DIY Home Improvement Guide

Corner Sinks

For those that are tight on space corner sinks are just about the setup you can imagine.  They do their job, do it well, and hardly take up any space at all.  There are quite a few different styles and designs of these sinks, so in this post I want to break it all down for you so that you know what to expect when it’s time to go shopping.  This post is geared both towards those who are replacing an existing sink, as well as those who are doing a brand new installation.

Let’s hop to it!

Corner Kitchen Sinks

Kitchens that are painfully small usually benefit the most from a well designed corner sink.  This is because most of the other appliances in there are so small and under performing that having something that is small, yet does its job well, is extremely gratifying.

Elkay makes a double basin sink that is designed for corners.  This thing is absolutely sweet (see pic)!  It is designed to give you the most sink space with the smallest footprint possible.  I was able to help with an installation of this sink a little while back, and it looks fantastic and works great.  The only thing that you have to watch out for is swinging a long spouted faucet from one basin to the other while the water is running, it might spray water all over the floor as it passes the apex of the corner.  A smaller faucet, or even better, a bar faucet, would be perfect for this application.

There are other corner kitchen sinks available, but none that I’ve seen can match the looks and function of this Elkay model.

Corner Bathroom Sinks

Corner sinks for bathrooms are pretty standard fair.  They are almost always porcelain and wall mounted, but the do work well and save a ton of space in cramped bathrooms.

We wrote a post on cloakroom sinks a while back, and I think that some of the tips there should be rehashed here.  You can get some very modern and fashionable designs in  bathroom corner sinks, and one of the hottest trends right now is the long rectangle look.  These are stunning looking sinks, but will have problems when there is too much water pressure.  When you look at a regular style sink it has a rounded basin for a reason, it splashed water back towards the drain.  These rectangular sinks don’t have that quality, so they will shoot water all over the walls and floor.  You can either be ready with a mop every time someone washes their hands, or you can reduce the water pressure to the faucet.  You can do this by tightening the water valves on the hot and cold sides of the plumbing, look to where the pipes meet the wall to find these.

Corner Pedestal Sinks

If you’re looking for something different than the regular corner bathroom sink, pedestal sinks are a great choice.  Their design alone is more stylish than a wall mounted sink, so most any of them you choose will be an improvement.  There are hundreds of different styles and price ranges for these sinks, you can get a stylish one for less than $200, or go all out and spend $500 or $600 for a designer brand.

When shopping for a pedestal sink you want to make sure that it matches with your style of plumbing.  If the sink that you currently have drains into the wall, that’s the style of sink you want.  If it drains into the floor (rare), you can find pedestal sinks that match as well.

Corner sinks are one of the biggest space savers in the home.  With some planning and shopping around you can get a sink that works just as well as their larger brethren.  Be smart, be patient, and do your research.  You’re going to find the perfect one for your home and your budget.

Choosing A Garden Utility Sink

Finding a garden utility sink among all of the sinks that are designed for laundry rooms can be a challenge.  It’s hard to find utility sinks that can withstand the abuse of cleaning tools, but be affordable enough that you have no problem putting it in your shed or garage.  This post will offer up some ideas for figuring out which one is right for you and your home.

The key to a garden utility sink is durability.  It has to be able to stand up to heavy duty cleaning, yet be extremely low maintenance.  No one wants to spend their weekends cleaning out their garden sink!  For this reason, stainless steel and hardened plastic are the popular choices for this type of utility sink.

The word “affordable” is a relative term, and what’s affordable to you is probably way out of my league, so we’ll speak in generalities here.  Stainless steel utility sinks cost way more than the plastic type.  There really isn’t much longevity or strength difference between the two, just appearance.  If you want to save as much money as possible on garden utility sinks, plastic is the way to go.  Freestanding sinks cost more than wall mounted sinks, but require less work (money) to set up.  All you need to get a free standing sink up and running is to hook up the water and the drain and you’re ready to go.  Wall mounted ones need to be hung, which can be a pain with limited space in your shed or garage.

So to save the most money, while still getting quality, get a plastic free standing utility sink.

The choices are certainly limited, but once you know what you need the choice is obvious.  Figure out what your budget and space are like, and the perfect garden utility sink will be evident.

The Benefits Of A Wall Mounted Utility Sink

A wall mounted utility sink is an excellent way to get water for all of your dirty chores without taking up a ton of space.  They are easy to find, and usually very affordable, so they work great in almost any home.  If you’re shopping for utility sinks, this post will help you figure out whether or not wall mounted sinks are right for your garage or laundry room.

In general, a utility sink a bare bones fixture that should require no maintenance at all.  It’s there to do a job, and nothing else.  Dirty hands, muddy boots, and grass stains shouldn’t phase a utility sink.  With that in mind, this post is geared toward the functional-type sinks, rather than anything fancy.  If you’re looking for something a bit fancier, see our post on laundry utility sinks.

The biggest benefit that you’ll get from a wall mounted, as opposed to a freestanding, utility sink is space.  That space can be interpreted two ways; get the most from a small space or create extra space.  If you’re looking at installing a utility sink in a small room or in the corner of a room, a wall mounted one is perfect.  It’s up and off of the floor, so you’re not losing anything there, and are versatile enough to install anywhere that you can run water and plumbing to.

