Tips for Choosing a Sink for Your Bathroom Upgrade
Small bathroom upgrades pay back more than you put in when you make strategic choices. The choice of bathroom sink, for instance, is more for function than design. However, simply replacing the sink can make a big difference in the look of the bathroom. The right one can even make the kitchen even more functional.
The best thing about replacing the sink in your bathroom is you can do it at any time. If you are putting in granite or marble vanity tops or making any structural changes, you probably need a professional to do it for you. Otherwise, you can probably do it yourself. Below are some tips for choosing a sink for your bathroom upgrade.
Space
The size of your bathroom will determine the amount of space you can dedicate to your sink. That usually depends on space needed by other elements in the bathroom, such as the toilet and shower. A remodeling company can help you figure it out, but general information about space requirements should give you a good idea of what type of sink you need.
Sink
You need at least 2.5×4 feet of space in front of your sink or vanity, although a clearance of 2.5 feet out of the 4 feet is acceptable if you have a wall sink with no vanity, which provides some knee space. You also need to plan for at least a clear 15 inches of space measuring from the center of the sink to the sidewall.
Toilets
You need at least a 15-inch clearance all around a toilet, measuring it from the center of the seat. There should also be minimum of 2.5 feet from the sink and other sanitary units, again measuring from the center of the toilet and the center of any sanitary component. If you have a bidet, you need at least a clearance of 2 feet in front of it.
Bathtub
If you have a bathtub, or plan to put one in, you need a 5×2.5 feet space for it, and easy access to any exposed plumbing and motors (if you have a hot tub).
Shower
You will need at least 32 inches of interior wall space, and the area of the interior of the shower of any shape should have a diameter of 2.5 feet.
The overall space of your bathroom will limit your options when it comes to your choice of sink, more so because of the required clearances of each element with relation to each other. This is not a major problem if you have a large bathroom. With small bathrooms, however, it requires some careful measuring and selection.
Function
The sink primarily serves a sanitary function, so that is a given no matter what type of sink you choose. However, it can serve other functions as well with the right add-ons.
A vanity serves as a workspace and repository for frequently used tools and products for hygiene and grooming. You will want to have the vanity top in some durable material, such as granite or engineered quartz. The standard vanity is 24 inches wide, but they are also available in widths of 18 inches and depths of 16 3/8 inches. If that is still too much vanity for you, you can always have one custom made.
Vanities may or may not have storage space, which is desirable if you have a small kitchen. This puts the space under the sink to good use as a keep towels, cleaning products and tools, and extra toiletries out of sight.
Mounting
Still on practical matters, the space available and function of the sink will determine the type of mounting. If you want a vanity, a wall-mounted or pedestal sink is not going to let you do that. On the other hand, if the space makes it impossible for you to have even a tiny vanity, these are your best sink options.
This is not necessarily as bad thing, as pedestal sinks has a graceful and clean profile that hides the plumbing without using up a lot of space. Wall-mounted sinks are even more space saving, and the exposed plumbing fit very well with an industrial style of bathroom.
Style
Bathrooms need to be functional, but that does not mean they have to look strictly utilitarian. You are sure to use the bathroom daily, so it is a good canvass for expressing your personal style. One way to do this is in your choice of sink. If you are the conventional type, a plain, porcelain sink with standard fixtures is a good choice. If you have a modern flair, integrated granite sinks with state-of-the-art fixtures is more your speed. You can introduce this one element in any style bathroom and pull it in the direction you want.
Material
The material of the sink is a secondary consideration when it comes to size and function. The plain porcelain sink is available in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and shapes. They are also very durable and inexpensive. However, if you want a little bit of drama in your life, you can consider other materials for your sink. These include glass, stainless steel, cast iron, granite, marble, concrete, solid surface, or engineered quartz. There are even wood sinks, which are gloriously unexpected, expensive, and generally impractical.
Conclusion
These tips for choosing a sink for your bathroom upgrade should help you get an idea of the type of sink you can have. You can further narrow your choices (and they are many) by consulting with a reputable remodeling company. Fairfax Kitchen Bath is can help you with free in-home design consultation and quote for your bathroom upgrade and other remodeling projects.
Fairfax Kitchen Bath services the DC, MD and Northern Virginia metropolitan areas. We are a Class A, licensed and insured contractor, registered in the Commonwealth of Virginia. We have a showroom in Fairfax, Virginia, which houses all our products.
We sell only top-quality products for all your bathroom upgrade needs, ranging from top-brand bathroom sinks of all types, fixtures, cabinets, and vanity tops using natural and engineered stone slabs. We carry products from Schrock Cabinetry, Fabuwood, Silestone, Blanco, Kohler, and Mosaic Décor.
Contact us today to get free in-home design consultation and quote for your bathroom upgrade. We guarantee you will love your new kitchen for life!
