When buying a bathroom sink, whether it's for a bathroom, ensuite or cloakroom, it's important to look beyond the aesthetics. This bathroom sink buying guide will help. It explains the different types of bathroom sinks available and looks at basin sizes, shapes, colours and materials. It also lists the extra sink parts and accessories you may need and gives advice on installation and maintenance. Finally, it highlights some things to consider before buying a bathroom sink and answers some frequently asked questions.

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Bathroom sinks (also referred to as basins or wash hand basins) come in a wide range of styles, shapes and sizes to suit different types of bathrooms and uses. So, the first things to consider when choosing is the space the sink needs to fit into (e.g., a large or small bathroom, ensuite or cloakroom) and how the sink will be used (e.g., just for hand washing or is it also for washing, shaving, teeth cleaning etc.?). This will help you decide what size you need.

Also consider the sink’s height. Sinks with pedestals or ones that sit on a countertop are around 85cms high, which is roughly hip height for the average person. But you may need the sink to be higher or lower (i.e., for tall people, children or those with mobility needs), in which case a wall-mounted sink that can be installed at any height is a good choice.

Next, think about the taps, as you’ll need to match the number of tap holes in the sink to the type of taps you want. Most sinks only have one central tap hole to accommodate a mixer tap.

A few have two holes for separate pillar taps. And most countertop basins don’t have holes, so they require a high-riser mixer tap.

Finally, consider the sink’s design and style. Do you want it to match the rest of the bathroom suite? And are you looking for a contemporary or traditional bathroom sink look?

When buying a bathroom sink, consider what size and shape you need.

Bathroom sink dimensions vary considerably, with sink widths ranging from around 350mm up to 570mm, and depths (i.e., their projection into the room) ranging from 305mm to 460mm. So, checking the basin dimensions fit into the available area is essential. Also, think about what space is needed around the basin.

Sink shapes can be separated into four categories:

• D-shaped: these sinks are straight across the back, so they can butt up against a wall and are curved around the sides and front. D-shaped bathroom sinks are available in pedestal, semi-recessed and wall-hung options.
• Rectangular: these sinks have four straight sides and are longer in width than depth. Their corners may be rounded off depending on the design. Rectangular basins are available in pedestal, wall-hung and countertop options.
• Round: round bathroom sinks can be completely round or more oval in shape. They are available as countertop sinks or sinks which can be recessed into a vanity unit.
• Square: these sinks have four straight sides with equal widths and depths. Their corners may be rounded off depending on their design. Square bathroom sinks are available in pedestal, wall-hung and countertop options. 

Most people choose to match their bathroom sink to the shape and style of their bath and toilet. 

The majority of bathroom sinks are white. It's the most popular colour because it goes with any bathroom décor, suits all bathroom styles, never dates, and looks clean and fresh.

However, more colourful options have become popular in recent years, and you can now buy sinks in various colours. From pastel pinks and blues, vivid reds and yellows to more muted natural stone colours. Many people look to match their sink colour to their décor to make it blend in or as a standout feature.

There are a few different types of wash basin materials to choose from, each with pros and cons. This section looks at the different types so you can decide which is best for your needs.

• Ceramic: this is the most commonly used material for bathroom sinks. Ceramic sinks are made of clay that’s hardened by heat, and some also have a hand-painted or glazed surface. Ceramic is resistant to scratching, chipping, impacts and limescale, so it’s ideal for busy family bathrooms. And it’s easy to clean using a gentle cleaning product. But care should be taken when cleaning hand-painted and glazed ceramic basins as abrasive cleaners or brushes can scratch or damage the surface.

• Resin: this is a manufactured stone-like material that's incredibly hard and durable. It's made from a mix of ground stone particles mixed with resin. It's non-porous, so it's resistant to scratches, stains and discolouration. And, it can be cleaned with water or a mild cleaner for a more thorough clean. But don't use products that contain abrasives, acids or ammonia as they can damage the surface. One advantage of resin vs ceramic is that if the surface is accidentally scratched, the scratch can be polished out using sandpaper.  

• Glass: most glass basins are made with tempered (or toughened) safety glass to minimise the risk of breaking. It's a strong material with excellent thermal efficiency (so hot water in the basin won't get cold too quickly), and it's easy to clean with any product. The only disadvantage is that, although tempered glass is strong, it can break if it's dropped or struck by a hard object. But, for safety, the glass will shatter into small particles to prevent injuries. 

