Bathroom Sinks: Types and Materials

This guide to bathroom sinks will help you find the type that matches your style for your home remodeling project.

Here we will show you the drop-in, wall mount, corner, pedestal, undermount, vessel/bowl, console, and trough bathroom sinks. We will also discuss a variety of bathroom sink materials.

Bathroom Sinks: Types

Drop-In Bathroom Sinks

As the name suggests, these sinks fit into an existing hole in a countertop or vanity. Also known as self-rimming sinks, the rim around the edge overlaps the countertop. The weight of the sink, as well as sink clips beneath it, hold the sink in place.

Affordability and DIY-friendly installation make drop-in sinks popular with homeowners.

• Pros
  • Easy to clean.
  • Affordable.
  • Classic design.
• Cons
  • Requires a countertop.
  • Takes up valuable counter space.
  • Outer rim can collect grime.

Wall-Mounted Bathroom Sinks

Wall-mounted sinks have no cabinet or countertop and attach directly to a wall bracket. They save space in small bathrooms and can often accommodate wheelchairs.

Wall-mounted sinks are popular with DIYers. But it may be a good idea to have an extra pair of hands for supporting the sink during installation.

• Pros
  • Space-saving solution.
  • Affordable.
  • Versatile design and material options.
• Cons
  • Visible plumbing fittings.
  • Lack of storage space.
  • Tends to go in and out of style.

Corner Bathroom Sinks

As the name implies, these space-saving sinks allow for added elbow room in tight quarters. Also, corner sinks fit snugly into the corner of the bathroom and don’t require a countertop.

Corner sinks are commonly found in a half bath that’s been squeezed into a former closet or under-stair conversion.

• Pros
  • The ultimate solution to limited space.
• Cons
  • Tend to cost more than a more common sink of the same material.

Pedestal Bathroom Sinks

Pedestal sinks are standalone sinks with the basin attached to a base. The pedestal conceals plumbing fittings and connections inside.

Like wall-mounted sinks, pedestal sinks are a good solution for small spaces. But they are not as wheelchair-friendly.

• Pros
  • Available in modern, trendy designs.
  • Compatible with small bathrooms.
  • Does not require an entire vanity.
• Cons
  • Lack of storage space.
  • Tends to go in and out of style.

Undermount Bathroom Sinks

Like a drop-in sink, undermount sinks require a countertop with a hole. But they are mounted underneath the counter rather than dropped into the hole.

This arrangement can increase the total amount of counterpace and create a more modern, elegant look.

• Pros
  • Offers more counterspace than drop-ins.
  • Modern design.
  • Easy to clean.
• Cons
  • Works with limited countertop materials.
  • Can allow more water spillage than other sink types.
  • More expensive than drop-in sinks.

Vessel/Bowl Sinks

With their bold design, vessel sinks are meant to be noticed. The sit above the counter rather than recessed below it. Homeowners often choose beautiful bowl-like basins made out of natural stone, copper, marble, glass, wood, and other materials.

Vessel sinks are a throwback to sink design from the 1800s, which featured a pitcher of water and a bowl.

• Pros
  • Statement piece for bathroom remodel.
  • Various basin options.
  • Allows for extra counter space and storage.
• Cons
  • Possible to cause damage to sides of basin sinks.
  • Can be expensive, depending on materials used.

Console Bathroom Sinks

Similar in appearance and installation to wall-mounted sinks, console bathroom sinks have legs that support some of the weight. The legs are usually metal but are sometimes ceramic or porcelain.

Like wall mounts and pedestals, console sinks don’t allow for countertop storage space, but some models come equipped with towel racks or minimal shelving.

Trough Sinks

The old-style trough sink is enjoying a revival with the popularity of the “farmhouse modern” style. Deep and wide, they often have multiple faucets attached to the same basin.

They’re available in a number of types, including undermount, wall mount, drop-in, console, and even vessel.

• Pros
  • Space-saving alternative to a dual sink.
  • Versatile materials and design options.
  • Usually easy to clean.
• Cons
  • Takes up a lot of counterspace.
  • Often only an option for larger bathrooms.

See also: Our post on Types of Bathtubs.

Bathroom Sinks: Materials

Bathroom sinks come in a variety of material options.

Ceramic

The most common material used in bathroom sinks, ceramic is a type of pottery comprised of clay, powder, and water. After shaping, it is treated to extreme heat for hardening.

