Bathroom Vanities, Sinks & Faucets Buying Guide

Give your bathrooms an easy face-lift by installing a new sink, faucet, and/or vanity. With so many styles and choices, it's hard to know where to begin.

Start with the Sink

The type of bathroom sink you choose will determine the type of faucet and/or vanity you will need. The size of your bathroom, the need for storage, and style are considerations when shopping for bathroom sinks.

Countertop Sinks

Countertop sinks are most common in residential settings. They mount into a countertop or vanity, and offer plenty of storage and counter space. These sinks include:

• Top-mount or drop-in sinks are easy to install in a pre-cut hole in the counter or vanity and are self-rimming
• Undermount sinks have no rim to catch debris and easy to keep clean. They mount from below, creating a clean, sleek countertop
• Vessels sinks, or above counter sinks, create a stylish focal point in the bathroom. The bowls or basins sit on top of the counter, and can be made of attractive glass, stone, or metal
• Integral sinks combine a countertop and sink in one, and fit standard size vanities. Since they are one piece, they are smooth, sleek, and easy to clean

Pedestal Sinks

Pedestal sinks can be a good choice for smaller bathrooms. They are available in various sizes and styles from basic, space-saver to fancy and stylish. Pedestal sinks do not typically offer much counter space for soap and toothbrushes, and do not have extra drawers or storage cabinet as with a vanity/sink combination.

Wall-mount Sinks

Wall-mount sinks are commonly used in back of house applications, commercial, and healthcare facilities. These sinks hang from the wall with plumbing and pipes exposed for easy accessibility. Wall-mounted sinks with legs are commonly known as console sinks.

Choosing a Bathroom Faucet

Once you know the sink style and size, you can decide on a faucet, since not all faucet and sinks are compatible. Generally, faucet mounting style is either 4" centerset, single-hole, or 8" widespread.

Faucet Mounting Styles

• Centerset faucets fit sinks with three holes that are 4 inches apart
• Single-hole faucets work best with smaller sinks, and are available with one or two handles. A deckplate can be added to cover additional holes
• Widespread faucets fit three-hole sinks, and typically have separate pieces--two handles and a spout
• Wall-mount faucets work best with vessel sinks and sinks without predrilled holes

Faucet Handles

Bathroom faucets offer various styles and options to turn on water. Consider style and users when selecting. For people who may have trouble turning a handle or knob, levers, push button, or touchless faucets might be a good alternative.

Vanities

Bathroom vanities are available in various shapes, sizes, and styles. Choosing the best bathroom vanity for your space depends on the size of your bathroom.

You want to measure your space and be sure you allow for:

• Shower and entry door openings
• Electrical outlets and switches
• Mirror and medicine cabinets
• Plumbing location

Once you have measured your space and determined the possibilities, selecting the style of vanity should be fairly easy.