Best Pedestal Sinks for Your Bathroom

When choosing a pedestal sink, figure out the bowl type you want:

• Bowls come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes.
• Bowl type will depend on how frequently you use the bathroom. For a main bathroom, look for a bowl with enough rim space. This ensures you have room for hairbrushes, toothpaste and other necessities. A guest bathroom can get away with a smaller bowl.
• Deeper bowls make washing hands easier and prevent water from splashing out.
• Choose a faucet style that complements the bowl.

Pedestals are a great addition to save space. They allow you to install a full sink without taking up too much floor space.

• Pedestals must be matched to bowls to ensure proper installation.
• A “standard” pedestal sink measures roughly 22- to 24-inches wide and 29 to 34 inches tall. They hit about hip height on an adult.
• Taller people may be more comfortable with heights of 34 to 36 inches.
• Available in various widths for different looks and fits.

Tip: The bowl and pedestal are generally sold separately. Some manufacturers create product lines that allow you to mix and match.

Pedestal sinks can come in many materials. There are benefits and cons to each, so weigh your options:

• Cast Polymer: Includes cultured marble, cultured granite and cultured onyx. It's made of polyester resin mixed with ground marble. It's finished with a gel coating. You get the look of stone with the molding of synthetic materials. It's extremely durable, but the gel coating may crack over time. You also may have issues retaining shine.
• Composite Materials: Made from acrylic resins and ground minerals. The color is solid through the thickness of the sink. This option is tough, durable and available in a range of colors. Understand this option is more expensive. You'll need to use nonabrasive cleaners to prevent scratches.
• Copper/Bronze: These thicker materials will add durability. But with durability comes added expense. These materials will acquire a warm patina with age. You'll need to use nonabrasive cleaners to prevent scratches.
• Enameled Cast Iron: This material's thickness provides a substantive look. It's easy to clean, available in many rich colors, and chip-resistant. This material is very heavy. It may require extra counter support.
• Enameled Steel: Made by spraying enamel on die-cast sheet metal. Fired at high temperatures, it resembles cast iron. This material is lightweight with a slim-edge profile. It's susceptible to flexing that can result in cracks in the finish. It may also chip easily.
• Glass: Comprised of thick, tempered glass. It has the potential to shatter. That makes it not the best choice for high traffic areas or child bathrooms. May show water spots if you're a bathroom splasher. You'll need to use nonabrasive cleaners to prevent scratches. This material is ideal for countertop sinks.
• Porcelain: This is the most affordable material. While popular, it's only moderately durable.
• Solid-Surface Materials: Made with acrylic and/or polyester resins and baked into sheets. The resin provides flexibility. The polyester provides dramatic coloring. It is stain-resistant and available in a variety of colors. It can withstand heavy use, so great for a main bathroom. It can be used for integral sinks. To maintain its warranty, you'll want it installed by an authorized dealer.
• Stainless Steel: Quality varies according to thickness, gauge, and nickel content. The thicker the gauge and greater the nickel content, the better the quality. Again, with quality comes higher expense. This material is durable and easy to clean. Thicker steel (18 gauge) resists water spots and dents. Thinner steel (22 gauge) is more economical. Thin steel may also dent more easily and show scratches more quickly.
• Stone: Marble, granite, soapstone and onyx are commonly used. May also be cultured stone, a mixture of crushed stone and plastic resins. This material is highly durable. It's heavy, so wall-mounted units may require extra support. This material requires periodic resealing.
• Vitreous China: A pottery product made of clay fired at high temperatures. This material often features a decorative pattern. It's easy to clean, resists discoloration and resists corrosion. It's low moisture absorption inhibits mildew growth. It may chip when struck by heavy objects.

The first thing to consider is how much room you have to install your sink. This will help you determine what an appropriate bowl size is for the space. Again, the sink bowl and pedestal stand are sold as separate units.

• Pedestal sink bowls are supported by the wall and the pedestal. The wall needs to be strong enough to withstand most of the bowl weight. Use bolts, screws and lags to connect the sink to the wall and the pedestal to the floor.
• You must place a solid wood block in the wall between the studs to anchor the sink.
• Supply and drainage pipes must enter the sink through the wall rather than from the floor.
• A p-trap should be installed when configuring plumbing. This seals in odors and sewer gases. Special p-traps are available to match the faucets finishes.
• Faucet holes are pre-drilled. They may be single holes or 4-inch or 8-inch center configurations.
• If you're replacing an existing vanity, there're extra steps to consider. It may be necessary to adjust the location of water supply vales. Check the location of the drain assembly as well.

There are a few more considerations and features to think about:

• Colors: Pedestal sinks are vailable in traditional and bold colors. You can easily match your existing decor.
• Console Sinks: A cross between a pedestal sink and a vanity. It features a large basin and two or four table-like legs. Some include storage space.
• Medicine Cabinets: Consider installing one with a mirror above the sink. This allows you to keep necessary toiletries in a convenient place. No installing a vanity required.