Knowing how deep your sink is may seem like a pointless tidbit of knowledge, but when it comes to knowing how and where to place your pipes and drain, it's essential to understand how deep your sink is, so you don't get the wrong measurements and sizes of other items. We're going to give you some averages, and teach you how to measure the depth of your sink accurately!
Since there are so many different kinds of sinks, the depth from one sink to another will vary based on manufacturer and model. Most bathroom sinks will fall between 5 to 8 inches deep, which is the metric equivalent of 10.16 to 20.32 centimeters deep.
You might still have a few more questions, so we're going to provide some examples, and hopefully give you the answers you are looking for.
Sink Type and Depth
There are essentially three main kinds of different bathroom sinks. While there are additional kinds of sinks aside from the following examples, these are the most popular.
Self-Rimming Sink
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Self-rimming sinks are typically between 4 to 6 inches deep. They are also probably the first most common kind of bathroom sink. If you own a home in a subdivision or other typically inexpensive home, there is a good chance that this is the kind of sink that your house came with. However, just because self-rimming sinks are the most common, that doesn't automatically mean that there is something wrong with them.
They are reasonably cheap (as far as sinks go), and they are easy to replace, which makes them a favorable choice for people remodeling their bathrooms. Since they are held in place by resting on the countertop, they can be exchanged for similar sinks made of different materials with minimal effort, making it easier to upgrade!
Because of how they are attached to kitchen counters, they are also easier to keep clean. Since the entire body of the sink that is regularly exposed to moisture is above the countertop, there are no nooks or crannies where hidden dirt or mold to hide, with the only exception to this generally being the overflow. Click here to see if you have an overflow!
Undermount Sink
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An undermount sink is on the opposite end of the spectrum from self-rimming sinks. They are installed from underneath the counter and require customization and time to install or replace. These can be found in some of the newer homes, but there are still less common than the self-rimming sinks.
Undermount sinks leave a nice straight drop from the countertop to the sink, so if you spill somewhere, there is a good chance that it might just drain into the sink, instead of being deflected by a lip and spilling onto the floor. This will also give your bathroom counter a sleeker, more streamlined appearance.
You can be more creative with undermount sinks in the placement of the sink itself, and with the installation of the faucet. It will also be easier to clean your countertop since you won't have the lip if a sink getting in your way. You will need to stay mindful of the crevice between the top of the sink and the underside of the counter when you clean. Undermount sinks are generally on the deeper end of the spectrum, typically coming in at 12 inches or deeper.
Pedestal Sink
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Pedestal sinks are common in smaller bathrooms or bathrooms that don't have tubs or showers. They are great for saving space, although there are some obvious compromises, such as a lack of storage space and the absence of a countertop.
With a pedestal sink, what you see is exactly what you get, which could be considered useful. An excellent choice for minimalist designs, these sinks are great for eliminating countertop clutter and keeping clean. There are virtually no seams for dirt or debris to get caught in, which makes them incredibly easy to clean.
The part of the sink that connects to the floor exists to help hide pipes and drains, while also serving as a support for the sink. Pedestal sinks are one of your more expensive options since they are one giant piece of hardware, instead of a smaller sink purchase. The depth of pedestal sinks is comparable to self-rimming models, putting them at around five inches deep. Pedestal sinks are usually made of White Vitreous China, though this isn't the standard. Click here to find out what sinks are made out of!
How Do You Measure Bathroom Sinks?
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The answer to this question will vary based on the type of sink you have, so use the example above to help!
Self-Rimming Sink
Using a tape measurer or ruler, measure from the deepest part of the sink to the rim of the sink. Then measure from the back of the sink to the front and then from one side to the other. Make sure to get the depth measurement, as an incorrect depth measurement could make it difficult to install a new sink. Last, make sure that you have completed these measurements for the inside the sink and outside. You'll have two sets of measurements for width and length, but you'll still only have one for depth.
Undermount Sink
An undermounted sink is measured in all the same ways as a self-rimming sink, but you need to make sure that you include the measurement from the sink to the countertop as well, since the sink is installed from underneath, and doesn't sit on top of the counter.
Pedestal Sink
Measuring a pedestal sink is a bit different than measuring other types of sinks since the entire structure is part of the piece you will be purchasing. You are going to take all the standard measurements of sink depth, width, and length. You will then measure the height from the floor to the top of the sink for reference. Something additional to consider is the measurement of the holes that have been drilled into the sink area for the faucet and other hardware. You're going to want to make sure that whatever you are purchasing in both of those categories are compatible with each other, or else you are going to find yourself returning products you loved.
What is the Standard Size For a Bathroom Sink?
Bathroom sinks have not been standardized, which means that there are no criteria (as far as measurements go) that apply to every sink. However, most sinks will still fit within a specific set of sizes, but those measurements are averages, not the standard.
A bathroom sink will typically be between five to eight inches deep, sixteen to twenty-three inches front to back, and nineteen to twenty-four inches from side to side. The wide variance exists due to the different manufacturers and models.
Are All Bathroom Sink Drains the Same Size?
They are not! Although bathroom sinks are generally not standardized in their measurements, bathroom sink drains will usually fit one of several specific measurements. 1.25 inches (1 1/4), 1.5 inches (1 1/2), and 1.625 inches (1 5/8). In centimeters, these measurements are 3.175 centimeters, 3.81 centimeters, and 4.1275 centimeters.