Discover the different types of bathroom sinks aka basins you can buy for your master bathroom, guest bathroom or powder room.
The design of your bathroom basin can make a difference in your bathroom remodel or new build in this key part of your house.
You need to add a quality basin that offers a beautiful style and look to your bathroom.
Even if you only have a small bathroom, there’s different types of bathroom basins and bathroom vanity units that you can consider using when getting the most out of your bathroom design.
Such basins are designed to be sturdy and attractive and can make for a real centerpiece in any bathroom suite in your home. Whether it’s the bathroom next to your master bedroom or even a smaller powder room, you will be surprised at how well one of this extensive range of bathroom wash basins can make a difference when you’re looking to get a better design ready. Whether it’s a bathroom renovation with a traditional basin or the latest inset basin with additional storage space there is something for you below.
Table of Contents
Types of Bathroom Basins (Sinks)
1. Wall-Mounted
A wall-mounted basin is exactly what it sounds like it is. This is a basin that uses a sturdy body that hangs off of the wall in your bathroom. This is nice for spots where you have very little space to work with or you simply want a nice minimalist design. The plumbing features are exposed but this can add a nice character to your bathroom. This design also ensures that you have more open space for storage purposes.
2. Drop-In
A drop-in basin is made to go on a counter or vanity among other places. This is made with a more traditional design where the basin will go into the middle part of a standard surface. This can be made with a self-rimming design that can fit into a cutout space in the middle of your surface. This establishes a comfortable look that stands out and gives you a better general design.
You don’t have to get it fully recessed into the surface you place it on. It can protrude by an inch or two depending on your preference. Such an option might stand out if you keep it organized with a nicer total appearance.
3. Pedestal
A pedestal basin is made with the plumbing hardware covered up. In particular, the basin drops down well enough to where the pipes and other plumbing fixtures are covered up. This is best for spots where you have little space and not much of a need for any added storage areas.
You don’t have to get a pedestal basin mounted onto a wall. You could still choose a wall-mounted option to offer a classic look or to even add a small bit of storage space near the bottom part.
4. Corner
A corner basin is made with a design that fits onto the corner of a bathroom instead of on a flat wall. In such a case, the main fixtures are placed around the corner while the sides of the basin stand out along the sides of the walls. This is useful for cases where you want to add a more contemporary look but it works best if you’ve got enough room to support such a basin.
5. Tabletop
Do you have a table surface or vanity that could use a nice basin? A tabletop basin is the way to go in this case. Such a basin uses a solid surface that is placed on top of a flat surface. It is traditionally rectangular in its shape. It can be applied with a nice look that is secured to the main body of the tabletop or vanity top.
6. Undermount
An undermount basin is installed under a countertop. It offers an easy to clean body. It works on solid-surface counters and uses a gradually deepening surface in the bowl. This offers a comfortable style that adds a beautiful look.
Basin Shapes
There are three particular types of shapes to look for with regards to your basin. These are organized in different forms to give you enough space for washing your hands while also offering a classy look all the way through:
1. Round
2. Oval
3. Rectangular
What materials are bathroom sinks made of?
Bathroom sinks are made from any of the following materials.
1. Cast Polymer
Cast polymer basins are made with a polyester resin that is mixed with marble materials. A gel coating is typically added to create a sturdy body. This is popular for being very durable and strong. However, the shine on your basin might fade over time depending on how you use this.
2. Composite
Composite basins are made with acrylic resins and grounded compounds. This offers a solid color and is very tough. You will have to spend more on such a material though.
3. Copper
A warmer look is possible in your bathroom when you have a quality copper basin to work with. This is a durable option but it also costs a good deal of money.
4. Cast Iron
Cast iron is available in a variety of colors. It is thick and does not scratch. It will not chip either. You will have a very easy time cleaning it off too. Still, you must be cautious with getting it installed as it is rather heavy. You’ll have to get the cast iron supported on a series of pillars or other materials to make it easier for it to stay intact without being at risk of breaking apart or falling.
5. Stainless Steel
You can always get a stainless steel basin that is somewhat similar to what you can get out of a kitchen sink. Stainless steel is popular for how it resists water spots, is smooth and lasts for years. It is easy to clean off too. You will have to check on the gauge of the steel though. When the gauge is smaller, the steel is thicker. A thicker option does better with resisting dents and water spots. This is thanks to the concentration of nickel in its body being a little greater. Still, it will cost extra for you to get a kitchen sink in that form.
Cost
The cost of your bathroom basin is heavily dependent on the arrangement you have. There are three key factors to watch for:
- The installation style
- The general size of your basin
- Whether you have to clear anything out of your bathroom or adjust existing fixtures to make something fit
A wall-mounted basin is the most expensive option to get. You would have to spend $500 to $1,500 to get one depending on how big it is, where it will be installed and what you might have to get removed out of your bathroom to make it fit in. Also, a pedestal arrangement can go for about a third of that cost although it will clearly go for more if it’s going to be wall-mounted.
A drop-in option can cost about $100 to $200 to get depending on its arrangement. The same can be said for a tabletop basin.
The typical labor cost for getting a new bathroom basin installed will be good for about $300 to $500. It can take about four to five hours for a professional to get it installed depending on what you are using. While you could always do it yourself, that might be risky due to the heavy weights involved and the amount of internal work around your bathroom needed to actually make it work.
Size
The size of your bathroom sink basin should be about 16 to 20 inches in diameter. This is large enough for washing your hands.
A rectangular or oval-shaped one can be about 20 to 25 inches from one end to the next.
The basin should be about six inches deep. It can gradually move inward on your surface or you can use an option where there are clearly defined solid walls where every part of the basin is six inches deep.
You must watch for the depth if you’ve got something that hangs outward like a tabletop basin. You don’t want the water to splash all around your bathroom in any case.