There’s a bit of debate here at Ematerials about whether or not wall mounted sinks actually create more space, but I think the consensus is that they do.  Free standing sinks have plenty of space underneath them, but with the feet you lose the ability to put cabinets, boxes, or whatever under there.  Sure, a wall mounted sink has the drain pipe and P-trap hanging from the bottom and into the wall, but that’s not much when compared to legs.  Another huge benefit, like we said above, is that everything is off of the floor, so there is less to trip on, clean, and get in the way.

The biggest downside of wall mounted utility sinks is that they aren’t as durable as their free standing brethren.  If you’re not planning on hand washing all of your laundry for the next decade or so, this won’t be a big deal.  Wall mounted sinks can withstand most daily abuse, as long as their properly hung on the wall.

Stainless Steel Utility Sink – Freestanding or Wall Mounted?

When shopping for a stainless steel utility sink the hardest choice may be which type of sink you need.  Most stainless sinks look nearly the same and only you know how big it should be, so that leaves the style for us to work out together!  There are some important things about utility sinks to consider when figuring out whether you need a wall mounted or free standing sink, which we’ll work out over the next few hundred words.

The biggest difference between these two styles of sinks is the amount of abuse they can withstand.  Even the most secure wall mounted utility sinks won’t be able to put up with what a free standing stainless steel utility sink will.  Most people aren’t going to put enough weight on a sink to rip it off of the wall, but over time it might become loose or even bend.  If you want strength, go with a free standing unit.

A freestanding unit will take up more space than a wall mounted sink will.  It has a bigger footprint, but it’s not tough to figure out a storage system beneath the tub.  If you’re looking for something that’s up and off of the floor and allows more space, go with a wall mounted unit.

Wall mounted sinks cost significantly less than a full unit will.  There are a lot less materials that go into the construction, and because they’re smaller they cost a fraction to ship of what a free standing one does.  If you’re looking to get a stainless utility sink as cheap as possible, go with a wall mounted one.  To spend even less, go with a plastic utility sink.

If you plan on bringing your sink with you when you move, a wall mounted on will be tough to remove and fix up its holes.

The differences between the two different types of stainless steel utility sinks are pretty significant, so be sure of what you need before you figure out which sink you want.  These sinks last forever, so be ready to live with it for a really long time!

I should have set that post up like a 20 questions exam to determine the exact sink, oh well. :)

How To Find An Affordable Laundry Utility Sink

There are two camps when it comes to a laundry utility sink, those that want fashion and those that want function.  It doesn’t matter which side you’re on, you still should save as much money as possible on yours when you buy it!  In this post I want to offer some tips for finding both kinds of utility sinks so you can get exactly what you want at the price you want to pay.

I may be a little stereotypical when it comes to my judgment of your laundry sink needs, but it really helps me divide this post up so it makes sense!

Functional Laundry Utility Sink

When shopping for a sinks that’s designed to take a beating without leaking it’s actually pretty easy to get a smokin’ deal.  By design there isn’t a whole lot that goes into making this style of sink, so they start out more affordable than the fashionable type do.  Plastic sinks can be found for under $75 without much effort at all at your local hardware store.  They are usually much cheaper online, but unless you find a deal on shipping you’re going to end up spending just as much.

If you’re particularly resourceful, or just want to spend as little as possible, you can find these sinks used all over the place.  Whenever restaurants go out of business their sinks are usually sold at fire sale prices.  Stainless steel sinks last forever, but when inspecting a used sink like this be sure to check all of the welds.  The welds are the area that are prone to rust, and if it’s bad it will take serious repairs or it will break over time.

Fashionable Laundry Utility Sinks

For those on the other side of the fence, or just have their utility sink in a visible area, saving money on your sink takes a little bit more work.  The same principles that you would use to save money on your bathroom sink are used for these.

It’s important to note that there isn’t a lot of difference between quality of brands, if you’re looking at two sinks by different manufacturers with very different prices, odds are that the cheaper one will perform just as well as the expensive one.  Sinks are very low maintenance fixtures!

I always recommend that when people are looking for deals on sinks they shop online.  Your local Home Depot will have good prices on a few sinks, but online you can find any sink you want at a great price.  The trick to saving money online is shipping costs.  If you can get free shipping on your sink, you’re going to save a lot of cash!  It’s that simple, go find the sink you want and then keep searching until you find a retailer with shipping deals.

Upgrading or installing a new laundry room utility sink shouldn’t cost a fortune.  Save that money for your bathroom, kitchen, or bar sink – don’t waste on the laundry room!

What To Look For In A Utility Sink

When shopping for a utility sink there are some basic qualities to look for, as well as some that you might not have thought of yet.  Utility sinks are workhorses, but there are some important details that many skip over when shopping for them.  This post aims to help you see all of the things that you need to while evaluating your sink purchase.

The obvious quality when shopping for a utility sink is durability.  You want something that is going to last a long time without showing its age.  That’s why the most common materials are stainless steel and hardened plastic resins.  Materials like these can withstand whatever your family or employees can throw at them, without denting or breaking.  Another good thing about plastic and steel is that they are all one piece so you never have to worry about leaks.

One of the most important, yet overlooked, qualities is mold and mildew resistance.  This is why I never recommend ceramic as a utility sink.  It certainly looks better than steel or plastic, but will start growing mold almost the instant it’s installed in a damp basement or garage.  For those that want style in their utility sink, look into some of the fancier stainless designs to keep it clean!

Another thing to consider is whether you need a wall mounted, drop in, or free standing utility sink.  Each have their own benefits, like free standing sinks are more durable and easier to clean, but the other types are more aesthetically pleasing.  The amount of punishment your sink has to endure should determine what you choose.  Drop in utility sinks will, obviously, need a counter for them to be installed in.  Wall mounted sinks need strong studs for them to mount to or it will just fall right off of the wall.

