Despite all the advances in bathroom vanity designs in recent years, the pedestal sink is still enormously popular as a sink option in bathrooms, especially powder rooms (i.e. smaller bathrooms).
While on the face of it pedestal sinks may seem fairly basic, the fact is the variety of options is enormous. Pedestal sinks vary in size, color, finish, material, style and shape.
In fact, while the traditional white ceramic pedestal sink is still popular, there are so many other styles you can choose from. Frankly shape and material dictates the appearance significantly (think glass, wood or metal pedestal sink).
Moreover, pedestal sink design continues to evolve along with interior design evolution. As modern design grows in popularity, there are now many modern pedestal sinks available.
Below is our pedestal sink buying guide in which we set out the key variables to consider when buying a pedestal sink, photo examples of the different types followed by a detailed video tutorial on how to install a pedestal sink.
Benefits of Pedestal Sinks
- Look fabulous;
- Easy to clean;
- Many options – size, style, color and material. You can incorporate something unique and beautiful in your bathroom; and
- Fairly small so they are a terrific option for small bathrooms (i.e. powder rooms);
- Inexpensive options; and
- Perfect for powder rooms.
Disadvantages of Pedestal Sinks
- Hot and cold water come out of different faucets (if you get the 3-hole pedestal sink). This disadvantage is eliminated if you get a 1-hole pedestal sink;
- Can be trickier to install because of having to conceal pipes in a smaller space;
- Lacks storage space; and
- Lacks countertop space.
Best Types of Bathrooms for Pedestal Sinks
While our gallery of bathrooms with pedestal sinks showcase some master bathrooms with pedestal sinks, generally pedestal sinks are used in powder rooms. The reason for this is it’s nice to create a showcase with your powder room (often used by guests) and you don’t have the same bathroom storage requirements in a powder room.
Here’s a photograph of a powder room with a pedestal sink that really makes the powder room:
Types of Pedestal Sinks and Criteria to Consider
A. Pedestal Sink Dimensions
Because pedestal sinks remain popular, especially for powder rooms (which is a standard room in today’s homes), there are many, and I mean many pedestal sink options available.
When choosing a pedestal sink, there are several variables you must consider. They are the following.
1. Basin Width
Basin width refers to the width of the basin (i.e. indebted) portion of the pedestal sink.
2. Basin Length
Basin Length refers to how deep the sink is.
3. Overall Width
Overall width refers to the width of the entire unit.
B. Pedestal Sink Style & Design
1. Faucet Hole Number
Refers to whether it’s a single hole faucet of three hole faucet. A three hole faucet has the spout plus two knobs for water control. A single hole faucet has water control built into the spout.
2. Colors and Finish
There are several pedestal sink and finish options available. The following is a chart setting out the most popular colors and finishes.
3. Pedestal Sink Materials
I think it’s super cool you can buy pedestal sink basins in a variety of materials including ceramic, glass, granite/stone and metal. The array of designs and materials is impressive allowing you to make your bathroom look terrific just from the pedestal sink you choose.
4. Pedestal Sink Shapes
There are 6 main pedestal sink shapes. They are rectangular, round, oval, square, U-shaped and of course specialty shapes.
C. Types of Pedestal Sinks (Picture Examples)
Here are photo examples of the different types of pedestal sinks:
Traditional Pedestal Sink – See More
Wood Pedestal Sink – See More
Modern Pedestal Sink – See More
Metal Pedestal Sink – See More
Granite Pedestal Sink – See More
Contemporary Pedestal Sink – See More
Ceramic Pedestal Sink – See More
3-Hole – See More
1-Hole – See More
D. How to Install a Pedestal Sink
Once you have your pedestal sink, how do you install it?
You have 2 options:
Option 1: *Go here and hire someone.
Option 2: Bust out your toolbox and get to work.
Here’s a brief video tutorial followed by a text and image tutorial.
The following is a set of screenshots from the Lowe’s video setting out in step-by-step detail how to install a pedestal sink.
A. How to Remove Bathroom Vanity and Sink
1. Turn off water supply.
2. Turn water on to relieve water pressure.
3. Loosen Nuts of Pedestal Sink.
4. Disconnect Water Lines from the Valve.
5. Cut Sealant Along Backsplash of Vanity.
6. Lift Sink and Counter Off Vanity Cabinet.
7. Remove Screws to Remove Vanity Cabinet.
8. Consider Installing New Plumbing While Installing New Pedestal Sink.
B. Installing the Pedestal Sink
9. Find Out if Your Pedestal Requires a Support Board – See Instruction Manual.
10. Mark Sink Height on Wall.
11. Cut Out Part of the Wall Board.
12. Install Support Board with Screws.
13. Mark Center Line on Wall and Floor.
14. Make a Mark 10 Inches from the Wall – Accounting for the Base Board.
15. Position the Pedestal on the Mark.
16. Set Sink Tight Against the Wall.
17. Ensure the Sink is Level.
18. Adjust Pedestal As Needed.
19. Mark the Sinks Anchor Holes on the Wall.
20. Mark Pedestal Hole on the Floor.
21. Remove Sink and Pedestal Aside and Drill the 3 Holes.
22. Install Hanger Bolts in the Wall.
23. Secure Pedestal to the Floor.
24. Attach Faucet and Drain Before Setting Sink on Pedestal.
25. Position Sink Over Hanger Bolts.
26. Ensure Sink is Level.
27. Secure Sink with Cap Nuts and Washers.
28. Reconnect the Drain.
29. Reconnect the Water Supply.
30. Check for Leaks.
31. Consider Adding Mirror and Lighting Fixture.
Screenshot tutorial source: Lowe’s on YouTube