By Kerry Hale

A Comprehensive Bathroom Basin Buying Guide

  • Thursday 24 October 2024
  • 7 minute read

A basin can transform the look of your bathroom, so choosing the right one requires careful thought. You’ll need to consider the available space, as well as the shape, size and colour you’d like your sink to be.

In this guide, we cover the most important aspects of buying a basin to help you find a suitable design for your home. From the different basin materials to installation and maintenance requirements, read on to find out more. 

The different types of bathroom sinks

Bathroom sinks come in all shapes and sizes, each with its own unique features. Below, we’ve listed the most popular types of basins to help you choose the right design.

Countertop basins

Countertop basins sit on top of a vanity unit – rather than inside it – and are a popular choice in modern bathrooms. They’re perfect for small and spacious bathrooms and come in rectangular, square, oval and circular designs. The plumbing is usually contained within the vanity unit.

Semi-recessed basins

A semi-recessed basin is somewhere between a countertop and a wall-mounted design. It sits partially inside the countertop, with the front projecting out – ideal for saving space.

Full-pedestal basins

This type of basin is mounted on the wall and features a pedestal underneath. The pedestal extends to the floor and hides unsightly pipework, offering a neat finish and ensuring your bathroom’s design isn’t affected.

Semi-pedestal basins

Semi-pedestal basins are similar to full-pedestal designs, but the pedestal doesn’t touch the floor. This allows for more space under the sink while keeping the pipework neatly contained.

Wall-hung basins

Also known as floating sinks, wall-hung basins sit on the wall rather than on a pedestal. They’re a great space-saving option as they use vertical space and free up the floor area.

Bathroom sink shapes

  • D-shaped sinks have a curved front and a flat edge (usually on the wall-mounted side of the basin).
  • Rectangular sinks have straight edges and sleek lines, making them a popular choice in contemporary bathrooms.
  • Round sinks have a curved design and resemble a bowl. They offer maximum basin space and a sleek aesthetic.
  • Square sinks have equal depth and width and feature four straight sides.

Bathroom sink sizes

Bathroom sink specifications vary, and it’s important to choose the right size for your space. In the UK, bathroom basins are typically measured in millimetres (mm) and usually range from 350mm to 570mm in width. The standard bathroom sink size is 550mm.

Bathroom sink colours

White is the most common colour for bathroom sinks. But that doesn’t mean you have to choose a white basin for your bathroom! You could add a pop of colour by choosing a green, blue or yellow sink, for example. Consider the rest of your décor and think about which colour would best complement your space.

Bathroom sink materials

The material you choose for your bathroom sink can affect its durability and how much upkeep is needed. Discover some of the most common sink materials below.

Ceramic

Ceramic sinks are made from clay hardened by heat. They have a very strong surface that’s resistant to chipping and scratching, making them popular in family bathrooms.

Resin

Resin sinks are constructed from a stone-like material and are very durable. They’re resistant to discolouration and scratches, meaning they work well in high-traffic environments.

Glass

Glass basins are a popular choice in modern bathrooms. To avoid breakage, they’re usually hardened with safety glass. They can typically withstand changes in temperature, but scalding hot water can sometimes cause them to shatter.

Stone

A stone basin can make a fabulous addition to your bathroom. These sinks are carved out of a single block of stone, so each one has unique traits. Stone is porous, which means your sink will likely need to be resealed once or twice a year.

Stainless steel

These sinks are made from a steel alloy that contains chromium, making them resistant to staining and rust. Due to their sleek appearance, stainless steel sinks can be paired with a range of countertop materials.

Bathroom sink accessories

When you’ve chosen your new bathroom basin, you’ll need to pick out the following accessories:

Taps

Some of the most popular types of taps include wall-mounted taps, mixer taps, and basin pillar taps. The design you choose will depend on your water pressure and the number of tap holes in your sink. Explore our tap buying guide for more information.

Waste

A waste is a tube that helps water drain out of your basin safely. It comes with a plug that you can put in the sink when you want to fill it with water. There are two types of wastes: slotted and unslotted.

Slotted wastes are fitted to sinks with overflows (the small hole drilled into the back of the sink). Unslotted wastes are for sinks without overflows.

Trap

A trap sits under the sink and connects the basin waste hole to the wastewater pipes. It moves the waste into the drainage system to prevent unpleasant smells from returning to the bathroom.

Fixing frame

If you’ve purchased a wall-mounted sink, a fixing frame is required to attach it securely.

Installation and maintenance

Follow our tips and advice for installing your bathroom basin and keeping it looking as good as new.

Installing your sink

Wondering how to install a bathroom sink? For tricky tasks such as this, we recommend calling out a professional plumber. They’ll ensure the basin is fitted correctly, preventing leaks and issues in the future.

Installing a bathroom basin can take between one and five hours, depending on the complexity of the job. It might take longer if you’re replacing an old sink with a completely different design.

Looking after your sink

Look after your sink by wiping it regularly with a damp cloth and deep cleaning it around once a week. You can clean most bathroom sinks with a cleaning product and a soft cloth. However, always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions before washing your sink, as some materials require extra care.

Key considerations when buying a bathroom sink

When choosing your bathroom sink, there are a few important elements you need to consider. Ask yourself the following questions:

  • How much space do I have in my bathroom? Before choosing your sink, draw a bathroom plan to assess the available space and record careful measurements of the area where your new sink will sit.
  • How will the sink be mounted? If you’re considering a wall-mounted basin, you must ensure that your wall is strong enough. If you have a stud wall, this needs need to be reinforced to take the weight.
  • What type of taps do I want? Check your taps are compatible with your basin. Some sinks only have one central tap hole, which would mean that you’d need a mixer tap instead of separate hot and cold taps.

How high should a bathroom sink be?

The standard height of a bathroom sink is between 80cm and 85cm from the floor. However, bathroom basin height can vary depending on the size and shape you choose. You can read our bathroom fixtures height guide to find out more.

How long do bathroom sinks last?

How long your sink lasts depends on its material. On average, bathroom basins last between 15 and 30 years, but some can last up to 50 years.

Want to upgrade the rest of your bathroom? Explore our complete range of showers, including advanced digital showers and innovative mixer designs.

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