Bath Sinks & Tops
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Styles
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Self-Rimming sinks are made in many different shapes and sizes. They are dropped into a countertop made of laminate, solid surface, granite, quartz or other stone. Faucets are either mounted on the sink or the countertop. |
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Undermount sinks are made with different designs and shapes and may be under-mounted in a top made of solid surface, granite, quartz or other stone. Faucets are mounted on countertop. |
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Seamed-In sinks are made of the same material as the top and is most common in cultured marble and solid surface tops. Not available in granite or other stone tops. |
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Vessel sinks are made to look like a bowl mounted on a counter top. They are mostly mounted on top of a countertop but may also be partially dropped in a counter top depending on the design of the vessel. Some are made of stone, vitreous china or glass. Faucets may be mounted on the counter top or through the wall. |
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Wall-Hung sinks are made of vitreous china and have been around a long time. They are only available in limited sizes but for a small space they work well.
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Pedestal sinks are still popular in the right space. They have designs that are traditional as well as modern. The sinks are mostly made of vitreous china but some in an array of colors and designs.
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Material
Enamel Covered Cast Iron is a popular material for bathroom sinks. Heavy and durable, these sinks can also be manufactured in a very wide range of shapes and colors. Like stainless steel, they are very resistant to hot or cold objects, but they can be damaged by sharp impacts and once the glass surface is breached, the underlying cast iron will often corrode. 
Vitreous China is a clay medium that is fired at an intense heat to create a beautiful, yet extremely hard, non-porous, glass-like surface.
Solid Surface is a non-porous low-maintenance countertop surface. A man-made product, it has the ability to mimic the appearance of stone, wood and other naturally occurring materials, yet can be joined invisibly by a trained craftsman. Typically manufactured in sheet form for fabrication into finished countertops, solid surface can also be cast into a variety of shapes, including sinks, shower pans and bathtubs. Should the material become scratched or broken, solid surface can, in most cases, be repaired quickly by a trained fabricator. Because the surface is solid throughout, a countertop that has undergone years of wear and tear can be refinished. The installed product is available in a variety of finishes, ranging from matte to high-gloss, although most manufacturers recommend a matte or satin finish for ease of maintenance.
Stone is used primarily in vessel sinks. Often in Granite or Carrera marble stone sinks.
Glass is also used primarily in vessel sinks although it is sometimes used in under-mount and countertops.
Metal Cast is used in vessel bowls to look like iron modeled into different shapes and designs.
Bamboo sinks are made from bamboo which is the fastest-growing plant, often growing to its full height and diameter within a few months and able to be harvested within three to seven years. This sustainable resource reduces the need for hardwoods which can take decades to reach maturity. The unique root structure of bamboo continually sprouts new shoots, negating the need to replant bamboo. When treated, bamboo forms a very hard yet lightweight, durable wood. Tests have shown bamboo to be stronger than traditional woods, including maple and oak. This hardy material is perfect for bamboo vessel sinks. The rapid growth rate combined with its ability to replenish make bamboo the eco-friendly choice when you want the look, feel and durability of wood.
Concrete a proprietary mix design yielding a finished product exceeding 10,000 PSI. This is similar to the strength of granite Concrete is extremely versatile provides a surface that is extremely stain-resistant and low-maintenance. Common food items will not stain it. The sealer does not degrade, and therefore does not need to be reapplied every year like many other sealers. Stones, glass or other objects maybe embedded in the concrete to create a distinctive and customized look.
Design
Self-rimmed, undermount and vessels come in many different shapes and sizes. When choosing a sink that is going to be placed in a top with a vanity make sure the size will fit. The depth of a sink is important if you are planning on placing the faucet at the back as is mostly done. Standard depth size of a vanity is 21” although an 18” is available. There are some unique furniture style vanites that would be different in size. The length of a vanity begins at 18” and after that at 6” intervals. If your size is not in that range then you may have a custom type vanity.
Seamed-in sinks are available in different sizes. Standard sizes begin at 19” width with increments of 6”. The standard depth is 22” or 19”. 
Anything size that is different would be considered custom and are available for an additional charge. Cultured marble, solid surface and cast iron have countertops that are seamed in to the sink.