Bathroom countertops are a great way to make the most of the limited space for storage and utility. They provide a way to put in a sink without wasting the space. However, there are different configurations of bathroom countertops and sinks, and some bathrooms do not have the space for a real countertop. Below is an overview of the different types of bathroom countertops and sinks. You are sure to find one that will best fit your needs and style.
Hanging sink
The most common, space efficient, and cost-effective type of sink is the hanging or wall-mounted sink. You can get one for as little as $50 and mount it yourself, provided the plumbing for water supply and drain is already in place. Hanging sinks may be flat-sided, or corner types. The latter is idea for very small bathrooms to make the most of an awkward space.
Hanging sinks do not need floor support, and in fact do not reach the floor at all. They hang from brackets drilled into the wall, and you can adjust the height according to your needs. Most hanging sinks leave the pipes exposed, while others include some type of cover that attaches to the underside of the sink like a kind of skirt to hide them.
Floor-mounted sink
Another common and classic style of sink is the pedestal or floor-mounted sink, which you will find in both new and old homes. It is a good choice for small bathrooms, with more elegant lines than a hanging sink.
The traditional pedestal sink is in two parts: the pedestal and the sink itself. The pedestal is set on the floor through which the pipes run, effectively hiding them. The sink sits atop the pedestal, which supports it. Some pedestal sinks are not pedestal sinks at all. They are actually hanging sinks with a decorative pedestal to hide the plumbing. Like hanging sinks, you can choose corner pedestal sinks to make use of otherwise dead space.
Vessel sink
A recent entrant in bathroom design is the vessel sink, which requires a solid bathroom countertop for support. The vessel sink is primarily a bowl with a drain, and may be made of stone, glass, metal, or ceramic. They usually sit on top of a bathroom countertop, which accommodates the plumbing for the drain and water supply.
In most cases, you need nonstandard faucets (deck or wall mounted) and drains, so a good time to install a vessel sink is during new construction or bathroom remodeling to accommodate the special requirements.
Vessel sinks are mainly a decorative element, and work best on quartz or granite counters because spills tend to happen all the time. Stone countertops also provide an excellent counterfoil to this decorative sink.
You can choose from a virtually unlimited range of designs and materials. While some are fantastically expensive, most are available for quite reasonable prices.
You can choose to mount the vessel sink on a floating countertop and leave the pipes exposed. If you choose to go this route, make sure the visible pipes are attractive. However, you can also have a base cabinet to hide the plumbing as well as provide some storage space.
Framed sink
Another sink style that requires bathroom countertops and base cabinet is the framed or rimmed sink. The bathroom countertop serves to frame and support the sink at the same time, providing a sleek and attractive element to the bathroom. You will find framed sinks in many apartments and homes, and work best with granite or quartz countertops for looks and function.
The sink can be one or a pair to accommodate two people at the same time, and may be of various shapes, although oval is the most common. The sink/s typically has a metal core and a porcelain or enamel coating. The metal may be pressed steel or cast iron. The base cabinet conceals the plumbing and the metal frame supporting the sink.
Drop-in sink
Also known as a surface-mounted or self-rimming sink, this type of sink installs in a bathroom countertop. It is quite common in many stylish bathrooms today, especially paired with granite, marble, or quartz countertops.
Similar to kitchen drop-in sinks, these bathroom sinks go into a prepared cutout and have a rim that directly rests on the stone countertop. This is why it is important to have a durable and sealed countertop for this type of sink. If the sink you choose is lighter than the standard cast-iron ones, you may need to clamp the sink down to keep it from popping out of the cutout.
Undermounted sink
An undermounted sink is the sink of choice for owners with an eye for style and clean lines. The sink requires some sort of stone countertops, such as granite or quartz, because it has be resistant to water damage and staining.
The undermounted sink, as the name implies, is mounted on the underside of the countertop, with the stone slightly overlapping the lip of the sink. The sink itself may be vitreous china, copper, stainless steel, porcelain or enamel coated cast iron, or composite resin. The plumbing typically resides in the base cabinet supporting both the countertop and sink.
Conclusion
The bathroom sink is an integral part of the bathroom, and the most functional ones require pairing with durable and water resistant bathroom countertops. If you are planning a major bathroom remodel, this may be the best time to consult with a reliable contractor to design the best bathroom countertops and sink for your needs and budget. Contact Keystone Marble and Granite for your free professional design consultation and quotes if you are in the areas of Columbus, Ohio, Delaware cities, Lancaster and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
We have showrooms in Lancaster and Horsham, Pennsylvania as well as New Castle, Delaware. We will walk you through each option for bathroom countertops and sinks, and explain how each can benefit you in your bathroom remodel. If you prefer engineered quartz for your countertops, we carry the top brands in the industry such as Cambria, Caesarstone, Silestone, and MSI, all with manufacturer warranties.
We are experts at fabricating and installing granite counters, so you can be confident that you will get the very best in product and service quality. We also have a quick turnaround, so you will get your products on time and on budget.
Give us a call or send us an inquiry through our website to get started!