A bathroom sink is one of the most essential fixtures in any bathroom. With so many options available, choosing the right bathroom sink can be overwhelming. Porcelain sinks are a popular choice for many homeowners due to their classic look, durability, and easy maintenance. In this comprehensive guide, we will examine why porcelain bathroom sinks are a smart choice, the different types available, top brands, pricing, how to care for them, and frequently asked questions to help you select the perfect porcelain bathroom sink for your home.
Why Choose a Porcelain Bathroom Sink?
Porcelain sinks have been a bathroom staple for years, and for good reason. Here are some of the key benefits that make porcelain a top choice for bathroom sinks:
Timeless Look
Porcelain has a clean, crisp white appearance that provides a timeless look. The smooth glossy finish nicely complements traditional and contemporary bathrooms alike. Unlike trends that come and go, porcelain remains a classic.
Durability
Porcelain is incredibly durable and long-lasting. It is harder than materials like acrylic or enamel. Porcelain resists chipping, scratches, stains, and dents better than other sink materials. With proper care, a porcelain bathroom sink can last for decades.
Easy Maintenance
Because of the non-porous glass coating, porcelain repels water and resists bacteria buildup. This makes cleaning fast and easy. You can simply wipe it clean with a soft cloth and mild soap and water. Powerful cleaners or abrasive pads are not required.
Affordability
Porcelain sinks are available at varying price points to suit different budgets. There are very affordable options that still offer the beauty and durability of porcelain. This makes porcelain an accessible choice.
Variety of Styles
From classic wall-hung sinks to trendy vessel sink designs, porcelain comes in a diverse range of styles. You can find a porcelain bathroom sink to match any décor. The versatility allows it to work in modern or traditional bathrooms.
With its enduring good looks, ruggedness, and easy upkeep, it is easy to see why porcelain remains a top choice for bathroom sinks. Now let’s look at the different types of porcelain sinks available.
Types of Porcelain Bathroom Sinks
There are several varieties of porcelain sinks to choose from:
Drop-In Sinks
This is the most common type of porcelain sink. Drop-in, or self-rimming, sinks sit on top of the vanity counter and drop into a hole cut into the counter. The rim of the sink extends slightly beyond the countertop hole. Silicone adhesive and plumber’s putty provide a watertight seal. Most drop-in porcelain sinks have an overflow drain and range from oval and round to rectangular and square shapes. They come in single or double basin options.
Undermount Sinks
As the name suggests, undermount sinks mount underneath the counter. The edge of the sink adheres to the underside of the countertop, creating a sleek minimalist look. Silicone and sealant keep moisture from seeping between the sink and counter. Undermount installation is more complex than drop-in for DIYers. There is no lip, so spills simply slide off the counter into the sink. This makes for easy cleaning but could lead to water damage if the seal breaks. They cost a little more than drop-in sinks.
Wall-Hung or Wall-Mounted Sinks
Wall-mounted porcelain sinks hang directly on the wall, completely detached from the vanity. This gives them a cool floating appearance. The sink is attached to a metal frame that securely anchors to studs in the wall. Wall-hung sinks should be installed by professionals to ensure proper support and waterproofing. They allow for easy cleaning since there is no vanity cabinet or tight space underneath.
Vessel Sinks
Vessel sinks sit on top of the counter, like decorative bowls. They are ideal for powder rooms and guest baths. Vessel sinks come in oval, round, square, and artisan shapes. Their raised design gives them a modern, stylish look. However, they offer less functionality than drop-in or undermount sinks. Splashing is more likely because of the higher faucet position. Vessel sinks also provide very little counter space.
Pedestal Sinks
Pedestal sinks combine the sink basin and pedestal base into one seamless design. The sink basin hovers over the vertical pedestal column, giving it an elegant, furniture-like presence. Pedestal sinks don’t require extensive counter space. However, they do limit storage since there are no vanity cabinets. The exposed plumbing also makes them harder to keep clutter-free.
Now that you know about the various porcelain bathroom sink types, let’s look at some top brands and models.
Top Porcelain Sink Brands and Models
For gorgeous, durable porcelain bathroom sinks, these brands rise above the rest:
Kohler
- Kohler Ladena Undermount Bathroom Sink – A sleek and rectangular undermount sink perfect for contemporary bathrooms. Made of durable vitreous china.
- Kohler Verticyl Rectangle Vessel Bathroom Sink – Distinctive tall rectangle vessel sink crafted from premium porcelain. Makes a striking style statement.
- Kohler Devonshire Oval Drop-In Bathroom Sink – Traditional design double oval sink made of durable fireclay. Timeless elegance perfect for vintage décor.
Toto
- Toto Lloyd Pedestal Bathroom Sink – Sophisticated pedestal sink with a smooth curved basin and high-quality vitreous china construction.
- Toto Darcy 18″ Round Vessel Bathroom Sink – Eye-catching round vessel sink with a glossy finish and stylish basin shape.