Each type of utility sink will have models that will fit into your budget.  Plastic will always be the most affordable, but with some smart shopping you can probably find stainless ones at a great price.

Utility Sinks

Utility sinks are the tanks of your home’s fleet of sinks.  They take care of all of the projects that the other sinks are too dainty and frilly to do.

Would you wash off muddy work boots in the bathroom sink?  Don’t answer that.

These sinks will usually reside in the laundry room or in the garage, so they can keep a utilitarian style while fitting in with the rest of the decor.  Most are made from a hard plastic like polypropylene or stainless steel, which is ideal because you need a sink that won’t rust or mold and be able to withstand abuse.

This post is the first in a series that will look at different uses for utility sinks and their different styles.  Here we’ll give an overhead view of the different types and why they are built like they are.  You’ll find more posts in the series at the end of this post.

Stainless Steel Utility Sinks

Stainless steel sinks are the kings of the utility family.  They can take every sort of abuse that you can throw at them without flinching.  The unfortunate part is that you pay for that construction.  Most stainless utility sinks are full units that come with the legs and faucet, but base models will start at around $500.

These are the sinks that you need when you do serious work in the home and need something that can keep up with you.  If the worst their going to see is rinsing out paint brushes or washing muddy hands it may be overkill to buy a stainless sink, unless of course that’s the style you want!

Plastic Utility Sinks

I’m not sure if “plastic” is the right title for these types of utility sinks, but it’s essentially what they’re constructed of.  Not Tupperware plastic, but hardened compounds that are going to last as long as your home does.  They usually are in some shade of gray, and sometimes have a different colored gray speck in them.  Make no mistake, these aren’t “designer” sinks, they have a job to do and are dressed to go to work!

The plastic compound that are used are generally mildew and mold resistant, so they can work out in basements and damp garages.  When dirty, they’re extremely easy to clean.  It usually only takes a quick scrub with Comet or Ajax and they look brand new.

If you’re looking for a utility sink that is going to do the job that you can get at a great price, the plastic variety are for you.  Freestanding utility sinks start as low as $80 with the plumbing included, but not the faucet.

Freestanding or Wall Mounted Utility Sink?

Many people have a hard time figuring out which type of sink is right for their home.  The area that you’re installing it in is going to determine which you choose.  I usually will recommend a freestanding one whenever possible simply because they can withstand more abuse because they support themselves, rather than your walls.  With limited space, a wall mounted utility sink works best but may not be as secure.

Surprisingly, the price isn’t that different between the two types so you can find whichever you need with your budget.

Utility sinks are built to work, whichever type you choose, and are going to see years of dirty hands, paint brushes, boots, and everything else you can throw at them.  Buy the one that’s right for your home the first time, and never worry about it again.

Choosing A Cloakroom Basin Sink

Choosing a cloakroom basin sink is much more difficult than it should be.  There are thousands of different choices out there, and most of them look nearly the same!  How do you know if the cloakroom sink that you’re looking at is right for your loo?  This post will help you figure that out!

The first step is to take a look at what you already have.  If you have a wall mounted or corner cloakroom sink, that’s probably what you’re going to get.  Pedestal sinks can use another one of those or any number of cloakroom sink units.  Replacing what you have with a similar style makes installation incredibly easier.

The second thing to look at is how much space you have.  Many people will buy a small cloakroom sink, that is just too small and ends up splashing water all over the place every time someone uses it to wash their hands.  If you have a lot of space, use it!  Get a vanity that goes with the sink that allows you to have extra storage.  If you’re very limited on space, choose one that’s deeper than the norm so that the water doesn’t splash out so much.

Why do so many of the sink choices look the same?  Because they are.  That means that you can save money by choosing the generic brand instead of the designer one and get the same quality.  A sink is there to catch and drain water, and if it looks decent no one but you will know that it isn’t a designer brand!

Utilize your space, big or small, and buy the one that fits your budget, not your ego, to get the best cloakroom basin sink!

Which Cloakroom Corner Sink Is Right For You?

Cloakroom corner sinks are hot right now, and with some simple planning and smart shopping you can have the perfect one for your home or flat.  Not only do they look great, they have such a small footprint that they will fit into the smallest of bathrooms.  This post will show you how to figure out how big of a cloakroom sink you need as well as some great options that are currently on the market.

Cloakroom sinks are traditionally very small, and this is even more true with corner sinks.  How big does it really need to be?  The size of your bathroom will determine the appearance, but the sink has to be big enough to be able to wash your hands without flinging water all over the floor.  You can get away with a smaller sink if it’s deeper than normal, but the cutesy sinks that you see in the magazines just don’t make practical sense in the home.  Luckily with a corner sink, the wall is going to block half of the splash, so with a small sink you only have half the mess to clean up!

The hot designs right now are rectangle corner sinks that extend along the edge of the wall with the tap on the short side.  These aren’t the most functional sinks (see above) but they certainly look great.  Jones and Quadro are both two common manufacturers of this style of sink.

It doesn’t cost a lot of money to install a corner sink in the loo, these sinks are less expensive than their larger counterparts and take up a lot less space since they are out of the way.

Cloakroom Sink Units

Using a cloakroom sink unit, rather than trying to piece it together yourself, is a great way to save a lot of money.  The best thing is that it takes the worry about styling the pieces together yourself, instead you buy a cloakroom unit and you’re ready to go.  In this post I want to share a few details about these so you can make a better shopping decision when it’s time for your cloakroom sink.

