Bathroom sinks are typically the first things you notice when you enter the bathroom. Quite understandably, many of us want to make our bathroom sink aesthetically pleasing. In addition to this, the way it functions should also suit our personal standards. This article will talk about the different types and materials of the bathroom sink.

Types

There are many kinds of sink types. The self-rimming sink is typically mounted over a counter with its rim visible. There is a wide range of shapes, sizes and hole configurations when it comes to selecting a self-rimming sink.

The undercounter sink is pretty much like the self-rimming sink. The only difference is that its rim isn’t visible. Instead, the sink is fitted below a solid countertop, which is often a stone material like granite.

On the other hand, a pedestal sink is freestanding. This means it has it’s own base for support. This type of sink is therefore quite compact and oftentimes elegant in appearance.

Finally, a wall sink is a sink fitted to a wall. This means more space in your bathroom. Upon installation, you can always choose the height you prefer and this is a unique advantage.

When choosing a type of bathroom sink, think twice. First, consider the size of the location where you plan to place your new sink. Second, choose the right faucet for your sink. You wouldn’t want a tiny faucet on a massive sink, since the whole thing is just going to look awkward. Third, try to match your new bathroom sink with the rest of your bathroom flooring, walls, fixtures, etc. Just make sure it doesn’t look out of place.

Materials

Bathroom sinks come in a wide variety of materials. Sink materials include ceramic, steel/iron with enamel finish, soapstone, stainless steel, plastic, totianota and terrazzo. As you can see, almost any type of material can be used for sinks, as long as they aren’t porous.

For a more traditional or rustic design, choose a sink made of ceramic. Modern and contemporary styles can make use of stainless steel and glass/terrazzo materials for that sleek and sophisticated appearance. If you want more options in color, look for cast iron/steel sinks with an enamel finish. The finish itself can come in virtually any color you can think of, since it is just applied over the iron/steel material. If budget is a concern, there are now sink materials made of plastic that can mimic other materials that are otherwise expensive.

Bathroom sinks need proper maintenance to keep their top condition. Whether your sink is high or low maintenance will depend on its material. Stainless steel and glass are easy to clean because of their smooth surface; soapstone is scratch resistant, so you can use scrubs to easily get rid of stubborn stains. To properly clean your sink, all you really have to do is find out what your sink isn’t resistant to. For instance, enamel finishes are prone to dulling if cleaned aggressively, so try using a damp cloth towel instead. Sinks that are properly cared for can retain their original sheen and overall appearance for many years.