Having a sink made of ceramics, artificial stone and steel in an apartment is commonplace. Today, the global industry offers another material that is not used so often - wood.
A long time ago, this material was available to everyone. But not so long ago it moved into the class of elite raw materials. Not everyone can afford to install a wooden bathtub or sink in their home, because the cost of such products is quite high, and the sink itself requires special care.
If you decide to purchase a wooden sink, first read the care instructions and study the properties of a stone sink.
I want a wooden sink!
Men often encounter this request when discussing the design of a bathroom or kitchen with their spouse. If we turn to history, it will remind us that for many centuries, barrels and other ancient vessels for liquids were made from wood. This material is environmentally friendly.
Many men can make their own tub or washbasin. But, unfortunately, this product will not last long. That is why humanity was forced to make washbasins and sinks from other materials that are strong and durable. Today such sinks are available to everyone. But many people want to diversify the interior by including wood products. For fans of eco-style, a wooden sink or bathtub will be suitable, which will be combined with plumbing fixtures made of bronze or chrome.
Types of artificial stone sinks
In addition to shapes and sizes, modern models differ in the type of texture. These include:
- imitation of natural rock;
- Varieties of color scheme and structure.
Based on their shape, shells are divided into:
- rectangular;
- square;
- round;
- oval.
The photo of stone sinks in the interior shows the best options for decorating a bathroom.
In addition, they are divided according to the type of fastener into:
- floor The support is made of stable legs. They have several height positions, which allows you to adjust the location of the sink to the required level;
- wall-mounted They are fixed on the plane using special brackets.
- decorative. The models are made from high-quality materials with the addition of natural rock chips. Thanks to this, luxurious shimmers appear on the surface that will not leave anyone indifferent.
Variety of raw materials
It has long been known that wood is a durable material. To make a wooden sink, carpenters use wood that has proven itself in shipbuilding.
Any wooden sink looks interesting in the interior, but only noble species have a special charm. Their special texture will appear only with high-quality manual processing.
Materials
Wood is a natural material. Like all living things on the planet, it is associated with water. From seed growth to wood processing, water is always present somewhere nearby. In the old days, ships were built from wood, wood was floated down rivers, and some types of wood were processed by soaking or flooding. For example, oak gains special strength after prolonged soaking, so the myth that wood cannot be combined with water does not stand up to the test of facts.
Over time, craftsmen experimentally determined which tree species are most suitable for interacting with water. Nowadays, sinks are made from the following materials.
Oak
One of the strongest types of wood, which gains additional strength from water. It was from it that the first water pipes were made in medieval Europe. Oak has a wide range of shades, which allows you to choose the perfect option for every taste.
Teak
Valuable material that has a high rubber content. Thanks to this property, teak sinks have additional water-repellent properties. The oily substances in this wood prevent the formation of fungus and mold. When exposed to water, wood does not darken over time, maintaining its original shade.
Bamboo
Durable material with a wide range of colors from the lightest to richest dark shades. Bamboo is somewhat cheaper than oak and teak, since it does not fully fall under the definition of “wood”.
Hardwood
The most economical option, since products made from them are not so refined and durable. However, the wood of maple, birch, acacia or walnut can be easily processed, takes any shape, and under the influence of special compounds it becomes quite durable. The production method uses the method of pressing and gluing small particles of wood, impregnation with wax and oils, and lamination. But the product can also be made from solid wood with subsequent processing and impregnation.
Teak
This tree contains a lot of rubber, so teak products are durable. The thing is that rubber has water-repellent properties. This type of wood is resistant to aggressive environments, which means it will be particularly durable. An interesting fact is that teak wooden sinks are not susceptible to mold and mildew.
Advantages and disadvantages of different sink shapes
Speaking of sinks, it is worth mentioning the fact that they come in different shapes: round, oval, rectangular, square, asymmetrical and angular.
The edges of almost all models have a rounded shape, which is necessary to ensure the proper level of ergonomics and maintain cleanliness.
Oval and rectangular sinks are most common. If the bathroom has a large area, then rectangular sinks will fit best there.
Monoblock units, including a sink and countertop, are suitable for luxury-style rooms.
The width of a bathroom vanity varies depending on the size of the room.
Sinks with cabinet
This option has become especially popular due to the additional storage space in the cabinet. This is especially true if the bathroom is limited in size.
The cabinets can be equipped with two or three doors. The height of the shelves inside the cabinet can be changed, which allows you to choose the best option for placing items of different sizes and shapes. The cabinet can be made on legs or floor-mounted. The option with legs is used if the bathroom has an “electric heated floor” on which heavy objects cannot be placed.