The key to cloakroom sink units is their simplicity.  There is no fuss and pomp with most of these units, it’s the stand or cabinet and the sink (keep in mind that the tap rarely comes with the unit).  Space is limited in your cloakroom, so it’s important that these are as lean as possible.  Most will have a spot for a few towels and a wastebasket.  They won’t take up much space on the floor, so your small space isn’t compromised.

Be sure to watch for some plumbing differences if you’re upgrading to a sink unit from a pedestal sink.  Most pedestal sinks drain straight out of the bottom, but cloakroom sink units will usually drain into the wall behind it.

Cloakroom sink units take all of the thinking out of planning your room.  You get the unit, hook it up, and it’s ready for your next guest!  It really doesn’t get much simpler than that!

What’s The Best Small Cloakroom Sink?

Finding the best small cloakroom sink for your home can be tough with the thousands of different options that are out there.   In this post I want to help you understand how small of a sink you really need, as well as share some different options for small cloakroom sinks that will look great in nearly every home.

When outfitting your bathroom you have to think about what a sink is really going to be used for.  Overnight guests are going to need more than just a box on the wall so they can brush teeth and take care of morning business.  If you don’t plan on having overnight guests you can get away with a tiny sink because people are only going to wash their hands in it.  The biggest problem that you’re going to run into with very small cloakroom sink is that water is going to splash all over the floor when people wash their hands.  If that’s something that you’re okay with, the smaller the better!

I have a soft spot in my heart for wall mounted cloakroom sinks, it’s not that I don’t like pedestals but the wall mounted variety just seem to fit better.  There’s a new trend that has rectangular sinks stuck in the corner of the cloakroom.  This is a great choice because it makes use of your limited space while looking fantastic.  The best of these sinks are made by Amelie, Cheri, and Coco.  All of these brands pair both style and affordability in one compact cloakroom sink.

Small cloakroom sinks are perfect for flats and small houses, but first figure out how small you can get away with before going shopping!  It’s not hard to find the perfect one for you, but be sure to know what perfect looks like first!

How To Find Affordable Cloakroom Sinks

When making big improvements to your cloakroom, the sink is usually one of the first things that gets changed.  Unfortunately, cloakroom sinks can be very expensive, which can be hard to swallow when you think about how little use it gets compared to all of your other sinks.  This post will show you how to find a great deal on your next cloakroom sink so that you can make the improvements you need without spending a fortune.

Whether you’re looking at a wall mounted or pedestal sink, it’s important that you shop around.  There are tons of different options, that all look strikingly similar.  Here’s the thing that the big companies don’t want you to know; they’re really all the same!  The difference in price from one sink to the next doesn’t equal a major increase in quality, what you’re paying for is a brand name.  If you see two sinks that look exactly the same from different brands, but cost much different, you’re almost always going to be just as well off with the no-name brand.

If you’re shopping for these sinks online you have to find a shipping deal to save money.  Sometimes you’re going to pay just as much for shipping as you did the sink, so shop around until you find free shipping.  Another alternative is to shop with one of the big companies that allows you to get their online deals and then pick it up in store.  These are less common than flat out free shipping, but they do exist.

Save money by buying the generic brands and getting free shipping.  Do this and you’ll be upset that you never did it before!

Cloakroom Sink

On the surface, choosing a cloakroom sink seems like an easy job, until you realize that there are thousands of different choices online and in your city!  This post is aimed to show you the different common types of cloakroom sinks and how to save money on them.

Saving money on a cloak room sink is fairly simple, especially when you shop online.  The easiest way to do this is to understand that there isn’t a whole lot of difference between the designer and discount brands of sinks.  They are all made of ceramic and porcelain, white, and drain water from the faucet.  You’re not going to get much advantage from spending the extra money on a name brand, except for an ego boost (but you’re the only one that will know it’s a designer brand!).  In short, save money by shopping the no name brands!

Online you can save a lot of cash by finding the shipping deals.  Sinks are extremely heavy, and if you can get free shipping or be able to pick it up locally you’re going to save serious money.  Many online retailers will have a minimum amount that you have to spend before qualifying for free shipping, but most sinks will meet that minimum.  Be patient and shop around, you’re bound to find a great deal.

Pedestal Cloakroom Sink

The most common sinks for cloakrooms are the pedestal sink.  They are their own unit that doesn’t have a cabinet or mount to the wall.  Instead, the ceramic extends all the way to the ground, and the water drains through there.  Most times you’ll install these if you already have a pedestal sink because the plumbing has to run up through the ground, rather than the wall for most sinks.

A warning with pedestal sinks, have a drain that will catch things like rings and contact lenses!  If not, it’s nearly impossible to fish those out from that style of plumbing.

Wall Mounted Cloakroom Sinks

Another common style of small cloakroom sinks are the wall mounted variety.  These are what you’re used to seeing in the common cloak room, and easy to install and maintain.  They are mounted to the wall and have the traditional style of plumbing.  This makes it extremely easy to upgrade from the old sink to the new one.

Outfitting your cloakroom with the proper fixtures is important for your home and your guests.  Spend time browsing the different models, but keep in mind that the generic brands work just as well as the designer ones!