- Toto Legato Round Undermount Bathroom Sink – Elegant undermount sink with a round minimalist design. Made from Toto’s high-quality Wonderceram material.
American Standard
- American Standard Elowen Square Undermount Bathroom Sink – Modern square porcelain undermount sink with sleek beveled edges.
- American Standard Lucerne Wall Hung Bathroom Sink – Space-saving rectangular wall mounted sink with an attached backsplash.
- American Standard Whitehorn Pedestal Combo Bathroom Sink – Porcelain pedestal sink and toilet combo unit for small bathrooms.
These are just a few of the many excellent porcelain bathroom sink options from reputable brands like Kohler, Toto, and American Standard. The brand, dimensions, style, color, and price point that work best will depend on your specific bathroom needs and budget.
Now let’s move on to pricing.
Porcelain Bathroom Sink Pricing
The cost of a porcelain bathroom sink depends on:
- Type – Undermount, vessel, and wall-hung sinks generally cost more than drop-in sinks.
- Brand – Luxury designer brands are pricier than standard options from home improvement stores.
- Size – Larger sinks or double basin designs cost more.
- Material – Vitreous china is more affordable than fireclay or ceramic.
- Features – Sinks with overflow drains or matching pedestals add to the cost.
Here are some average porcelain bathroom sink prices to give you an idea of cost:
- Basic drop-in sink – $80 – $250
- Designer undermount sink – $200 – $600
- Decorative vessel sink – $100 – $500
- Wall-hung sink – $200 – $1000
- Pedestal sink – $200 – $600
Look for sales, closeouts, and clearance items to grab great deals on quality porcelain sinks. The investment will be well worth it for a durable, easy-care fixture that lasts for years.
Now let’s go over porcelain sink care and maintenance.
Caring for Your Porcelain Sink
To keep your porcelain bathroom sink looking like new:
- Clean regularly – Wipe down the sink after each use with a soft sponge or cloth and mild soap and water. Avoid abrasive cleansers.
- Disinfect weekly – Disinfect the sink weekly using a bathroom cleaner containing bleach. This prevents bacteria and mold growth.
- Remove stains properly – For stubborn stains, use a non-abrasive cleaner like Soft Scrub or baking soda and water paste. Avoid harsh chemicals like drain cleaner.
- Protect the finish – Avoid placing haircare products, cosmetics, or fragrances directly on the sink surface to prevent staining or etching.
- Use a sink grid – Place a sink grid in the bottom of the basin to guard against scratches when washing hair or cleaning.
- Seal as needed – Reapply plumbers putty or caulk if any moisture appears between the sink and counter.
With routine cleaning and occasional sealing, a quality porcelain bathroom sink will retain its luster and durability for many years.
Now let’s look at some commonly asked questions about porcelain bathroom sinks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are porcelain bathroom sinks better than ceramic?
A: Porcelain and ceramic sinks are both excellent choices, but porcelain is denser, smoother, and more durable over time. Ceramic can chip or stain more easily. Porcelain offers superior strength and longevity.
Q: Can you repaint a porcelain sink?
A: Technically yes, but repainting porcelain is very challenging. The slick nonporous finish prevents paint from adhering well. Special bonding agents and prep work are required, so hiring a pro is best. Replacing is often more cost-effective.
Q: What color porcelain sink is most popular?
A: Simple bright white is the most popular color for porcelain sinks. It has a clean, fresh look and matches any style. However, porcelain also comes in biscuit, bone, almond, black, gray, and even blue hues if you want to add character.
Q: Can you cut a porcelain sink?
A: Cutting or altering porcelain sinks is not recommended. The material is extremely hard and brittle so any modifications could easily crack or break the sink. Always select a sink size and shape designed specifically to fit your countertop space.
Q: Are undermount sinks hard to install?
A: Undermount sinks require expert installation. The sink must be properly supported, sealed, and mounted to the underside of the stone or solid surface countertop. This usually requires a professional unless you are very handy.
Q: How thick should a porcelain sink be?
A: Standard porcelain sink thickness is approximately 5 to 7 millimeters. Thinner porcelain tends to be more delicate. Heavier 7mm+ sinks offer the most robust construction. Be sure to inspect thickness if buying used or vintage sinks.
We hope this breakdown helps eliminate any doubts about choosing the perfect porcelain bathroom sink for your home. With the right selection, installation, and care, porcelain is sure to be a fixture you will appreciate for years to come. Let us know if you have any other porcelain sink questions!
Conclusion
Porcelain has remained the premier choice for bathroom sinks due to its enduring style, rugged durability, and hassle-free maintenance. With options available to match any décor, porcelain is versatile enough to coordinate with any design aesthetic while still offering long-lasting quality. Brands like Kohler, Toto, and American Standard allow you to get this strength and beauty at varying price points. Remember to clean and protect your sink regularly. Installed and cared for properly, a porcelain bathroom sink is sure to provide exceptional function and timeless beauty in your home for decades to come.
