If this is your first time building or renovating your bathroom, you might be realising how complicated it is to buy bathroom basins. It’s easy to feel lost and overwhelmed with the choices when you go to the bathroom store completely unsure of what you want. So, before you go shopping, check out our comprehensive buying guide below. It includes:
Kinds of bathroom basins
When you visit home improvement stores (e.g. Bunnings, you will realise that there are eight different sink configurations to choose from, but which one is right for you? Here’s a quick rundown to guide you:
Wall-mounted basins – Installed directly onto the wall and doesn’t require a vanity; perfect for small bathrooms and powder rooms
Pedestal basin – Freestanding and supported by a column; another good option for small bathrooms
Console basin – A wall-mounted sink with skinny legs for extra support
Undermount basin – Seamlessly installed underneath the countertop to hide the rims; looks very luxurious
Vessel basin – Sits securely on top of the vanity; suits most contemporary bathroom designs
Drop-in basin – Also known as flush-mounted and self-rimming basins; these have an outer rim that sits on the counter and holds the sink in place
Corner basin – Either a wall-mounted or pedestal sink but is fitted into a corner
Integrated basins – When the vanity countertop material has a built-in sink. This is also called a moulded basin top.
When in doubt, look at your plans and see which sink configuration your designer has recommended for you to use. Refer to the symbols used in your planning drawings.
Matching the sink with the overall style of your bathroom
The basin or sink that you choose will have a serious impact on the overall look of the bathroom. Traditional and period pedestal basins will look best in classic/vintage bathrooms. Sleek and modern ones such as vessels, drop-in’s or under mounts will look great in contemporary settings.
It’s a good idea to consult a designer before buying a sink to ensure your purchase matches your preferred style and tapware preference.
Popular sink materials and finishes to use
There are also different kinds of basins based on material:
- Stainless steel
- Ceramic
- Concrete
- Porcelain
- Matte porcelain
- Resin
- Glass
- Stone
- Cast iron
- Luxury metal
- Solid surfaces such as Corian
- Timber
The size and shape of the basins
The majority of off-the-shelf models are in basic shapes such as round, oval, square, and rectangular. Bathroom basins can be custom made too.
Regardless of the size and shape of your sink, make sure its body fits well into the vanity and in your bathroom.
Faucet spout with sink depth
When shopping for bathroom basins, look for a piece that’s big enough for washing hands and the water shouldn’t splash out when you do. Read the specifications and make sure that the sink and the faucet that you will purchase are compatible. During installation, match the position of the faucet spout with the sink drain too.
Financial considerations when buying bathroom basins
Your budget will always be a major consideration and this will definitely narrow down your choices. Apart from the price of the sink, you should also factor in the installation and labour costs. If you are renovating to sell, think about how it’s going to affect your home’s resale value.
If you are curious about this year's trending bathroom basin choices, check out our comprehensive report of the 2021 Home Design Trends. You can read a more detailed write up about this year’s bathroom basin trends there. To access the guide, simply create your Superdraft account and download for free.
