Styles of Bathroom Sinks

There are many styles of bathroom sinks available on the remodeling market. If you have not hired an interior designer, you will have to decide which kind of sink you want. Personal needs should be considered as well: how will the sink hook up to your plumbing system, how much counter space will you need and whether you want side-by-side sinks.
Copper Sinks
Copper sinks have been around for decades but have only recently become popular. Their color brings a warmth and personality to your bathroom. Be aware that the copper finish ages and never stays the same color. Some find this change in color charming. If you don't want it to occur, waxing the copper will retard the aging process.
Wood Sinks
Teakwood is chosen for wood sinks because of its waterproof and antiseptic qualities. The William Garvey company, known for its teakwood sinks, has patented a TeakSeal finish that you clean with nonabrasive bathroom cleaners. Teakwood sinks need to be cleaned and re-oiled four times a year, but if there is a layer of TeakSeal, you don't need to do this.
Custom Sinks
Custom sinks, also known as "artisan" sinks, come in different kinds of materials. All are one-of-a-kind pieces made to the buyer's specifications.
Stone Sinks
Stone sinks are fragile because of their porous nature. Any spills---calcium, salt, lime or detergent---should be wiped up immediately. To clean your stone sink, use a sponge, soft cloth or soapy nylon brush. If you have persistent stains, use a nonabrasive cleaner like dishwasher soap, stone cleaner or Soft Scrub. Never use any acidic cleaner, as this will eat away at the stone, or any abrasive washing instruments. Marble sinks should be sealed with a wax to avoid water absorption. Stone sealers and waxes should be reapplied annually.

Soapstone is less porous and therefore does not absorb water or stains as quickly as other stones. To clean soapstone, use a damp sponge or cloth with a mild, non-acidic cleanser. Apply mineral oil to the soapstone monthly to help make the spread of oxidization, which is inevitable, more even. This process of oxidization brings out the natural beauty of the soapstone, making it a gorgeous charcoal.
Vessel Sinks
Vessel sinks are based on the same idea as the washbasin in Colonial rooms. The basin can sit on top of the countertop or be partially sunken into it. If you have the basin above the countertop, put a ring of silicone around the base to prevent water from going underneath the vessel. Your sink may also come with a vessel mounting ring, which can replace the silicone. It will also give some added height to the vessel, as well as stability, and it matches the basin.

A vessel mounting ring may not always be desirable, however. If you wish to install the basin vessel directly into the countertop, you will have to drill a hole that is at least 3 inches in diameter, with a beveled edge in the countertop, to fit the shape of the bowl. You may want the hole in the countertop to be a few inches wider if the vessel is larger, for the sake of stability. Use clear silicone to seal the basin to the countertop. Experiment with the size of the hole you wish to drill into the countertop by using a circular piece of cardboard. Start with small cardboard and work your way up in increments of an inch until you have decided on a depth you like. Make sure you keep the height of the faucet in mind when deciding on the depth of the sink.
Glass Sinks
Glass sinks are often referred to as "vessel" sinks. They are, in most cases, one-of-a-kind pieces of art. You can even set up lights beneath the glass to enhance the aesthetics of the sink. There are three types of glass sinks. A cold glass sink is built at room temperature. A warm glass sink is made in a heated area between 1,100 to 1,700 degrees Fahrenheit. A hot glass sink is made in a furnace burning at 2,200 degrees-plus Fahrenheit.

Do not use abrasive cleaners on glass sinks. Warm water and vinegar will remove water spots. A plumber is necessary to install a glass sink, and make sure it comes with a warranty from the artist.

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