Triple Basin Sink

A triple basin sink that’s designed for home use can be hard to find.  In the restaurant industry these are called three compartment sinks and one basin is filled with soapy water, the middle compartment is for rinsing, and the third has a sanitizer mixture.  That’s probably not your intention at home, but these sinks tend to get in the way every time you’re searching for triple basin sinks for the home.  In this post I want to show you some cool features that many of these have, as well as where to find them at great prices.

Most of these sinks don’t have basins of equal size.  The most popular Kohler model, and many of the other high-end sinks, have two equal sized basins on each side, then a smaller one in the center that houses the garbage disposal.  This is a really cool and functional design because it keeps your dishwater clean by separating the food scraps while you’re trying to do the dishes.  This function is truly helpful for the serious cook!  The sinks that do have equal sized basins will have the garbage disposal in the center.

Like bar faucets, these seem like they’re more expensive than they should be.  You’re essentially getting a stainless steel sink with an extra divider in it, but it costs much more than a two basin sink.  For this reason it’s important to shop around.  If you’ve read any other posts on this site you’ll know the incredible amount of money you can save when you score free shipping on sinks (hundreds of dollars).  Sinks are big, heavy, and cost a ton to get to your door.

Installing a triple basin sink in your home is the ultimate gourmet addition.  Be smart and shop around a lot before you make a purchase so you know that you’re getting the best deal possible.

Glass Basin Sinks

Glass basin sinks are the epitome of bathroom coolness.  There aren’t many things that you can do a bathroom to make an impact quite like you can with a glass basin sink.  In this post I want to show you how to get gallery quality glass sinks without spending gallery prices.

Many of the larger sink companies (like Kohler) have started making glass basin sinks (also called vessel sinks) once the trend began to catch on.  The thing is, when you get a designer name you get designer prices!  What do you do instead?  Find a local glass artist.

Handmade glass basin sinks are going to be much higher quality than a store bought one will, and you can have it custom made just for you.  Each of these are going to be one of a kind and handmade through a process called fused glass that melts glass into a mold in a kiln.  Different colors and shapes can be melted into the glass.  This creates a true work of art in your bathroom.

Local artists are usually more willing to work with you and your budget than a big name artist will.  Which means that you can get the exact sink that you want (created just for you) at a price that you can afford.

You might be thinking that a glass sink will break easily, but they are very strong.  These sinks are much thicker than your windows or drinking glasses and can withstand normal use.  You have to be very careful not to drop anything large into them, but for the most part they will last a very long time without any issues.  Ordering online from most artists will get you a shipping and workmanship defect warranty.

Glass basin sinks are the most striking addition you can make to your bathroom.  Spend some time cruising the local art scene or online to find the perfect glass sink for you!

How To Maintain Your Bathroom Sink Basin

Sinks in general are very low maintenance, but are expensive, so it’s important that you take the proper steps to make sure that yours last as long as possible.  With proper care a bathroom sink basin will last longer than your house does!  But with poor treatment they can break, stain, and clog.  Read on to learn how to care for your basin sinks.

Routine cleaning is the key to making a sink last a long time.  This will prevent it from staining and growing mold.  The type of cleanser that you use is irrelevant as long as it gets a good scrub every couple of weeks.  Many companies claim that their cleaners work better than the others, but when it comes to sinks any of them will work fine.  If you’re looking to remove stains after not cleaning for a long time, try a cleaner like Ajax or Comet that is a mild abrasive to work the stains out.

If your sink is made of glass, all you need is a non-ammonia cleaner and a paper towel to keep it shiny and beautiful.

Copper sink basins require a special cleaner to prevent the finish from fading and it starting to tarnish.

Keeping a sink from clogging is an ongoing job as well.  Sinks that see lots of shaving and other hair are going to clog much faster than those that don’t so depending on your situation you may be doing this monthly or yearly.  Most people will jump straight into the chemical plumbers, like Drain-O, but these are nasty chemicals that you don’t want in your home or into the sewer.  All you need to do is get the plunger out and push all of the crap in the pipe out.  If it’s so bad that the plunger doesn’t do anything, try the chemicals but don’t make them your first choice.  After you get the pipes clear, plunge them whenever you notice the water beginning to drain slowly.

These simple steps will save you thousands of dollars in plumbing and sink replacements.  It’s not hard, it’s just a matter of doing it.

Which Sink Basins Are Right For Your Bathroom?

Finding the right sink basins that suit your bathroom can be a tough job.  There are literally thousands of choices, and many of them look the same!  How do you pick one?  In this post we’ll take a look at the different styles of basin sinks so you can figure out which is right for you and your bathroom.

The traditional sink basin is a top mounted ceramic bowl that is extremely easy to find an affordable replacement for.  It’s important that your replacement sink is the same size, or a little bit bigger, than the original.  A sink that is smaller will need a makeover on the counter to get it to fit, which is a pretty big project.  You can find these anywhere that sell sinks, like your local hardware store.

If you’re looking for something a bit fancier, look to under mounted basin sinks.  These mount underneath the counter and have a very clean look.  If you’re replacing a sink that was originally mounted on the top of the counter, there may be a little bit of work that is needed to the counter to get its appearance back in shape.

An even fancier choice is the vessel sink.  These require a major counter redo if you are keeping the existing one because these bowls rest directly on top of the counter and have a small hole to drain.  Vessel sinks are the ultimate in elegance and quality, but aren’t recommended for a bathroom that has heavy kid traffic because they break much easier than sinks mounted into the cabinet.

There are a few other types of sink basins, like farm sinks, but are less common in the bathroom.  The first step in any sink makeover is to decide which style you want, from there the color and manufacturer are easy to determine.

