Are you planning a bathroom renovation? Then you’ll need to know how much a bathroom sink costs. A key component in any bathroom, the cost to get a sink that suits can vary wildly.
While a basic ceramic bathroom sink sits firmly at the budget-friendly end of the price scale, if you want a more exotic material, a larger sink or cabinetry to sit it in, you can pay a lot more.
But it's not just the cost of a bathroom sink that you have to account for. You’ll need to add in the cost of installation, and any extra plumbing if you need to move your new sink to a different location. Whatever you need to know, you can find the answers in this guide.
Factors that affect bathroom sink costs
When looking for a new bathroom sink, a host of factors will determine the overall cost. Material is a big factor in the price you pay, as Jamie Heath, plumbing specialist at Build & Plumb explains.
“Ceramic is typically the most budget-friendly material for a sink, whilst high-end porcelain, copper or stone can be significantly more expensive.”
Paul Kerr, building specialist at Beatson's Building Supplies, adds, “steel, composite, or cast iron are up on the next rung of the price ladder. And materials like glass, quartz or copper are a rung higher.”
However, it's not just the material that has a significant bearing on price, continues Jamie. “The size of your bathroom sink can make a big difference to the overall costs, with larger sinks or complex shapes requiring more materials and intricacy.”
Then you need to think about the location, explains Paul. “If you are replacing a pre-existing sink unit, you should expect lower costs than piping in a new sink somewhere else in the room.
"This is because you have to plumb in new lines, adjust the cabinetry/bathroom layout, and repair/clean the walls where the old unit was removed,” he explains. You can however save money by tiling a bathroom wall yourself.
Jamie is a highly experienced manager with over 24 years of expertise in the Plumbing & Heating sector. He now brings his knowledge to Build & Plumb, an online retailer, supplying top-quality products for DIYers, renovators, and trade professionals alike.
Paul Kerr is an experienced branch manager skilled in Management, Retail, Sales, and home building advice. Through Beatsons, he has seen everything from outdoor patio organisation to full rebuilds!
The cost of bathroom sinks
The cost of bathroom sinks can vary significantly, but ceramic bathroom sinks, which are typically the most inexpensive can be very pocket-friendly.
“More affordable models cost as low as £50," says Jamie Heath. “Mid-range sinks will cost around £100 - £250, and higher-end models cost £450 in some cases.”
Affordable bathroom sinks will last years if looked after, but, as they are typically made from lower-grade materials, they won’t have the durability of more expensive sinks made from premium materials like stone.
“They are resistant to scratches, so they retain their appearance longer," explains Jamie, but there is is a caveat he warns. “In some cases, these premium materials may actually require more specialised maintenance, rather than just regular cleaning.”
When introducing new modern bathroom ideas, you might want to consider other items, which will increase the cost, notes Paul Kerr. “Factor in the other necessary items, such as cabinetry and piping, and you can expect to hit the £800 - £1000 range.”
And don't forget the taps, either. These can easily add £50+ to overall costs, but a single tap like this Affine Modern Cloakroom Mini Mono Basin Sink Mixer Tap from B&Q can be bought for around £25 - £30.
Try these bathroom sinks for your next bathroom project
An easy-to-install rectangular ceramic cloakroom basin hand-washing sink with a contemporary, modern design. Finished with a high gloss glaze, it measures 370mm x 480mm x 130mm
A traditional design, this 515mm wall-hung two-tap hole traditional basin with upstand in gloss white is the ideal choice for bathrooms where space is at a premium. Includes a built-in soap dish.
A vanity unit featuring a two-door bathroom cabinet with a soft, modern satin finish and an integrated, sleek, rectangular shape ceramic basin with a refined thin edge and a single tap hole. Comes with a five-year guarantee
Cost to install a new bathroom sink
The cost to install a bathroom sink depends on several factors. Labour costs will vary, but as a general guideline, Paul Kerr says, “plumbers typically charge between £40 and £70 per hour. Replacing a simple sink setup should take no longer than two to three hours ideally,” he advises, so expect to pay around £150 - £250.
If the job is more complicated, such as needing new plumbing and cutting cabinets to fit, it will take longer. This can take up to a full day, so expect to pay around £300 - £350. The price will obviously go up if the job includes materials.
“To install a basic sink, it can cost around £350 for both materials and labour costs," says Jamie Heath, "whereas a more high-end bathroom sink installation can cost over £600, depending on the cost of the sink and any additional plumbing.”
A high-end sink like this Crosswater Circus Countertop Basin Brushed Brass from Victorian Plumbing will add style and class, but will significantly increase costs. If thinking of installing a bathroom sink yourself, make sure to check out our bathroom sink installation guide.
FAQs
How long does it take to install a new bathroom sink?
A like-for-like bathroom sink replacement won’t take long for a skilled tradesperson to install. “It can take less than an hour to install a basic bathroom sink with correctly positioned pipework," says Jamie Heath.
However, this will depend on whether the old sink needs to be removed and on how easy access to the pipes is. Even then, it should only take a professional a couple of hours. If installing yourself, double the time, especially if you are new to sink installation.
For more complex installations where pipework needs rerouting, and cabinets need to be built and fitted, installing a bathroom sink can take even a professional a whole day.
Can a DIYer install a bathroom sink?
This will depend on your DIY skills and the condition of the existing sink and pipework. says Jamie Heath. “If you’re installing a similar sink and your existing plumbing is correctly positioned, then a DIYer can definitely install a bathroom sink.”
“You will need access to basic plumbing tools," notes Paul Kerr. If you don’t have suitable tools, like this HAUTMEC 11-Inch Pro Basin Wrench from Amazon, you will need to invest in some, which will, of course, add to your costs.
However, if the job is not straightforward, the answer is probably no, warns Jamie. “For more complex sink replacements that require plumbing modifications or the installation of more complex sink designs, it’s best to hire a professional plumber”.
If you're renovating your bathroom, make sure that you check out our modern bathroom ideas and family bathroom design guides for inspiration. Also, check out where to buy bathroom flooring for great prices on top-quality, budget-friendly flooring.
