How To Make A Vessel Sink From A Bowl?

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Well, making a vessel sink from a bowl is easy and wouldn’t consume much of your time even though you’re gonna do it for the very first time.

I’ve personally converted a bowl into a stylish vessel sink for a couple of times.

And, you know what, I really cherish the experience till date.

So, to begin with, first thing that you need to know is the steps involved in turning a bowl into a vessel sink.

However, you may have to face loads and loads of difficulties in completing the project only if you’re NOT using the right tools and procedures.

In the world of bathroom interior design, bowl sinks are known as vessel sinks.

Not only do they look appealing but also helps in adding style to the sinks.

In general, bowls are usually small so you need to consider where you’re interested in installing them.

From my past experience, all I can say is, vessel sinks may not be ideal for the kitchen but can do wonders for your bathroom.

In order to reap maximum benefits from a vessel sink, you must consider some important factors including style to install as well as the faucet position for the optimal results.

Steps Involved in Turning a Bowl Into a Vessel Sink

Frankly speaking, irrespective of whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned professional, all you need to do is to expedite simple four steps to turn a bowl into a vessel sink.

All the steps that we’re gonna discuss are quick, easy, and less time consuming.

We’ve been recommending these steps to our clientele and the responses as well as the feedbacks that we’ve received are enticing and positive.

So, without any further ado, let’s begin…

Choosing a Suitable Bowl

The bowl that you’re planning to choose must be made up of porcelain or clay in order to reap maximum benefits.

Unfortunately, you can’t the same result from every type of materials used for manufacturing a bowl.

The bowl that you want to convert into a vessel sink must be of right size and material.

Simply because your bowl is lying ideal doesn’t mean that it can be converted into a vessel sink.

We at izzysmarthomeguide.com recommends our clients to consider the countertop to use in order to maximize the end result.

Before we proceed further, do let us know in the comment section about what your preference – vessel sink mounted underneath or on top of the countertop.

Bowls can be made from a wide range of materials including glass, stainless steel, clay, cast iron.

However, when it comes to converting a bowl into a vessel sink, it is always advisable to choose the material that is durable, easy to clean, great for use, etc.

I’m not denying the fact that bowls made up of delicate materials can’t be converted into a vessel sink.

Nonetheless, how successful they will be while serving you is a question mark?

So, it’s a good idea to keep yourself away from bowls that are made up of materials such as clay, crystal, and glass.

At the sametime, you must understand that the cracked and chipped bowls are REALLY difficult to fix.

In fact, you don’t have an option but to replace a cracked or chipped bowl with a newer one.

All I want to say is choose your bowl wisely.

If you’ve decided to convert a glass bowl into a vessel sink then make sure you choose tempered glass in order to prevent any last minute misadventure or unprecedented situation.

The tempered glass lasts longer and is safer than the common glass.

Some other materials that makes durable bowls includes enameled cast iron, metal, ceramic, and stainless steel.

Moreover, the bowl should blend well with the room’s color and interior decor.

Construct the Pedestal

The pedestral is an crucial location as sink rests here.

You can construct it easily without any hassle.

It is nothing but a vertical rectangular shaped structure made from four pieces of wood that is joined together.

In order to make the pedestal’s size perfect you must be well-versed with the bowl size.

To begin with, you must measure the bowl’s height and width and make a pedestal that will allow the vessel sink to rest on top as it supports the sink’s base.

Furthermore, the bowl should sit snugly, therefore ensures that you trim the wood’s curve.

In order to access the inside of the pedestal, you don’t have an option but to remove the sink’s center base.

Once done, you simply needs to put pipes.

To be honest, installing the faucet through the bowl’s body is a hassle-free task only if the pedestal’s size can allow it.

However, if that isn’t the case, then you don’t have an option but to run it from behind.

Make the Vessel Sink

After making the pedestal, it’s time to prepare the sink.

Since your sink needs to contain a water filter so you need to have a hole for it.

It’s good to make a hole where the pipe from the pedestal can fit and enter into the bowl.

Measure the pipe’s diameter to guide you on the size of the hole to drill.

You’ll need to use a masonry drill bit a bit larger than the pipe’s diameter.

Make a hole on the bowl’s bottom.

Ensure that it gets drilled at the bowl’s center.

Make sure that you make the hole from the bowl’s bottom.

The bowl may get damaged by the heat or force while drilling the hole.

Request someone to help you spray it down to prevent this.

Install the Sink

After drilling a hole into the bowl’s bottom, start assembling the sink.

Start by fixing a pipe through the pedestal.

Secure it around using waterproof epoxy.

The next thing that you need to do is to pick the bowl and place it on the pedestal’s top.

Once done, take the pipe from the pedestal and put it through the bowl’s hole drilled at its bottom’s center.

Use a marker to trace the pipe’s circumference and cut along the marked area.

After putting the pipe through the bowl, use waterproof epoxy within the bowl and out within the pedestal to secure it.