How To Find A Cheap Basin Sink

Replacing or installing a new basin sink is big expense, but one that you can greatly reduce with some smart tips.  Home improvement doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and with the tips that we’ll discuss below can be applied to almost anything in your home, especially basin sinks.

The first step to getting a great price on your sink is to know what style you want.  Have a clear vision of what it should look like, not the brand, and this will be your guide as you shop.  If you have a vision of a green glass basin sink, use that to help you find it.  There are thousands of different choices, and without a vision you’re just going to tread water while shopping!

Saving money online is the easiest way to go.  Basin sinks are available on big sites like Amazon, as well as individual retailers.  It takes a lot of browsing for you to get an idea of what your new sink is going to cost.  Once you get a feel for what it’s going to cost, it’s time to start figuring out how to save money.  The easiest way to save a lot of money is on shipping deals.  You’ll see lots of offers for free shipping but be sure to read them closely because most of them have a specific dollar amount that you have to spend before you qualify, which might not be a big deal if you’re buying a sink since they’re fairly expensive.  Basin sinks are very heavy, so if you can score free shipping you’ve effectively saved hundreds of dollars!

If you’re looking to shop locally finding a great deal on a used sink isn’t that difficult.  Look for salvage sales, or browse the newspaper, or use craigslist.  You might not be able to get the exact sink that you want, but it will be extremely cheap.

Another way to save money on high-end sinks is to find a local artisan to craft it for you.  This is most common with glass and copper basin sinks.  The trick is to find a new artist that is looking to build their business.  Many times they will make the exact sink that you want and only charge you a little more than the cost of the materials.

Use these simple tips to find a basin sink that matches your budget.  Be patient though, great deals will surface with some persistence and shopping around.

Basin Sinks

If you’re looking upgrade the basin sinks in your home the sheer number of options can be exhausting.  This is where ematerials.net comes into play!  Our job here is to help you wade through static and help you find the exact basin sink that you want.  This post will break it up into two sections – bathroom and kitchen – and from there we’ll show you the different options that are available so you can narrow down your choices to find the one that you want.  Shopping for a sink shouldn’t be as difficult as it is, but that’s the unfortunate side of high competition!  So read on and feel free to leave any comments at the end if you have a question that needs answered.

Bathroom Basin Sinks

Bathroom sinks have gone from plain white ceramic to a multitude of colors and materials.  The most basic basin sink is the white ceramic that mounts into the top of the counter.  This is the common choice when style isn’t important, like for rental properties or the kid’s bathroom.  If you’re looking for something more special than plain white, get ready for tons of options.

The common materials in bathroom basin sinks are ceramic, copper, glass, stainless steel, and granite.  The style that you choose depends on what you like, but you’re going to run into a chicken and egg situation.  Do you get the sink and design the bathroom around it?  Or do you design the bathroom and get the sink to match?  That’s an impossible question to answer, but the amount of work you want to do will help guide you.  If you want to remodel the entire bathroom, get the sink later.  If you’re looking for something simpler, get the sink first.

Bathroom basin sinks have a few different styles as well.  Vessel sinks are the ones that sit on the top of the counter, and are commonly made from high-end materials like copper or glass.  Traditional sinks are mounted to the top of the counter, and are what you’re used to seeing, undermounted sinks hide their top beneath the counter, and farm or apron sinks extend to the front of the counter.

That might have confused you even more with, but again the level of work you want to do will determine which you choose.  Farm and vessel sinks need custom vanities to use them.  Under and top mounted counters will probably work with the counter that you already have.  Deciding your counter or vanity’s future is the first step in choosing a basin sink.  Keeping it will reduce your choices, and installing a new one will open you up for whatever choice you want.

Kitchen Basin Sinks

Kitchen sink materials are the same as they are for bathrooms, but now you have the choice between single and double basin sinks.  Double basin sinks have the “wall” in the middle that is supposed to separate the water between soapy and clean for washing dishes (who does dishes by hand?).    Using a double basin sink requires that you have two drains, and only one of them gets the garbage disposal.  In my own opinion, I don’t see much advantage to a double basin sink and you lose a lot of space do to the basin divider.

The installation styles are the same as bathroom basin sinks, except for vessel sinks which are bathroom only.  You have a ton more choices when if comes to farm sinks in the kitchen.  But again, you need custom cabinets and counters to install these.

Before you go shopping for your new basin sink you have to figure out how big of a project this is going to be.  If you’re remodeling the entire kitchen or bathroom, your choices are only limited by your budget.  If you only want to install a new sink, your options are limited by the sink that you’re replacing.

What To Do Before Installing A Wet Bar Sink

If you’re considering installing a wet bar sink in your home, there are a few things you have to consider before starting this project.  Bar sinks are an incredibly popular trend right now, and they’re ending up in places other than the home bar.  For the sake of the home bar, which is generally in a room other than the kitchen, there may be more to it than you think.  This post is geared toward the DIY-type, but it’s still important to know this stuff before discussing ideas with the pro that will do the installation for you.

Whether you are installing your wet bar sink indoors or out, you’re going to need water.  I know that’s pretty obvious, but there’s quite a bit of work involved with getting running water to somewhere new in your home.  Water has to be run from somewhere nearby and to your bar faucet.  If you already have running water, consider yourself lucky!  If not, it’s best to get a plumber to help you out because this is the kind of project that has very costly mistakes, leaks and ruptures inside your walls are going to create expensive leaks and a possible flood.