• Pros
  • Non-porous and smooth surface resists discoloration.
  • Easy to clean; no need for abrasive brushes.
  • Available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes to fit all bathroom designs.
• Cons
  • Can get chipped and cracked, albeit with significant effort.
  • Can be pricey, depending on design and function.

Porcelain

Commonly found in older homes, porcelain is similar to ceramic but significantly harder.

It is also quite easy to clean, which also explains its popularity as a material for toilets.

• Pros
  • One of the most affordable types of bathroom sinks in the market.
  • Low maintenance.
• Cons
  • Not ideal for heavy use. Not as durable as ceramic.
  • Usually comes in plain and simple designs.

Natural Stone

Natural stone is painstakingly carved into its sink bowl shape, so the sinks can be quite expensive. And every natural stone bathroom sink features a unique appearance with various colors and quirks—no two are the same.

Types of natural stone sinks include marble, sandstone, granite, onyx, green jade, and travertine.

• Pros
  • Unique, earthy appearance fits perfectly with specific interior designs.
  • Highly resistant to heat.
  • Natural stone basins are among the easiest to clean with the least amount of maintenance needed.
• Cons
  • Unprotected edges are at risk of chipping.
  • Subpar designs could lead to stability issues.
  • Usually have less surface space, which increases water spilling.

Stainless Steel

Along with ceramic, stainless-steel sink is among the most common bathroom sinks. Cheaper but with high durability, stain resistance, and ease of cleaning, stainless steel complements most modern home aesthetics. And its high resistance to bacteria build-up makes it a practical choice overall.

• Pros
  • The most affordable type of bathroom sink.
  • Easier to maintain while also extremely durable.
  • 18-gauge stainless-steel sinks are more resistant to water stains and scratches; 16-gauge are more durable and resistant to dents but are heavier.
  • Perfect for homes with a contemporary design.
• Cons
  • Silver finish not visually compatible with traditional interior design.
  • 22-gauge stainless-steel sinks are quite flimsy with a high risk of denting.

Wood

Common wood sinks include teak and bamboo.

• Pros
  • Wood bathroom sinks are aesthetically unique and pleasing.
  • Wooden sinks are also compatible with a wide variety of designs from traditional to modern.
  • Eco-friendly; wood bathroom sinks are increasingly manufactured using recycled material.
• Cons
  • Usually high maintenance. Must be adequately pre-treated with proper coating.
  • Must be wiped clean and dried after use.

Resin

Made with a poly-resin combination. resin has stone-like qualities but with a smoother surface and appearance.

Also referred to as “man-made stone,” resin is notable for its evenly colored and unique appearance.

• Pros
  • Incredibly versatile in terms of shapes and sizes: Available in standard bowl-shaped basins as well as uniquely shaped designs.
  • Scratches can be quickly fixed by applying car-buffing products.
  • Usually lightweight and can be easily installed by a single person.
• Cons
  • Petroleum-based compounds can damage the surface of the resin.
  • Bolts and screws can sometimes get shaken loose over time.
  • Usually won’t last as long without maintenance compared to stainless steel basins.

Bronze

Bronze is mostly made from copper, but also incorporates other alloys, which enhances its overall durability.

Two types of bronze used in bathroom sinks are polished (with a glossy and shinier finish) and satin (with a matte finish). They will both darken over time, which can enhance its appearance.

• Pros
  • Highly corrosion-resistant, durable, and long-lasting.
  • Has natural antimicrobial properties, reducing risk of mold and mildew build-up.
  • Develops a unique aesthetic appearance with time.
• Cons
  • Usually needs specialized treatment for maintenance, which can be troublesome for homeowners.
  • Depending on the finish, bronze basins can be susceptible to scratches and dents.

Tempered Glass

Tempered glass is made with specialized chemical methods and thermal bonds, which makes it more shatter-proof than standard glass.

• Pros
  • Can offer higher customization options.
  • Can accentuate the overall flow of the bathroom interior.
  • Low maintenance.
  • Dozens of different styles and colors available.
• Cons
  • Stronger but still breakable if the right amount of force is applied.

Everything You Need for Your Bathroom Remodeling Project

We hope this review of bathroom sink styles and materials has given you some fresh ideas for completing your bathroom remodeling project.

And if you would like to consult a professional, we would be happy to offer our expert guidance. So please contact us at LaBonte Construction, voted Best of Milwaukee 2022 in Home Remodeling by Shepherd Express readers.

We also ranked best in the Bathroom Remodeler, Basement/Rec Room Remodeler, and Kitchen Remodeler categories.