2022 Buyer’s Guide: Bathroom Sinks

Last week, we gave you our best tips for finding a sink that’s fit for everything from handwashing your most delicate laundry to tackling your biggest messes. Today, we’ll share the three steps to take when selecting a bathroom sink.

Your bathroom sink sees a lot of action day in and day out, beyond basic handwashing. As a central part of your everyday routines, it’s important to contemplate which sink style will work best in your space – whether that be a powder room or master bathroom – before buying. But this process doesn’t have to be a time-consuming task. Simply follow these three steps:

Measure the space you’re working with.

The bathroom sink is the centerpiece to your bathroom, so it needs to be sized accordingly. If it’s too large, you risk overpowering the space. Or, if the sink is too small, it will make the wrong statement. That’s why we recommend taking this first step before starting your sink shopping process.

Determine the best size of sink for your bathroom where water supply connections are available. Measurements might include:

• The floorspace you’ll need to have free for a vanity sink.
• Your existing counterspace if you plan on keeping your current vanity. Be sure to measure the space underneath the countertop if you look into undermount sinks. (More on that next.)

Decide how your sink will be installed.

Once you know what will work in your space, you’ll need to decide how it will get there. Most people jump right into picking out the look of the sink, but before you get ahead of yourself, think about whether this is something you feel comfortable taking on yourself or hiring out.  Your answer to this question will determine which installation type you should explore before falling for a specific style. Let’s break it down in greater detail.

If you are looking for a sink that is attached to a vanity countertop, consider:

Drop-In

• This sink style is incredibly easy to install. It simply rests in a pre-cut hole with its edges helping to anchor it in place. You’ll just need to make sure that it fits perfectly within the space if you’re keeping your existing countertop.

Undermount

• If you’ve done plenty of DIY projects before, you could probably take on an undermount installation. But, if this is your first home renovation project, we recommend calling in the experts. Why? Undermounts are, like their name gives away, installed beneath countertop, which can be a bit tricky for DIY newbies. Not only that, but trained professionals will also guarantee that it fits seamlessly with the countertop, which is the best part of this sink style after all.

Vessel

• We love the look of a vessel sink, but the installation process can be difficult to take on. Since this elegant, modern sink style sits on top of the countertop, we recommend hiring professionals.

 

If you don’t plan on having a full vanity with lower cabinetry, consider:

Pedestal

• This classic sink style is incredibly easy for most to install, making it the perfect weekend project for the powder room.

Wall-mounted

• This sink style is perfect for the smallest bathrooms because they attach directly to the wall. The look is fabulously minimalistic, but the process of installing takes more than minimal renovation knowledge. Let the experts handle this one.

Select a sink material.

Now, it’s time for the fun stuff. When you picture a bathroom sink, chances are a crisp white sink first comes to mind. That’s because vitreous china is the most used material for bathroom sinks. The clean look is incredibly timeless and durable. But that seems rather boring to us. After all, the bathroom sink has the potential to be the room’s centerpiece. For something a little more special than standard, choose from high-quality materials like:

• Nickel, which pairs nicely with stainless steel accessories.
• Glass, which is best for vessel sinks.
• Granite, which blends beautifully with natural stone countertops.
• Copper, which is a standout, naturally antimicrobial metal.

There’s a lot to consider when finding the perfect bathroom focal point. But when you break it down step by step, you’ll find the bathroom sink shopping process to be a breeze. If you have specific questions about our bathroom sink styles, contact us.  

Stay tuned for next week’s Buying Guide: Bar & Prep Sink Edition.

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If you have any additional questions during your search for the perfect copper, fireclay farmhouse sink or crafted stainless steel sink, our Sinkologists are here to help. Contact us or follow us on Facebook, Houzz, Pinterest, Instagram, or TikTok for more helpful tips and design ideas.

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The Sinkology Laundry Room Sink Buying Guide

Last week, we dove into what to look for when choosing a bathtub. This week, we’re switching gears and exploring the best sink styles for the laundry room.

Even if you depend on your washer and dryer to take care of all your clothes, a sink in the laundry room can be a lifesaver when taking care of things like:

• Hand washing delicate garments.
• Grooming pets.
• Treating stains before tossing into your washing machine.
• Rinsing off glitter, glue and more after arts and crafts time.
• Cleaning dirt and mud off your shoes.

Many use their bathtub or kitchen sink for these tasks. But frankly, we find it to be a real pain (in the back) with all the bending over, the never-ending mess that trails into the kitchen and bathroom, the clogged drains from pet hair, mud or whatever else is stuck on. Laundry room sinks keep the mess and pain away.

Given all they can do, it’s no surprise that these sinks are also known as utility sinks. But which materials will withstand all this wear and tear? Our top two materials for laundry room sinks are:

Stainless steel

This incredible metal is perfect for tackling the dirtiest cleanups. The natural metallic surface makes it difficult for bacteria to adhere to and survive, helping it stay cleaner, no matter what you throw at it. Not only that, the striking look of stainless steel suits many room styles, creating everything from a premium look with a high-shine finish to a more industrial feel with brushed metal.

Fireclay

This trusted material is incredibly durable, meaning it will withstand the wear and tear that comes with taking care of the toughest jobs in the laundry room. We especially love an all-white apron-front style, which gives any laundry room a quintessential farmhouse feel.

