Thinking about upgrading your sink? The good news is that homeowners today have more options than ever when it comes to plumbing appliances. The bad news is also that homeowners today have more options than ever when it comes to plumbing appliances. In the case of sinks specifically, what you’re looking for is also going to vary depending on whether you are putting one in your kitchen of your bathroom. For instance, in the bathroom, you have more room to customize based on style and aesthetic tastes. That’s not to say that you can’t also get a great-looking sink for your kitchen. However, kitchen sinks attach to garbage disposals, and need to be used for dishes and cooking, meaning it is important to consider function over form when installing one. Keep reading to learn what you need to know about the difference between bathroom sinks and kitchen sinks, and which versions may be right for you, courtesy of our experienced plumbers at Carter Quality Plumbing.
Popular Bathroom Sinks:
- The Drop-In Sink: Drop-in sinks get their name from the fact that they are easy to install, and can just be “dropped in” to your countertop. Held in place by a lip that sits on the vanity, drop-in sinks are very affordable, and can be uninstalled as easily as they are put in. However, they can also get caught underneath of the vanity’s lip, creating a rather ugly look.
- Undermount Sinks: Undermount sinks are mounted just below your vanity’s countertop. They are not as simple to install as drop-in sinks, and you will need to hire a professional to get the job done right. These sinks look great and are popular across the country, however, you will need to have a very sturdy vanity to install an undermount sink, which can potentially limit your ability to customize its design.
- Vessel Sinks: Vessel sinks have become quite trendy, and can give any bathroom a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. Manufactured so that the entire sits on top of your vanity countertop, vessel sinks are generally made of stone or ceramics. While they are certainly not right for every bathroom, they can go a long way to improving style, and are great if you are going for a modern look.
Popular Kitchen Sinks:
- Double Basin Sinks: A double basin sink is exactly what it sounds like: a single sink that comes with two basins (also known as “bowls.”) This kind of sink is extremely popular in kitchens, because it allows you to maximize your space. For instance, you can put dirty dishes in one side of the sink, and use the other side to wash them over.
- Workstation Sinks: A workstation sink is essentially a long rectangle. These sinks give you even more space to work with than double basin sinks, and sometimes come with two taps. Because of their size, they can be expensive to install, and you will need to have the countertop space if you are interested in putting one in your kitchen. That said, workstation sinks are excellent if you cook a lot, and want to have an almost professional-grade kitchen.
- Kitchen Island Sinks: For some homeowners, one sink is not enough. If this is the case for you, you may want to install a kitchen island sink. An increasingly popular choice in big kitchens, an island sink is a great way to maximize counterspace, and/or separate workflow in your kitchen. The catch, of course, is that you will need to put in an island counter first (if you do not already have one.)
- Farmhouse Sinks: Farmhouse sinks, or apron sinks, are gaining in popularity. Their size and depth make them perfect for soaking and washing larger items like pots and pans. From an aesthetic viewpoint, they're also very on-trend for both rustic and modern kitchen alike. These sinks are heavy and will most likely require either a custom cabinet or a cabinet retrofit to accommodate them, so they absolutely need to be installed by a professional.
What Type of Sink Is Right for Me?
What we have described above is a basic introduction to sink types. There are many other options, some of which overlap with the ones mentioned here. You can even mix and match sink styles from your kitchen to your bathroom, until you find a hybrid option that works for you. Call our bathroom remodeling experts at Carter Quality Plumbing today to learn more about potential sink choices, and don’t forget to ask us about available specials and financing.
Upgrade your sink ASAP! Call Carter Quality Plumbing anytime at (803) 998-2270, or send us a message online.