KOHLER K-2196-4-0 Pennington Vitreous China Traditional Bath Sink, 20-Inch

Buying a bathroom sink has become more complicated than it was in the past. There are so many different sizes and styles, including some that rest atop your counter like a giant bowl. If your home came with sinks already built in, you might not even think about sink design until someday you need to replace it. Then it’s time to start measuring.

As much as you like that round or rectangular basin, the truth is, you’ll likely have to go with one that fits the cutout in your countertop unless you want to do some construction work. That means simply measuring the countertop and the space available for your sink. You’ll also have to measure the clearance between the edge of the countertop and the backsplash to make sure you’ll have plenty of space for your sink to fit.

From there, it’s a matter of deciding on the type of installation. Drop-in sinks, as the name implies, simply drop into the cutout, usually with the rim hanging over the edge of the cutout a little. These are the easiest to install since you only have to slide the basin through the cutout, mount it and attach the water connections beneath. There are also undermount sinks that you attach beneath the countertop. These are slightly more complicated to install, but they do have an attractive look.

• As durable as porcelain can be, take care when cleaning. Scouring pads and rougher brushes can scratch the surface. Instead, use a soft cloth and non-abrasive cleansers.
• Some bathrooms have two sinks, which means you’ll need to buy matching basins and faucets for each.
• Look at the installation process. Some sinks are heavier than others, which means you may need a second pair of hands to help you get it into place.
• Shapes can vary with sinks. Some are round, while others are rectangular. If you’re constructing your countertop from scratch, look at this before you build because you’ll need to ensure your countertop is compatible with the sink shape you’ve chosen.
• Although porcelain is fairly durable, some sinks feature additional glazing to help protect against stains and chips.
• Many modern sinks are built with overflow protection built in. This is a small opening in the drain that promotes flow in the drain while the sink is full. With overflow in place, when you release the drain plug to empty the sink, the water flows out more quickly.
• If your sink comes with a pop-up drain, make sure the design of the drain matches your faucets, as well as the rest of your bathroom décor.