As the popularity of vessel sinks has grown, so has
the number of beautifully hand-crafted products that
practically demand exhibition. By sitting entirely
above-counter, vessel sinks can be displayed for
their beauty as well as their functionality. The
great thing about vessel sinks is they are not
reserved for use in any one type of bathroom. Modern
designs, conservative spaces, rustic décor and
everything in between can all be enhanced by a
vessel sink. Thus, the aesthetic this type of sink
accommodates is rather extensive.
A vessel can be installed sitting on the countertop
("above counter mounting") or it can be sunk down up
to a third or even half of its height. Some vessels
are actually a hybrid of a drop-in style sink and a
vessel – i.e. they are designed to partially sit
above the countertop.
For an above counter installation, you will need a
hole that is large enough to accommodate the drain
assembly. This is the plumbing hardware that allows
the sink to drain the water. If the bottom of your
vessel is flat, then the installation is
straightforward. The only thing we would recommend
is a bead of silicone under the sink and around the
edge to prevent water on the countertop from working
its way underneath the vessel. If the vessel has a
rounded shape – as with most glass vessel sinks –
you have two options. You can either use a vessel
mounting ring (sometimes these are provided with the
sink) or you will need to provide a mounting hole
directly in the countertop.
Mounting rings for vessel sinks can be easily found
at most home centers or online. They usually come in
several finishes that you can match to your faucet
and drain. A vessel mounting ring elevates the sink
from the countertop and helps with the stability and
seal of the sink.
Due to design considerations, a mounting ring is not
always desirable. If you want to mount the vessel
directly into the countertop, you will need a hole
that is at least 3” in diameter with a beveled edge
in the countertop material to accommodate the shape
of the bowl. You may want the hole to be more in the
range of 5” – 6” if the vessel is larger for
stability. Use clear silicone to provide cushion and
stability when mounting the sink. If you want to
lower the level of the sink you can simply enlarge
the hole. The larger the hole, the more stability
you will achieve in the installation. To experiment
with the size of the hole, use a piece of cardboard.
Start with a smaller size – say 3” – and work your
way up. This will give you a visual as to how far
down the vessel will be relative to the counter
throughout the size range that you choose. Be sure
to keep the height of the faucet you have chosen in
mind when making these decisions.
Whichever mounting method you use, you will want to
install the drain in the vessel before installing
the sink to the counter surface. Drains for vessel
sinks come in two basic configurations. Does your
vessel have an overflow? If so, you will need a
standard drain. However, most vessel sinks do not
have an overflow and will need a “vessel style
drain”. Vessel drains come in many different styles
and finishes. These drains do not have a “pop up”
assembly. Some are referred to as “grid drains”
(referring to the “grid configuration” on the top of
the drain). Grid drains were designed to let the
water flow out of the basin but catch larger objects
from heading down the drain.
A special caution for glass vessel sinks. If you are
installing a glass vessel, be sure to provide a
cushion between the glass and the counter. This can
simply be a bead of silicone or you may want to line
the hole in your counter with a small piece of
rubber material. In addition, be sure that you don’t
over tighten the drain assembly. Hand tighten only
and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The
breakage we see with glass vessels is usually
associated with an improper installation of the
drain.
To see hundreds of artisan crafted and designer
vessel sinks, please visit
Sinks Gallery.
You will find not only glass vessel sinks, but sinks
in granite, marble, onyx, copper, bronze, hand
painted ceramic and even wood. Or simply call them
1-877-320-0800. They will be happy to answer any
other questions you might have.