• Stone: stone basins can be made from any type of natural stone, such as granite, marble, sandstone or travertine. Usually, the basin is carved out of a single block of stone, so they come in unique colours and designs and can be a beautiful feature in a bathroom. However, stone is porous, so stone basins usually come pre-treated with a sealer, which needs to be reapplied every two years. And it's sensitive to harsh chemicals, so it should only be cleaned with soapy water. 

• Stainless steel: this steel alloy material contains chromium, making it more resistant to rust and staining than other types of steel. It's popular in kitchens but is mainly only used for bathroom sinks in a commercial setting due to its ability to resist bacteria and germs. Stainless steel is a durable material, but it's prone to get easily scratched. To maintain the condition of stainless steel basins, they should be dried with a soft cloth after every use to prevent a build-up of mineral deposits. They can be cleaned with a mild detergent, but harsh, abrasive chemicals should be avoided.

• Other materials: less common types of sink materials include polished concrete and wood. Polished concrete sinks are ideal for industrial-style bathrooms. They are prone to cracking, but cracks can be fixed. And they require some maintenance to keep them looking good (i.e., applying a polishing wax every month and sealant every 10 years). Wood sinks are available in varieties such as teak and bamboo. The wood will change colour as it ages, but this is desirable. As it's a natural product, wood should only be cleaned with soapy water, and, depending on the type of wood, there may be ongoing maintenance such as applying a sealant every few years.

When you purchase a bathroom sink, there are a few other accessories and parts you need to buy separately. Or you may need these things in future as replacement parts as they wear out. Here are some of the things you will need:

• Basin taps: basins can come with one, two or no tap holes to suit different types of basin taps. Check out our guide to buying bathroom taps for help and advice on choosing the right ones.
• Basin wastes: wastes help channel the flow of water away into the outdoor drainage system. A bathroom sink with an overflow will require a slotted waste, while those without will need an unslotted waste. You'll also need something to plug the hole for when the basin needs to be filled. Types of bathroom sink drain stoppers include traditional plugs on a chain, flip flop wastes and pop-up wastes.
• Basin traps: traps are the plumbing parts that connect the sink waste to the wastewater pipes. They ensure that foul odours and harmful gases can't return to the bathroom by moving the waste into the drainage system. Types of basin waste traps include bottle traps, P-traps and pedestal traps.
• Fixing frame: if you’re buying a wall-hung basin, you will need to purchase a frame to support its weight if it’s fixed to a partition wall.

Replacing or installing a new bathroom sink can be difficult, so a professional plumber who's experienced in this work may be needed. Especially if pipework needs to be rerouted to put the basin in a different position. A plumber will ensure that everything's installed and plumbed in correctly, so there are no leaks or problems in future.

A professional can usually fit a new bathroom sink in around two hours if it’s a like-for-like replacement. But it could take four to five hours if the sink is a different size from the old sink, if it’s being moved to a different position, or if it’s a more complex installation such as fitting a wall-hung sink.

Once the basin is fitted, it's important to follow any cleaning and maintenance advice given by the manufacturer to keep it looking its best. In most cases, the sink will simply need a daily rinse out with water and a weekly clean with a mild detergent. Depending on the sink’s material, it may need to be dried after every use. And materials like stone and wood will need to be sealed periodically.

The information above should help you decide which bathroom sink is best for your needs. But there are a few more things to consider before making your final choice: 

1. What space is available, and where will the sink be positioned?
   Before buying a bathroom sink, make a scale drawing of the bathroom so you can see where it will fit and how much floor space there will be once all the other items are drawn on too. This is especially important if you are moving the basin or are planning to install a larger basin than the one that’s currently there. Also, consider the position of the door and the space it needs to open so the sink won’t get in the way.

2. What type of wall will it be fixed to?
   All pedestal and wall-hung basins must be fixed to a strong and structurally sound wall. Masonry walls (i.e., brick or stone) are strong enough to take the weight without any problems, but stud walls may need to be reinforced. Large wall-hung basins, for example, will need to be mounted onto a metal frame. 

3. What basin taps are you having?
   Choosing bathroom taps is a decision that should be made at the same time as selecting the sink. That's because the basin's number of tap holes will dictate the type of taps you can have and vice versa. For example, a two tap hole sink will need separate hot and cold water pillar taps, a one tap hole sink will need a mono mixer tap, and a sink with no tap holes will need either a wall-mounted or high-rise mixer tap. Most people also match their tap style to their basin style.

4. Are you having a vanity unit beneath the sink?
   Installing a vanity unit below a sink is ideal for adding storage to a bathroom. But it will affect which type of sink you can have. Choose a countertop basin to sit on top of the unit, or a semi-recessed basin, which partly sinks into the top.