You can transform your favorite bowl into a vessel sink. Turning a bowl in a vessel sink is possible and we show you how.
Vessel sinks are perfect for small bathrooms and do not require too much space. They completely change the overlook of your bathroom, adding a contemporary touch to your interior.
Vessel sinks made from bowls are a popular option. A few right tools, some craftsmanship, and a bit of creativity are all you need to turn a bowl into a vessel sink.
The best thing about these sinks is that you don’t have to worry about fitting them within cabinets. This reduces almost half of the hassle of fixing a sink yourself.
You can incorporate them into any design and theme. Hand-hammered metal bowls make a great fit in contemporary as well as classic settings. You can use them on any type of vanity.
How to Make a Vessel Sink from a Bowl
Step 1: Selection of Bowl
The selection of the bowl is the most important part on which the later planning rest. You can use any spare bowl at home if it is wide and deep enough to fit your hands, as these vessel sinks are mostly used to wash hands.
Making a vessel sink from a serving bowl is not unheard of. If you already have a bowl, that cuts the cost considerably as well.
However, you have to see too many things like the size and material of the bowl. Not any material will do. Of course, aesthetics are your concern, but here, you need to see what is practical as well.
Remember you have to cut the hole into the bottom of the bowl to drain water. Though we strongly recommend you not to choose a too delicate material like glass or clay. First, you have to be extra careful, or it can break while cutting the hole.
Second, these are hard to fix. You can choose a bowl made of tempered glass that is more durable and safe. A Bowl made of stainless steel is an excellent choice for converting to a vessel sink. Once you have selected the bowl, you need to cut it from the bottom to allow a drainage pipe.
Step 2: Cutting a Drainage Hole
You will need a drain stopper and a drainage pipe. Pop-up drain stoppers look good in vessel sink and enhance their beauty.
Once you have the drain stopper, measure it with an inches tape carefully. You need a hole in the bowl where the drain pipe fits in snugly, so proper measurements are important.
Note down your measurements. Draw a hole first in the center of your bowl. You can draw the drainpipe diameter around this hole to make sure it remains in the center. You can use marker tape and then use the inches tape to draw the drain pipe’s diameter on the base.
Drill hole in the base using a hammer drill. You have to be extra careful as the bowl can get damaged if it’s a clay, porcelain, or glass-made bowl.
Step 3: Building a Pedestal (optional)
Building a pedestal is optional. If you simply want to place the bowl sink on your existing countertop or vanity, a pedestal is not essential. However, if you need to replace your existing sink between the countertop, you may need to build a pedestal.
Building a pedestal for the vessel sink is easy. You need the measurements of the bowl to make a pedestal. You can take four pieces of wood and join them together to form a vertical and rectangular structure. Remove the sink base and adjust the pedestal in there. Fit the bowl on the top and trim the sides and curves.
Step 4: Installing Drain Pipe
We already have cut a hole in the bottom of the bowl. Install the pop-up drain in it. Use waterproof epoxy to fix the drainage pipe within the bowl. Now install the bowl on a pedestal using the waterproof epoxy to sit on the pedestal securely.
Step 5: Installation on Countertop
Installation on the countertop is the final and most crucial step. You can install the sink above or below the countertop. You can read the manual of your countertop to know what the manufacturers recommend. Use their manual to cut the hole in the countertop.
Turning a Stainless Steel Bowl into a Vessel Sink
The stainless steel vessel sink gives a contemporary look and remains very durable as well. Turning it into a vessel sink is an excellent idea if you already have a stainless steel bowl. It is easier to maintain and remains in pristine condition for a long with basic cleaning.
A stainless steel bowl is also durable, and you can cut the hole in the bottom without fearing a breakage. You may have a stainless steel bowl idling in your kitchen cabinet or choose one from the store at a very affordable price.
Turning your stainless steel bowl into a vessel sink is like other vessel sinks. You need to :
- Make sure your faucet is installed in advance. Installing it can be difficult if you have already installed the bowl.
- Make a hole in the bottom of the stainless steel bowl for the drain pipe
- Fit the strainer inside the hole and seal it with sealant
- You can set the bowl on the countertop with ontop or set in installation.
- Seal the bowl with a good sealant on the countertop
- Let it dry and connect the drain top with the pipe.
You can make your own vessel sink if you have a spare bowl at home. Any bowl will do the job if it is strong enough to handle the drilling of the hole for the drain pipe.
Clay and glass bowls look very modern but are difficult to work with. So, make sure you choose a sturdy bowl so that the vessel sink remains functional for a long time.
Stainless steel bowls are durable and easy to maintain as well. The process of installation remains the same for any bowl. Make sure you have your faucet installed in advance.
You can install the faucet and vessel sink on a vanity table as well. Just unleash the creativity inside and renovate your bathroom decor cost-effectively.
