Sinks are essential to any kitchen or bathroom, and they can also be convenient in other areas like the laundry or utility room.
When it comes to the costs associated with installing a sink, a variety of factors will come into play, sink installation must be carried out by a licensed plumber, but that doesn't mean it necessarily has to be expensive.
How Much Does a Sink Cost?
The first cost will be the sink itself. You could pay as little as $50 for a small, basic bathroom drop-in basin. However, sinks can vary widely in cost, depending on their brand, the materials they're made from, and their quality or style. Expect up to $400 for a solid surface countertop designer bathroom basin.
In addition, you will likely be looking into replacing your taps. Again you will find a wide variety to choose from, at varying prices. A basic bathroom mixer tap can cost $30 or less, while a high-quality designer tap set will cost over $100. Kitchen taps start at under $40 but can go up to $500 or more for top-quality pull-out and spray mixer taps.
Types of Sinks
Here are the types of sinks available:
- Apron sinks – Because of their large sizes, apron sinks often need to have modified base cabinets for support. Your plumber may suggest using a carpenter for this. In general, though, installing these types of sinks will cost approximately $215.
- Tile sinks – Tile sinks are quite popular because of their impressive finish, but they also require a lot of work and time to complete successfully. Normally, you will also need the services of a tile setter. Installation costs for tile sinks are around $350.
- Stainless steel sinks – Stainless steel sinks can be installed in any area of the house or establishment. Stainless steel sinks do not rust easily and last a long time with low maintenance. With varied designs and sleek looks, they are popular choices. Cost varies from about $200 for a single basin stainless steel kitchen sink to as much as $3,000 or more for a prestige brand double basin stainless steel kitchen sink.
- Metal Rimmed Sinks – Metal rims that go around the edge of the sink are applied to sinks for various purposes. Since only the rim is applied, the fees are lower at around $170.
- Wall Mounted Sinks – These types of sinks do not need a cabinet underneath for support and are attached directly to a wall. The wall needs to be able to carry the weight of the sink though, so modifications to the wall and the pipes nearby may be needed.
Types of Taps
Nickel-finished tap fixtures cost around $170. Alternatively, fixtures with bronze or gold finish will generally cost nearly $200. The choice of fixtures will depend on you. Your plumber will be able to explain the choices.
Sink Mounting
There are a few methods for installing and mounting a sink.
- Overmount – This type of mounting option is also known as 'drop-in' since the sink is basically dropped into a pre-made opening on the counter, making it the easiest to install. In addition, this mounting style will require little (if any) modifications to the countertop or the cabinet underneath the installation site. This is the more budget-friendly option.
- Undermount – Popular because they add a nice touch and finish to a kitchen, especially for granite countertops. The absence of metal rims also makes it easy to wipe off dirt from the counter and straight into the sink. This type of installation requires a little more work than overmount (about an hour).
- Flushmount – This is where the sink is installed so that the sink and bench top sit flush. These typically cost the same as Undermount sinks.
How Much Does Sink Installation Cost?
There's not as dramatic a difference in the cost of installation as there is in the costs of basins, sinks, and taps. The installation site will affect the cost as some sites will be easier to work with than others. Issues with the preparation of the site, the time needed to complete the job, and the skills and effort required will also influence the overall cost of the project.
Installers quote rates from as low as $40 an hour. As mentioned, the site and mounting will affect the time and cost. As a general rule, a bathroom basin and tap set installation costs between $100 and $150, and a kitchen sink installation costs a little more.
How to Make Your Installation Cost Less?
Here are tips to make your sink installation cost less:
- Be flexible about the installation time and date. A local plumber may give you a better price if they can arrange to come at a time when they are working in your area.
- Have everything ready for them when they arrive. This includes any materials you are providing and making their work site clear of obstructions and as tidy as possible.
- Get competitive quotes
- Schedule all plumbing work for the same block of time rather than asking the plumber to make multiple trips to your home. If you are considering a bathroom or kitchen renovation in the not-too-distant future, then perhaps you can make do with what you have until then. That way, the installation cost will be somewhat absorbed by the other jobs the plumber has to do for you.
- You could buy the materials yourself rather than ask your plumber to purchase them for you. As long as you are willing to shop around and get a good deal then the costs should be lower, and all your plumber has to do is install them. This will make more of a difference for expensive/unusual sinks, basins, and taps.
