7 Common Types of Sinks to Consider for Your Custom Home

March 19, 2019

Whether you’re thinking about the sinks for your kitchen or your bathrooms, there are several options to choose from. Some sinks tend to fit better in a kitchen setting while others tend to fit better in a bathroom setting. Regardless, the best type of sink for you depends on how you’ll be using it, the space you have available, and the general style you prefer. Here are a few types of sinks to consider for your custom home:

1. Undermount Sink vs Drop-In Sink

When talking about types of sinks, the mount type often comes into play. Although there are other options, in general, the most common is an undermount sink or a drop-in sink.

Undermount Sinks

Undermount sinks are installed under the countertop, which creates a seamless look from counter to sink. They come in a variety of materials and can be customized to include several different options.

Because the sink is mounted underneath the countertop, you need to consider the weight of the sink. Heavier sink materials can be a good fit as an undermount, but may require some extra installation considerations to make sure they have enough support.

Drop-In Sinks

Drop-in sinks, also sometimes called top mount sinks or self-rimming sinks, are a more traditional sink style. They tend to be the most common and tend to have an easy installation because they are installed into the countertop by “dropping in”.

The rim of the sink extends above the countertop surface and supports the sink. Drop-in sinks also tend to be heavy, so they tend to require hard and heavy countertops to handle them.

2. Vessel Sink

A vessel sink is either an above-counter installation or a recessed installation. In an above-counter installation, the bottom of the sink sits on top of the counter and is in line with the countertop. In a recessed installation, the bottom of the sink is partially set into the counter.

With either type of installation, you still get the appearance of having a bowl, or vessel, on top of the counter as your sink. Vessel sinks tend to be better-suited to bathrooms with vanities as they do take up counter space and aren’t built for heavy-duty kitchen use. They come in a wide variety of materials including glass, ceramic, stone, and more.

3. Farmhouse Sink

A farmhouse sink, also sometimes called an apron sink, is a throwback to the large basin sinks from historic farmhouses. This type of sink is typically an undermount sink in that is installed below the countertop. What sets this sink apart is that the front, or apron, of the sink is visible and extends slightly past the countertop and cabinetry.

They are characterized by their deep basins and tend to be a great option for a rustic-style look in your kitchen. They can be either single or double bowl and are typically cast iron or fireclay, but can come in other materials as well. These sinks are commonly found in farmhouse, rustic, or country kitchens, but they are also one of the vintage kitchen decor ideas to help create a vintage look and feel in a kitchen.

4. Bar Sink

Bar sinks, also called island sinks or prep sinks, are a popular option for home wet bars and kitchen islands because they tend to be smaller and shallower than other types of kitchen sinks.

They tend to be an undermount, single bowl design that is installed as a secondary sink used for extra prep work, making drinks, cleanup on small things, and other tasks that don’t require or need to take over the larger kitchen sink.

5. Corner Sink

Corner sinks tend to be drop-in, double bowl sinks that are installed in a corner of your countertop. These sinks are characterized by their two angled basins that are set catty-corner from each other and “meet” in the corner.

These sinks can be more difficult to install as they require custom cuts in the countertop, but they can be extremely useful for maximizing counter space and tend to be more better-suited to kitchens than bathrooms.

6. Pedestal Sink

A pedestal sink is a freestanding sink. It does not have a vanity with a countertop surface or cabinetry surrounding it. Instead, pedestal sinks are generally supported by a small column beneath the sink and they are a popular option for bathrooms with limited space or large bathrooms that don’t require a lot of storage space in the sink area.

7. Integrated Sink

Another type of sink is an integrated sink. These are sinks that are cut into the countertop and look like they were carved into the countertop material. This type of sink creates a sleek, seamless look that offers easy cleanup. Integrated sinks can be a good choice for both bathrooms and kitchens.

There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to your custom home. The types of sinks in your kitchen and bathrooms are just one aspect. All of the details can get overwhelming.

Instead, of getting overwhelmed, partner with a custom home builder with a design/build process. They’ll handle the details and walk you through the process, so you can enjoy every part of the journey towards your custom home.

If you’re ready to make your dream home a reality, contact Custom Home Group at 717-284-4090!