Corner bathroom sink
Such sinks can be made in two versions: with a cabinet or a wall-hung version (mounted to the wall).
Corner sinks have a number of advantages: they visually expand and make efficient use of space, and fit organically into high-tech or classic styles.
Corner pedestal sinks have the disadvantage of being impractical from a space-saving standpoint, but the trade-off is that they fit perfectly into almost any space.
Criteria for choosing a wood-look sink
- Cost: this is one of the main criteria when purchasing a product. For those who are not limited in funds, you should purchase washbasins made of teak or oak. As mentioned above, products made from this material give the bathroom a special charm. There is no need to skimp when purchasing wooden sinks. The cheapest washbasin will soon have to be thrown away. You understand perfectly well that there are no miracles on earth.
- Sink Sizes: For large and spacious bathrooms, room designers choose oversized vanities. If the restroom does not have a large space, then you can choose asymmetrical wooden sinks. Thanks to this move, useful space will be saved in the room.
- Environmental friendliness: when choosing a wooden sink, you should pay attention to how the wood is treated. If the washbasin is covered with a mixture of oils, then it is natural. Most often, the manufacturer coats the product with synthetic varnish. Please remember that such an item does not come with a warranty.
Properties of stone sinks
| Behind | Against |
| The surface of the sink is resistant to aggressive chemicals | High price compared to a stainless steel washbasin. The cost may be two to three times higher. |
| Closed waterproof surface | Products made from low quality material do not tolerate sudden temperature changes |
| No noise when water touches the surface of the sink | If the sink is intended for the kitchen, then it is strictly forbidden to place very hot pots, pans, etc. |
| There are no white streaks left from water | High product weight |
| High temperature resistance 180-280 degrees Celsius | |
| Even if bacteria multiply on the walls of a stone sink, there is no smell | |
| Stone sink retains color and brightness | |
| Wide range of models | |
| Possibility of making a custom-made washbasin | |
| High strength and long service life (more than 10 years) with proper care | |
| Mechanical damage is eliminated during restoration |
Caring for a Wooden Sink
In order for your special sink to serve you for many years, you need to take proper care of it. To ensure that your product makes you happy every day, pay attention to our tips:
- Do not place very hot dishes on the sink.
- Do not pour boiling water.
- Avoid and do not use abrasive, acidic or alkaline cleaning agents, especially chlorine.
- To clean the sink, use a soft sponge with antibacterial soap. It can be replaced with a neutral detergent.
- To ensure that the surface of the sink remains as bright, it is necessary to do preventive treatment once every three months. To do this, you need to purchase special products: wax or oil.
- Do not place sharp objects in the sink.
- To prevent the washbasin from darkening over time, the modern chemical industry offers protective agents. Chemical reactions occur differently in each wood. Teak is the least susceptible to darkening.
How to make your own wooden sink
If you decide to make a washbasin from wood yourself, then the first thing you need to think about is what material your product will be made of. Most often it is made from ordinary wood. To do this, you will need to apply not one, but several layers of varnish, which is used to treat wood.
Experienced craftsmen think in advance: “How to cover a wooden sink?” This is a valid question. VO impregnation (water-repellent) will come to the aid of the master. Thanks to it, moisture will not be able to penetrate the surface of the product. Remember that teak wood will never change color under the influence of water, but for this you need to coat the washbasin with a special oil.
If you have the opportunity to make an oak sink, then this would be an ideal option. It's all about the wide range of wood shades that range from dark to light.
One of the most affordable types of wood is bamboo. It is durable and available in colors and textures. The cost of bamboo is significantly lower compared to teak. Therefore, this type of raw material will be within the means of a home craftsman.
Variations of kitchen sinks
Before installing a sink in the kitchen with your own hands, you need to understand what types of this thing there are.
Countertop sink
The overhead variation is the cheapest, and therefore the most popular. Moreover, such a structure is very easy to install. You just need to take a pre-purchased sink and put it on the cabinet.
The only drawback of such a structure is that there are small gaps between the sink itself and the cabinet.
Drop-in sinks
This option is used much less frequently. When installed, the sink cuts into the countertop itself. To do this you need a corresponding hole.
Undercounter sinks
Undermount sinks are generally used quite rarely. These structures are quite expensive, they are attached at a level below the table top, so they provide excellent sealing and visually look very attractive.
Recommendation! If you have to install a sink made of natural stone or other heavy or fragile material, then it is better to call someone else, because this is the only way you can eliminate the possibility of damage to the item. If you suddenly drop a sink, it most likely will not end very well.
