Should You Replace Your Sink During Your Next Bathroom Remodel?

A homeowner who wants to completely renovate their bathroom should think of replacing the sink, unless that sink is very new. Over time, bathroom sinks develop stains, chips and cracks that can’t be repaired or are so expensive to repair that they’re not worth the trouble. Moreover, the sink may not complement the decor of the renovation. A wall-hung corner sink made for a tiny bathroom wouldn’t make sense if the space of the bathroom is slated to be considerably enlarged.

Replacing a Bathroom Sink

Considerable homework and research needs to be done before any room in a home is renovated. The homeowner can hire an interior designer, and they can plan the final look of the new bathroom together. This would include the look of a new sink or sinks. The plumbing contractor has the responsibility of actually installing the sink and its fixtures. Here are some bathroom sinks that may be considered for a renovation:

Console Sink

This sink has a countertop surface for storage and an integral basin, but is supported by legs that can be plain, tapered or turned.

Pedestal Sink

This sink has a long, column-like base and a basin. There’s no countertop. These sinks are usually placed in small bathrooms.

Vessel Sink or Above Counter Sink

These bathroom sinks are placed on a vanity counter like a washbowl. They can be quite beautiful and made of porcelain, clear or colored glass, copper or natural or engineered stone. They are often serviced by wall-mounted faucets, which need special plumbing.

Self-Rimming Sink

These sinks are dropped in a hole below the counter. The rim rests on the countertop.

Flush-Mounted Sinks

The rim is flush with the countertop, with a metal rim around it.

Undermount Sink

This sink is installed below the countertop and is rimless.

Integral Sink

This sink combines a countertop and a bathroom sink. They are easy to create with solid surfacing materials, which are acrylic polymers poured into molds. Integral sinks can also be made from concrete.

Bathroom Sink Materials

Many people love the pristine look of white china, for it’s what they grew up with. But the good news about the bathroom sink is that it’s small enough for the homeowner to use rather luxurious materials without going over the budget. Among the most popular materials for a sink are:

Natural Stone

Bathroom sinks can be made of such stone as granite, marble or soapstone. One thing to keep in mind is that natural stone is heavy, and the support and even the floor must be strong enough to bear it. Granite and marble also need to be sealed every two years or so to guard against staining and etching. Soapstone does not need sealing, but benefits from being rubbed with mineral oil now and then.

Metal

Bathroom sinks can be made of brass, which is an alloy of zinc and copper or copper itself. Sinks in more modern bathrooms can be made of stainless steel, while homeowners who want a more old-fashioned look might choose a sink made of zinc. Newly install zinc is shiny like stainless steel, but then develops a lovely patina over time.

Fireclay

This is clay that’s fired at very high temperatures and is a type of porcelain or vitreous china. It’s nonporous, so doesn’t need to be sealed and is very tough and beautiful. It’s also a bit pricey.

Porcelain Enamel Fused to Steel or Cast Iron

This is the type of sink that is often found in older homes. It’s less durable than other types of sink, for it’s subject to chipping and staining.

With so many types of bathroom sinks to choose from, renovating a bathroom can be a joy and a chance for the homeowner to express their creativity. There’s a sink out there that can fit in with any bathroom decor, from futuristic to Victorian.