Then adjust the bowl to sit properly.

Ensure you wipe away any epoxy that might have spread around.

When through, take the water filter and place it inside the bowl.

Your vessel sink is ready to use.

Installation Style

In this post, we’re gonna discuss two major installation methods for a bowl sink.

In fact, installation can be done above or beneath the countertop.

You may have a manufacturer’s template for hole cutting in the countertop for both installation styles.

If not, use the bowl to indicate where to cut.

How to Install a Vessel Sink Using the On-Top Installation

First, take the bowl and place it at the center of the countertop.

Use colored masking tape to mark the bowl’s outline of where it sits.

If the countertop comes with a hole, use it to trace the countertop’s circle.

On the traced circle, drill a 3/8-inch hole.

A saber saw, or any other ideal driller will help you with the hole.

Now it’s time to take the bowl and put it upside down.

Run a selant line on its bottom.

When through, turn it over and align the bowl’s center hole with that on the countertop.

Then ensure the tape marks on the countertop and bowl aligns. Ensure the bowl is well secured to the countertop.

How to Install a Vessel Sink Using the Set-In Installation

Start by turning the bowl upside down and placing it at the countertop’s center.

Moving further, you need to mark the bowl’s rim on the countertop.

When through, take the bowl and keep it aside.

Then, draw a line of ¾ – inch from where you’ve drawn the first line. Inside this second line, drill a 3/8 – inch hole using a saber saw.

Now it’s time to take the bowl and place it in the hole in such a way that it fits perfectly.

When it does, turn it upside down and apply sealant under the bowl’s rim.

When you’ve run a proper line of sealant under the rim, turn the bowl to sit properly.

Then insert it on the counter hole, pressing it gently to sit properly until the rim rests on the countertop. Ensure the bowl’s top seals tightly on to the countertop.

Make sure you give enough time for the adhesive to dry before sealing the bowl by caulking its outside edge to the countertop.

It doesn’t matter the installation style you go for; the drain and faucet connection is the same as illustrated in the above step by step guide.

Needless to say, it’s easier to install the faucet before the bowl.

Drill its hole on the countertop.

Afterward, install the bowl and connect it to the water line and drain. Your vessel sink is ready for use!

Most sinks found in homes and other places like restaurants and hotels get made with stainless steel.

You could have a stainless bowl you want to turn into a vessel sink but don’t know where to start.

No need to fret; here is a step by step guide on how to do it.

How to Turn a Stainless Steel Bowl into a Vessel Sink

Just by following the below-mentioned steps, you would be able to turn a stainless steel bowl into a vessel sink.

Prepare the Bowl

If you don’t have the stainless steel bowl, get one from your nearest store. Stainless steel bowls cost less. It can hardly affect your budget. Then turn it upside down and drill a hole using a drill bit. Because the drill bit usually heats up fast, spray some WD 40 to cool it. Ask someone to help you with the spraying as you drill the hole.

The drilled hole should be the size of the strainer you’ll use. You need to measure your strainer’s size first before drilling. Most strainers are usually 1.25- inches.

Insert the Strainer into the Bowl

After drilling the hole, turn the bowl over and insert the strainer into the made hole. The strainer should fit into the hole, and its rim should sit comfortably on the bowl’s bottom around the hole.

If the fitting is okay, but an adhesive under the strainer’s rim and above the hole where the rim sits. Press the strainer’s rim to seal with the bowl part around the hole.

Prepare the Countertop

If your countertop doesn’t have a hole, you will need to drill one. Use the owl to know where to make the hole. Start by placing the owl at the center and mark its sides.

Then mark the center where the bowl sat and drill a hole. But if it comes with a hole, ensure it’s the same size as that of the strainer.

Mount the Sink

The sink could get mounted on or below the countertop. It depends on your preference. The process is no different from the one discussed above.

As advised earlier, connect the faucet before installing the bowl. Then connect to the pipes. The water source connection should be the last.

Test your newly installed stainless steel bowl sink b opening the faucet and checking out the drainage. If all are working out well, you’ve done an excellent job.

If not, disassemble the sink and install again without skipping any process. Ensure all parts are properly fixed.

FAQs

In this section, I would be responding to the queries related to how to make a vessel sink from a bowl in order to help you in the best possible way that we could.

In case, I’m not able to cover your question, feel free to reach to pen down your queries in the comment section, and our team will be more than happy to respond to it at the earliest.

Does it make sense?

Can I make a vessel sink out of a bowl?

Yes, you can easily make a vessel sink out of a bowl.

However, for the success of the vessel sink, you must choose the bowl material correctly.

In simple words, the bowl material must be durable and budget-friendly.

What can I use for a vessel sink?

There are numerous materials that are used for making a vessel sink including fired ceramic, glass, stainless steel, stone, copper, or marble.

In terms of popularity, glass and ceramic vessel sinks are the ones that steals the show.

How do you turn a wooden bowl into a sink?

I’m attaching a self-explanatory video for your perusal.

