What type of vanity sink bowl should I use in my bathroom remodel? Drop-in, Undermount or Vessel?

Traditional drop-in bowls are the least expensive to install and come in a variety of sizes, colors and decorative shapes. Porcelain is the most common material for bathroom drop-in sinks. One drawback to a drop-in installation is the bead of silicone caulk that goes around the exterior of the bowl and countertop for a water-tight installation. Eventually all things wear out, and the silicone will need to be replaced at some later date.

One of the most popular choices for a bathroom remodel is an upgrade to a solid surface or granite countertop.  With granite or solid surface, undermount bowls in porcelain, Corian or stainless steel are most popular.  The undermount bowl installation is clean, the seal is concealed and the countertop edge is polished around the bowl.

Over the last several years, vessel bowls have become more popular. Vessel bowls make a statement — they sit on top of the countertop. This look is contemporary and the bowls come in all shapes, sizes, and colors; and in glass, metal, granite, ceramic – a wide variety of materials. This option is not always good if countertop space is limited, or if the user is short. If you have a back problem, raising the height of the bowl closer to your face could potentially help.

There is no right or wrong answer. It comes down to your personal style, preference, and budget. The countertop you select will help you determine which option is right for the vanity bowl. Of course, your Morris Black designer is there to help.  We can present options and give you advice, based on our years of bathroom remodeling experience.

by Morris Black  Kitchen Designer Lydia Bogle