With water running to your sink it’s time to consider actually installing the bar sink.  If you already have a sink there and don’t want to change your counter top, get a sink that is the same size or bigger than what’s there already.  If you get a smaller sink you have to figure out a way to fill in the extra space (not easy!).  If there isn’t a sink, your options are limited by the space on hand.  I don’t recommend that you do the cutting into the counter for the sink unless you are very experienced, it’s much easier to blame a carpenter than it is yourself!  After the hole is cut for the sink it’s just a matter of securing the sink and connecting the drain.

Having a wet bar sink in your home is awesome, but many people underestimate the amount of work that goes into installing it.  I don’t want to steer you away from installing a new sink, just understand what needs to be done.  If you aren’t comfortable with the work, hire a pro!

Small Bar Sinks

Bar sinks are small by nature, but when you’re looking for a sink with an even smaller footprint, those are available as well.  This post is aimed to help you find the small bar sink that you’re looking for by giving you the information about different types and materials.  Installing bar faucets and sinks is something that you only want to do once, so learn everything about them now so you don’t regret the installation later.

Small bar sinks are usually rectangle shape to maximize their footprint, and fall in around 12″x14″ with various depths.  Having a sink that is at least seven inches deep is important because anything shallower will splash water all over the place every time that you rinse a glass or wash your hands.  Larger sinks can be shallower, but when there isn’t the area to catch the splashing water you need something deep.

Stainless steel is the most common material of small bar sinks.  This is because of it’s neutral look, it blends with just about any style and theme that a bar can have.  It’s also very easy to clean and maintain.  Stainless is also more lightweight than materials like ceramic and copper so installation is easier, especially with an undermount bar sink.

Like with all bar sinks, small one vary incredibly in price.  There’s a good chance that you can find a stainless steel bar sink for less than $100, but it will take some searching.  Designer bar sinks will usually run upwards of $200-$300.  The key to saving money is to find the retailers that are offering free shipping.  Even though your bar sink is small, it will still cost a bit to ship.  Cruise around the web between retailers to see who offers this kind of discount, they probably only offer it for a limited time.

Small bar sinks are perfect for the home bar or as a prep sink in the kitchen.  Do some smart shopping online and you’re going to find the exact one that you want at a great price.

Undermount Bar Sink

An undermount bar sink provides a clean and sophisticated look to any home bar (or any sink for that matter).  The clean line of the counter that surrounds the sink creates a style that is hard to achieve any other way.  Bar sinks are a hot trend right now in interior design, and you can take that trend to the next level with an undermount sink.

In this post I want to show you what to expect when shopping for undermount bar sinks and what installation will be like when you decide which one you want.

Stainless Steel Undermount Bar Sink

A stainless steel undermount bar sink is the most common type that people choose for their homes.  This is because of their fantastic price when compared to copper, fireclay, or some of the other materials, and their light weight makes them much easier to install under the counter top.  An added benefit of these is the price of stainless steel bar sinks compared to other materials.  A stainless undermount bar sink usually costs less than two hundred bucks, but some of the more designer models cost a bit more, especially when you’re dealing with shapes rather than a square or circle.

Copper Undermount Bar Sink

A copper undermount bar sink is a good way to show that you have the finest, yet classy, tastes.  I’ve never seen a copper bar sink that wasn’t stunning, and when you combine that with the clean look of it being mounted under the counter you have the ultimate recipe for style.  While copper isn’t a precious metal, you do pay like it is!  Most undermount copper bar sinks are going to cost over $400, but that’s the price that has to be paid for something so exquisite!

Installing an Undermount Bar Sink

Most people will have their bar cabinets built to fit the sink that they want to install.  If you already have a bar and are looking to install the sink on your own, it’s not too tough but you’ll probably need the help of a pro.  Before you start cutting, you need to have the sink (socks before shoes), so figure out what size of sink you need and get it before starting any sort of installation.

I say that you need a pro’s help because cutting the hole in your counter top isn’t the kind of stress most people are willing to put on themselves.  Think of it like trying to cut a hole in the roof of your car to install a sun roof, you really don’t want to screw up!  There are also tools needed that you might not have, especially if you have granite or marble counters.  So hire a pro to cut the hole, you can do the rest.  Also figure out if you need to cut a whole for the bar faucet, and have the pro do that as well.

After the hole is cut it’s just a matter of test fitting the sink and securing it in place.

Undermount bar sinks are perfect in nearly any home, and now that you’ve read through this and have a good idea of what’s ahead you’re ready to start shopping!

Stainless Steel Bar Sinks

Stainless steel bar sinks are the standard for the home bar.  This stems from the fact that actual bars, pubs, and restaurants use stainless for their bar sinks because of it’s extreme longevity, ability to take the punishment of daily use, and ease to clean.  You probably don’t have the same needs as bars and restaurants do, but stainless bar sinks look great anyway!  In this post I want to show you how to get these sinks at bargain prices.

It might seem wrong to think this way, but you can take advantage of the poor economy by finding restaurants that are going out of business to buy their bar sinks from them.  Once the restaurant goes under and becomes the property of the bank they’ll go and sell all of the fixtures at rock bottom prices.  Keep your eyes peeled when out and about in your town to see who’s shutting down.

To take advantage of restaurants in a more positive light, you can ask owners/managers where they get their sinks from.  These will usually work great in your home, and you can be assured that a restaurant isn’t going to pay $300 for their sinks!  Restaurant supply stores commonly stock bar sinks, but you may need to be part of the industry to be able to shop there.

