Choosing The Best Vanity Sink for Multifamily Bathrooms

First, measure how much space you have for a vanity. You need 

• 15 inches from the vanity’s side to the toilet’s centerline 
• and at least 21 inches in front of the vanity, or 30 inches for those with mobility aids.

Leave at least 3 inches (preferably 4.5 inches) between the bowl cutout and the edges to avoid cracks on stone countertops like granite or quartz. 

Also, you can use narrower margins for laminate counters.

In either case, it’s best to leave at least 4-6” on either side of the basin, if possible. This will make the sink much more comfortable to use.

For undermount sinks, leave 1.5-2 inches of space on each side. Top mount sinks are simpler and need no extra space for installation clips.  

To prevent splashing, aim for at least 15 inches of side-to-side space inside the basin. If space is tight, consider a top-mount sink. Look for a sink with a minimum of 4 inches of water depth to help further reduce splashing. However, in lavatories with knee space designed for accessibility, you might need to opt for a shallower sink to accommodate the space requirements.

If you have a 48 x 30” area in front of the vanity, a parallel approach is typically acceptable under FHA and housing codes. However, if there is less space in front of the vanity, follow these ADA guidelines to keep the sink area accessible:

• The sink height is no more than 34” from the floor.
• There’s at least 30” of clear space under the sink for knees and toes.
• Knee space is 27” high and 8” deep.
• Toe space is 9” high and 17” deep.
• Pipes are covered to prevent injuries.
• The drain is offset to keep the knee space clear.
• The front edge of the vanity extends between 17-19” from the wall.
• There is a minimum of 30” of clear side-to-side space around the sink area.

To find more in-depth information, review the Fair Housing Accessibility Guidelines.

Check out our guide to ADA bathroom vanities.

So, what’s the best sink shape and style for multifamily bathrooms?

Undermount sinks are super stylish and give kitchens a smooth, high end look, which middle-income buyers love. 

Survey data from the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) indicates that undermount bathroom sinks are frequently among the top preferences for home buyers and renters. Including these sinks in your multifamily building could enhance its appeal and potentially increase your chances of making a sale.

They don’t have a visible rim, so wiping crumbs and spills right into the sink is easy, making cleaning a breeze. 

However, they do need strong countertops to support them and the increased labor required for installation can make the final bill a bit pricey. 

Top mount sinks are great when you need to save money. They sit on top of the countertop and are much easier and cheaper to install. 

They work with many different countertop materials and are perfect for projects with a tighter budget. 

So, which one should you choose? If your budget will allow it, we recommend using undermount sinks to make the bathroom look more upscale and modern, increasing your project’s appeal to buyers.

Picking the right sink shape for your bathroom is important, especially if you want to impress buyers. Rectangular sinks are stylish and very popular right now, giving a modern, high-end look that buyers love. 

However, they can take up a lot of space. If your bathroom is small, a rectangular sink might make it feel cramped. 

A round or oval sink might be a better choice for small bathrooms because they take up less room and still look great.

All in all, rectangular undermount sinks are the best way forward in most of the cases.