In case of any doubts or queries, feel free to reach out to us, and our core team would be more than happy to assist you in the best possible manner that they could.

Is it hard to install a vessel sink?

From my past experience, I can affirm that installing a vessel sink is quick, easy, and less time consuming.

All you need to do is to follow the instructions depicted in the video which is self-explanatory in nature.

What is a vessel sink?

Well, a vessel sink is simply a sink which is installed in the bathroom in such a way that it sits on the top of the vanity countertop.

On the other hand, undermount sinks are installed under the counter.

What is a semi-recessed vessel sink?

As the name suggests, a semi-recessed vessel sink is the one in which part of the sink is mounted above the counter and the other part is mounted below the counter.

When it comes to installation, a semi-recessed vessel sink is difficult to install as compared to a simple & ordinary vessel sink.

In fact, for a perfect mount, a semi-recessed vessel sink requires a precision cut in the countertop.

However, a semi-recessed vessel sink comes with its own sets of advantages including overall height of the vanity with sink is less than a vanity with a top mount vessel sink.

Can a vessel sink be fully recessed?

Unfortunately, not all the vessel sinks can be recessed into the countertop.

Well, if you want to fully recess a sink then you must buy one that has rim on it.

The rim is of utter importance as it provides a way for the sink to attach to the top when fully mounted.

Needless to say, the installation process is both complex and time-consuming as it requires a precision cut in the countertop.

What are the pros and cons of a vessel sink?

If you’ve made up your mind to add a vessel sink to your bathroom then its my humble request please go through the pros and cons as it will help you in making an informed purchase decision.

Pros

Adding a vessel sink to your bathroom adds that “WOW FACTOR” that you might be looking for in terms of style and design
If you’re doing things right, then installing a vessel sink will not consume much of your time and all the steps involved are easy to expedite
And, the best part is, you gain counter space by having the sink mounted on the top, interesting, isn’t it?

Cons

If you’re NOT maintaining your vessel sink properly then cleaning it can be a nightmare because water as well as specks of dirt can get stuck in between the base of the vessel sink and the countertop
Since the edge of the vessel sink is exposed so you can’t deny occurrence of durability and sustainability issues

Is a mounting ring necessary for a vessel sink?

To be honest, mounting rings aren’t necessarily required when it comes to installing a vessel sink.

At the same time, you need to understand that mounting rings are REALLY important for the sinks that have a round or curved base.

Such sinks need the mounting ring to stabilize the bowl on the countertop.

In fact, mounting rings are most commonly used for lightweight sinks such as glass, or even custom pottery sinks.

Can you put a vessel sink on any vanity?

Definitely, you can put a vessel sink on any vanity but their are strings attached to it.

For putting a vessel sink on any vanity you may have to deal with certain issues such as current plumbing, height of the cabinet, whether it has an existing countertop or not.

The best thing that you can do is to purchase vanities that were designed for vessel sinks.

What if you can’t find a cabinet that fits your style, then in that case, the next best option that you’re left with is to buy a vanity cabinet without a countertop.

If you’re planning to do any such thing, then it is equally important for you to understand that you’ll need to get a custom top fabricated and installed.

In fact, it can have your fabricator prep the top for a vessel sink.

But its important to consider the height of cabinet, as placing a countertop with a vessel sink on top can add 6 – 8 inches to the overall vanity height.

Plumbing issues arise if you need a wall mount vessel faucet, as this will require new plumbing lines in the wall. This is more complex than simply replacing a deck mount faucet.

Do vessel sinks have an overflow?

As per my experience and knowledge that I’ve acquired over two decades, most of the vessel sinks don’t have an overflow drain.

However, there are some exceptions to it.

In fact, an overflow drain does require a sink drain with overflow so you need to make note of this when shopping vessel sinks.

It’s A Wrap Up

First and foremost, I would like to thank you for being with us till the end.

Secondly, I would like to bring to your notice that I along with my core team have put loads and loads of effort in coming up with this idiosyncratic superlative piece of information on the topic, how to make a vessel sink from a bowl.

And, in case, you liked our effort and wants to appreciate us then please do share this post with like-minded people and the ones who are searching for it.

After all, sharing is caring, isn’t it?

Cutting long-story-short, choose the material for your bowl that is durable and long-lasting.

At the same time, you need to understand that all the materials aren’t equally good for making a bowl.

The price too vary largely so choose the bowl that not only caters to your requirements but also falls well within your budget.

The process of turning a bowl into vessel sink may seem complicated & tedious, but if you’ve gonna thoroughly through the post, you can easily realise that it’s easy and less time consuming.

Simply, by following the aforementioned steps, you can easily make a vessel sink with a bowl.

If you’re using right tools then probability of taking the help from a professional wouldn’t be required.

Trust me, it is an excellent DIY home project.

In case, you need any help do reach out to us via the contact form of the izzysmarthomeguide.com, and our core team would be more than happy to assist you in the best possible way that they could.

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