7 Pros and Cons of Pedestal Sinks

The Pros and Cons of Bathroom Pedestal Sinks

Whether you’re looking to make a stylish statement or maximize space, pedestal sinks are a great option to consider for your bathroom. These space-efficient sinks provide you with everything you need without the added accessories you might not have space for or want. 

With so many bathroom sink options to choose from, it can seem daunting to find the best fit for your bathroom space. But we’re here to help! Today’s blog examines the pros and cons of pedestal sinks to help you check another box off your to-do list.

Here are a few things to consider when deciding whether a pedestal sink is right for you.

Pros of Bathroom Sink Pedestals

The pedestal sink dates back to the early 20th century when they were the sink to have in your home, both for use and as a statement piece. Large bathrooms weren’t a thing, so it was important to fit everything into a compact space. 

The concept of a pedestal sink hasn’t changed that much over the years — it’s a sink perched atop some type of pedestal or column, also known as the leg.
What has changed significantly is the variety of styles and designs available for pedestal sinks. What used to be the standard bathroom fixture you may have seen in your grandparents’ home is now available in sleek, modern, or classic designs.
You could even design your own pedestal sink. There are truly no limits to what’s possible with these sinks.
Choose a pedestal sink to:

  • Make the most of space. In a small, tight bathroom space, a pedestal is one of the most efficient choices for the best use of space. Particularly in a half-bath or powder bathroom, the pedestal often makes the best use of the floor plan and takes up less space than a traditional vanity.
  • Create a beautiful focal point. A pedestal sink can make a design statement in a room where function often comes before form. Aesthetically, a pedestal allows for more open space, which helps to create an airy and spacious feeling.
  • Maintain authenticity. For historical or period-style homes, a pedestal sink is a must to create a bathroom design that is in harmony with the time period. There are countless styles of sinks to accommodate every style, from Victorian to Farmhouse.
  • Keep it simple. Most pedestal sinks are a single, fluid piece, making them easy to clean and maintain. The simplicity of a bowl atop a pedestal eliminates the buildup of clutter typical of a traditional bathroom vanity.
    In a powder or half bath, where the only function needed is a place for washing hands, a pedestal sink is a perfect choice to keep things functional, streamlined, and calm.

Cons of Using a Pedestal Sink

Adding a sink pedestal isn’t the solution for every bathroom space. Here are some common drawbacks to using a pedestal:

  • There’s a lack of storage space. The top deterrent for sink pedestals is the absence of storage. It’s true that with the simplicity of the design, there is no storage like that of a traditional vanity.

    Depending on how your bathroom is used, this could be an issue. In a powder bathroom, however, storage isn’t as necessary and is easily remedied by installing cabinets or shelving.
  • The installation has a few requirements. While the pedestal may appear to support the sink fully, it is actually attached to the wall behind it.

    This means that the wall must be strong enough to support the sink, sometimes requiring an extra brace. The drain pipes and the supply lines also run up the wall behind the sink, not through the base. 

Installing a Pedestal Sink

As mentioned in the previous section, installing a pedestal sink isn’t as simple as you might think. Instead of relying on the leg for support, the sink is installed against the wall, with the leg being the only reinforcement. 

Many homeowners choose to get reinforcement in the form of a plumber or company that installs sinks. These professionals have the tools — like hacksaws, levels, pliers, and tubing cutters — required for such an undertaking. That’s not to mention the parts you need for the sink installation. There’s a lot to keep track of, including:

  • Spout
  • Pop-up stopper
  • Pop-up flange
  • Gasket
  • Washer
  • Lock nut
  • Tailpiece
  • Pop-up waste assembly
  • Slip nut
  • Washer 
  • P-trap
  • Actuator arm
  • Cover
  • Elbow
  • Washer
  • Escutcheon
  • Lift rod
  • Faucet valve
  • Acorn-head supply tube
  • Waste pipe
  • Compression nut
  • Ferrule
  • Angle stop

And if one part isn’t installed correctly, you could have water spraying everywhere. If you’re looking for an easy sink to install, a pedestal sink may not be your best bet.

Choosing Your Sink

Of the listed pros and cons, it comes down to what you need for your home. You could be an expert DIYer, or you might already have plans to call in the professionals. It might match your aesthetic perfectly and complete the powder room or bathroom of your dreams. It’s a win-win. 

Or, the cons might outweigh the pros. A pedestal sink might not be the best choice for your bathroom. And that’s okay! — there are tons of sink options out there. Either way, we can help. At Mountain States Kitchen & Bath, we have many great sinks — pedestal or not — from which you can choose.

Mountain States Kitchen & Bath Can Help

Our team of experienced professionals has the skillset you need to recommend what would work best for your bathroom and install the sink so you can enjoy your bathroom without worrying about how all the parts go together. We’ll help bring all the components together for a beautiful room. 

As Utah’s top choice for bathroom remodels, we serve clients from Springville to Draper, Utah, and everywhere in between. Let us help you build or renovate the perfect bathroom to go with your home. Contact us today for a free estimate!

Kitchen With Wooden Cabinets Stained In A Rich Color, Adding Warmth To The Space
Cabinet
admin

How to Stain Your Kitchen Cabinets

Starting a kitchen makeover may feel like climbing a mountain, especially when your wallet says, “Slow down,” but your heart screams, “Let’s go!” Your kitchen,

Read More »