Bathrooms rank up at the top next to kitchens when it comes to the most important rooms in a home. More and more Maryland homeowners are turning to designer sinks–also known as lavatories or lavs.
Choosing the right bathroom sink depends on your style, needs, and budget. There are four main types of bathroom lavatories: vitreous china, porcelain/enamel over cast iron or steel, and marbleized bowls or counter units, and Corian.
Contact the experts at GranitePro by calling 410.875.7579 if you have questions about having a bathroom sink installed in your home.
Vitreous China Sinks
These sinks are acid-resistant and durable. Although china sinks can be stained by rust, copper corrosion, and other substances, vitreous china is considered excellent material with good resistance to chipping.
Vitreous china can also be formed into luxurious bowls and even into original works of sink art. These are substantially more expensive than most other bathroom skins.
Porcelain or Enamel Over Cast Iron or Steel Bathroom Sinks
These are practically the least expensive sinks available. They are often less durable and more susceptible to chipping than other sinks. Choosing a good sink during a bathroom remodel can save you time and money down the road.
Marbleized Bowl and Counter Units
There are two kinds of marble-style bowl and counter units: acrylic plastic and cast methacrylate. Both of these can contain veining that simulates, in a highly polished surface, that of marble. These lavatories are often referred to as synthetic marble. They come in various colors and finishes, including high gloss models.
These sinks are often integrated into a vanity countertop with one-piece construction. They have an on-trend appearance, are easy to clean, and can be molded into beautifully patterned bowls. The main drawback of marbleized surfaces is that the finished layers are often very thin. A deep scratch can penetrate the coating and expose the white material underneath, which is very difficult to cover up or repair.
Corian Bathroom Sinks
Sinks and counters made of Corian are made with the color, often a bright white, mixed all the way through the materials. If scratched there’s no color change, and the mark can easily be removed with a brillo pad or fine sandpaper.
Corian can also be sawn, drilled, and filed with standard carpentry tools for custom applications. It’s one of the better materials for bathroom counters and sinks, but it’s also one of the most expensive.
What Are Some Styles of Bathroom Sinks?
Round, oval, and sculptured sinks can be purchased in a wide range of materials for a wide range of prices. The following are a few popular styles of bathroom sinks:
- Wall-hung lavatories with no floor support or pedestal
- Sinks supported by cabinets or pedestals
- Sinks supported by metal legs
- Sinks built into ceramic-tile surfaced counters
- Glass sinks
- Sinks recessed into countertops of plastic laminate
- Single-piece sink and counter units, either modeled or sculptured
How to Choose a Bathroom Sink
A bathroom sink needs to be large enough for comfortable daily use. Most people choose sinks that are at least 20×24 inches. In a master bedroom, double-bowled sinks are a necessity for many couples. Every sink should have a backsplash along the back of the wall it’s mounted against. This will protect the wall from splashing water. A drip edge should also be included at the front and side ends of the countertop or around the tops of the basin lavatories to prevent water from spilling over onto the floor. Sinks need to have an overflow prevention catch hole that drains water after it reaches a certain level in the bowl.
If you are considering a new sink installation or replacement, contact GranitePro for the best rates, services, and professionalism by calling 410.875.7579.