Shopping online is another great idea.  Here the selection will be geared towards the home buyer and you’ll find many more creative designs.  Hammered stainless steel bar sinks are becoming very popular and affordable online.  You’ll also be able to find undermount stainless steel bar sinks.

The trick to saving money online is shipping.  Stainless steel isn’t that heavy when compared to granite or ceramic, but if you can score free shipping you’ll save a good chunk of cash.  Many online retailers will have a dollar minimum that you have to spend to qualify free shipping, so if the sink that you want is less than the minimum search the other retailers.  Price gouging on shipping costs is becoming the norm online.

Stainless steel bar sinks are great anywhere in the home where you need running water, but don’t want the fuss of a huge sink.  The easy steps outlined above will help you get exactly what you want without having to spend a ton of money on it.

Copper Bar Sink

A copper bar sink is the ultimate accessory for any home.  Copper sinks are by and large one of the coolest ways to get water out of your house around, and it only gets cooler when it’s in your home bar!  Enough of my own copper sink envy.  They really are one of the most impressive things that you can add, and this post will show you how to get them without spending a small fortune on them!

Bar sinks are becoming a trendy addition to new and existing homes, and copper ones are what you get when only the best will do.  Another popular trend is the hammered copper bar sink that is created by hand and have the texture of the hammer that made it.  Either way you go it’s a stunning addition to any home.

In order to save money on your copper bar sink you have to have patience.  This goes for shopping online or in your town because when these go on sale you can pick them up at unbelievable prices.  If you don’t have time to wait for a sale, shop online because it’s much easier to find free shipping deals that will save you a ton.  Keep in mind that an 8″x22″x22″ copper bar sink is going to weigh at least 20 pounds and have a bulky footprint that will drive shipping costs through the roof.  Look for retailers that have offers for free shipping on orders over X amount of dollars.

If you must shop locally, look for local up-and-coming artisans.  Copper is becoming a popular medium for sculptures and metal workers, and they may be able to craft you a custom sink for a low price.  They get added experience and you get the perfect sink for your home, plus you can say that your sink was “commissioned” just for you!

Copper bar sinks are the best addition to a home bar that you can add, and if you follow the steps outlined above you can get it while still having enough money left over to stock the bar!

Bar Sinks

Bar sinks are for more places than just your home bar!  They are versatile and handy small sinks that can be used in nearly any room of the house that needs running water.  In this post I want to show you everything thing you need to know about a bar sink so when it’s time for you to make a purchase you’ll choose the one that suits both your home and your needs.

At it’s core, a bar sink is just a really small and shallow traditional sink, but it’s really a lot more than that.  They usually come with a single hole for the faucet, which fits bar faucets perfectly.  Their small footprint allows them to easily be installed into existing counters, as well as in corners.  All you need to do is get the water running!

Bar Sinks In The Home

The home bar is becoming a very popular addition and it’s not a “real bar” until you get running water in there.  A bar sink allows you to rinse glasses, get water, and clean up without having to continually run back and forth between the kitchen.  When you pair a faucet/sink setup with an ice maker you have the ultimate home bar!  There are two different styles of home bars, and both work great with bar style sinks.  The front serve bar is what most homes will use where the bottles and glasses are on a counter or wall unit that is accessible from one side.  Usually the sink and faucet will be to the side of this arrangement.   The other setup is like a traditional bar with a counter in the front and the wall with drinks and bottles behind.  With this arrangement the sink is usually centered behind the front counter.

If a bar isn’t your style, these sinks also work great in other areas of the home.  Many homes will have a sink set up just out of the way of the entry way or in the laundry room so kids and guests can wash their hands.  Having a bar sink in the kitchen, apart from the regular sink, with a water filtration system allows you to have clean drinking water on demand without using up the filter too fast with the regular faucet.

Bar sinks come in all of the standard materials; stainless steel, ceramic, fireclay, copper, granite, and concrete.  Brass sinks come in finishes like chrome and oil rubbed bronze.  They also come in the standard mounting arrangements; under mount, top mount, and in the cabinet like farm sinks.

Installing Bar Sinks

The hardest part with installing bar sinks is getting the water running into the room.  This can be made easier if the bar is placed along a wall that has water on the other side, like the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room.  If you’re unfamiliar with plumbing, I recommend getting a pro to help you out with this part.  Mistakes with running water into different rooms can mean serious flood damage.

The type of sink that you get will determine how it’s installed, but if you’re planning on building the bar where it’s going to be put in it’s best to have the sink beforehand so you can build it right in.  Most installations into existing counters require some reconstruction of the cabinet to support the sink, so you may need to call a pro for this part if you aren’t particularly handy.

How To Find Cheap Bar Sinks

If you’re looking to build your home bar on a tight budget shopping around on the sink will allow you more money to stock the finished bar.  The internet is the best place to buy bar sinks because the selection is huge when compared to your options at Home Depot or even specialty sink stores.  Saving money is easy when you have patience.  In many cases, the shipping is going to cost you almost as much as the sink will so if you can hunt for the retailers that are offering free or discounted shipping you’re going to save a huge amount of money.  Then you can start calculating how many more bottles of pinot you can afford to stock your bar with your savings!

Bar sinks are perfect for just about any home.  This post was geared towards the home bar, but they really work everywhere that you need a small sink.  The key is to plan beforehand so you can get the one that fits your home and your style, without busting your budget!

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