if you choose a pedestal sink.

Source: Idea Wise: Bathrooms