When selecting your sink material, just make sure it is equipped for more intense cleanup that kitchens and bathrooms don’t typically take on. Copper, for example, should never come into contact with abrasive chemicals that are common with laundry care.

No matter the material you choose, it’s important to determine what size will serve you best. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all sort of project. In fact, you really don’t need to have an expansive laundry room to enjoy the benefits of a utility sink. Think about how you’ll *actually* use your sink before selecting:

• If you want to regularly hand wash your most delicate clothing, a deeper single basin will serve you well.
• If you want a multi-purpose sink, a double bowl will help you do it all.
• If you are looking for a place to simply rinse-off life’s messes, a smaller sink will work just as well as larger sinks.

 

No matter how big your laundry room sink is or what it’s made of, decide where you’ll install your sink before you begin. Convenience should be your number one concern.

• Positioning your utility sink in a highly accessible yet low-traffic place is important in both tiny homes and homes with separate laundry rooms alike.
• Make sure cabinets or some sort of storage is close by so all your cleaning necessities are within reach.
• Outdoorsy families find a utility sink installed directly in the mudroom to be most helpful.

Utility sinks make laundry day easier and everyday life cleaner. If you have questions about choosing the right sink style for your laundry room, contact us.  

Stay tuned for next week’s Buying Guide: Bathroom Sink Edition.

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If you have any additional questions during your search for the perfect copper, fireclay farmhouse sink or crafted stainless steel sink, our Sinkologists are here to help. Contact us or follow us on Facebook, Houzz, Pinterest, Instagram, or TikTok for more helpful tips and design ideas.

 

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The Sinkology Bathroom Tub Buying Guide

Recently, we introduced our 2022 Buying Guide series, covering all things kitchen accessories. This week, we’ll talk bathroom tubs.   

Call it a bathtub, soaking tub or your kids’ favorite splash zone, we at Sinkology refer to this bathroom piece as an absolute necessity. Why? It is the most beautiful bathroom focal point and best relaxing getaway. But what makes a bathtub right for you and your family? That depends. Today, we’ll share what to look for when shopping for a bathtub. 

First, you’ll need to determine how you will use your tub. Some families are looking for a convenient alternative to showering while others seek a spa-worthy experience in a daily soak. You might fall somewhere in the middle. With your everyday use in mind, consider the following:

Dimensions

Standard tubs are around 60 inches long, 32 inches wide and 18 inches deep. If you’re new to the bathtub game, we recommend you “dip your toes” with a smaller style before committing to a more expensive, extra-deep soaking tub. More than anything else, keep comfort at the forefront. Will your tub be big enough for your body? Or will it be too big, forcing you to stretch uncomfortably as you bathe your little one?

Shape

Rectangular tubs are the most common when it comes to bathtub shape because they fit easily into most bathrooms. If you have the square footage, uniquely shaped tubs such as oval and round take an ordinary bathtub and make it an art gallery-worthy piece. Of course, how a bathtub looks is just the beginning. Assess whether your body will feel supported and comfortable before committing to a particular tub shape.

Location  

The most popular rectangular bathtub shape is typically installed directly to three surrounding walls. These alcove tubs, also known as recessed tubs, are the perfect safe-spacing solutions as a two-in-one, bath-and-shower combo. Freestanding tubs, on the other hand, are, as the name gives away, freestanding. You can find these tubs in the middle of a bathroom or attached to just one wall.

Material

There are many materials used in bathtubs, including:  

• Plastic

Plastic bathtubs offer great design flexibility because they can be molded into many shapes. This is the lightest weight tub available and is also surprisingly durable, thanks to a coating of fiberglass or acrylic.

• Cast-polymer

Cast-polymer bathtubs are made to look like high-end materials like marble and granite. Though it’s more expensive than acrylic, customizable and available in a range of colors, it’s actually less resilient than plastic tubs. Over time, the cast-polymer becomes more brittle and prone to cracking.

• Copper

Copper is our most favorite tub material here at Sinkology because it takes the best bathtub benefits to a whole new level. A copper bathtub: 

• Has natural antibacterial properties, providing a cleaner clean.
• Can help reduce inflammation, alleviating symptoms of arthritis, tendonitis and more.
• Heats up quicker and stays hotter longer than other tub materials.

Extra’s

If a standard tub simply won’t do, look for a whirlpool bathtub to take your soak up a notch. These specialty soaking tubs feature jets that transform the tub into a relaxing jacuzzi experience.

 Now that you have a better idea of what you’re looking for in a bathtub, browse the Sinkology copper bathtub collection. If you have additional questions during your search, contact us.

Stay tuned for next week’s Buying Guide: Laundry Room Sink Edition.

_____________________________________________________________________

If you have any additional questions during your search for the perfect copper, fireclay farmhouse sink or crafted stainless steel sink, our Sinkologists are here to help. Contact us or follow us on Facebook, Houzz, Pinterest, Instagram, or TikTok for more helpful tips and design ideas.

 

The post The Sinkology Bathroom Tub Buying Guide appeared first on Sinkology.

source https://www.sinkology.com/blog/bathtub-buying-guide/