Recently, I replaced my bathroom sink. In order to select the most suitable sink, I did some research on bathroom sink heights. I would like to share my finding with you here, so when you are in the market to buy a bathroom sink it will help you find your perfect height sink to use comfortably.
What is the standard bathroom sink height? The standard bathroom sink height varies from 31 inches to 36 inches. This depends on the style of the fixture. For pedestal sinks, height range starts from 30 to 35 inches. But for vessel sinks, vanity tops, and undermount sinks the standard height ranges from 32 to 36 inches. For an ADA compliant bathroom sink, height must not exceed 34 inches.
Before installing a sink, we have to make sure its height suits the user’s needs. Let’s have a look at the available options to find your ideal bathroom sink within the standard heights.
Standard Bathroom Sink Heights
As I mentioned above, the heights of all types of bathroom sinks vary from 30 inches to 36 inches. The old standard sink height in the US was 30 inches. But lately, the 36 inches height has become the preferred height. The taller height is more comfortable for today’s average height and above average height American to use.
You might be wondering why anyone should bother about such a small detail. Well, for me it is because I am considered to be a taller than average person who happens to suffer from frequent back pains when I’m postured awkwardly.
In my case, I wanted a bathroom sink at a height of 34 inches or above. (you should bear in mind that If you are planning to resell your house, this can be a problem.) However, if you are tall, you will not have to bend too much when using the sink. It will help you to maintain your posture.
There are downsides to a tall sink as well. Sometimes you might end up spilling water all over you since you are not bent towards the sink enough. To avoid this, I suggest you measure the size of the sink and determine the ideal mounting height.
Do you have children? Especially preteens and teens who have not hit the growth sprout yet, using the same bathroom? In that case, the new taller standard height will not be as comfortable for them as it is for us grownups. So, to accommodate a mixed height household, your best option is to go for a 30 to 32 inches sink. If you are looking to equip your master bathroom, the choice is yours to make.
ADA Bathroom Sink Height
The standard sink height of an ADA compliant bathroom should be 34 inches maximum, according to the American Disabilities Act (ADA). The distance between the floor and the topmost point of the sink cannot exceed 34 inches.
Basically, in the American Disability Act, they have categorized the standard height for bathroom sink into three groups.
Kindergarten – Sink height should be 24 inches. Knee clearance to be at least 19 inches
Elementary – Sink height should be 29 inches. Knee clearance to be at least 24 inches
Adults – Sink height should be 34 inches. Knee clearance at least 29 inches
If you install the sink on a counter, you must place it as close to the front as possible. For a vessel sink, the ADA recommended height should be between 21 and 26 inches to the counter for a vessel of 8 inches in height.
Before deciding the best bathroom sink height for a home which has disabled people, you have to be concerned about the knee clearance space too.
Best Height for Bathroom Sink
The best sink height should ideally put the top of the sink at waist-high or couple of inches lower, depending on your height and how comfortable you are using it.
That’s why I wanted to measure, before deciding my sink height. So, I set up some boxes, one on one and placed the sink on. It must sound and look hilarious. But trust me, it is better to find the perfect height for me than to end up with body pain due to awkward positioning.
My opinion is that there are three factors to consider before deciding the best height for a bathroom sink.
- The average height of the users.
- Type of the bathroom sink you plan to install
- The placement of the mirror, its size and the distance between the mirror and the sink top.
1. Average Height Of Sink Users
As I said earlier, you should have a rough idea about the average height of the users before deciding the best height. If it is for a home, average height can easily be predicted.
If it’s for a public accessible bathroom such as an office, shop or restaurant, it is best to choose a sink of a height ranging from 30 to 34 inches as we can’t really predict its user heights. For kids’ spaces, it will be ideal to go for 32 inches or below, because it’s easier for them to reach the faucet.
2. Type Of Bathroom Sink
The type of the sink you choose is important when you decide the best height. If you are hoping to go for a pedestal sink, wall mounted sink or bathroom vanity, then you have to consider about the space and maintenance before deciding the perfect height. If you are going for a vessel sink, the height of the base cabinet/counter and the highest point on the sink should be highly considered.
3. Sink Mirror Placement
The third fact is that you must think about the placement of the mirror before fixing the bathroom sink. Usually, there should be 5 inches to 10 inches between the sink and mirror. If you install the sink too high, you won’t be able to see yourself properly through the mirror due to toiletry items you might place on the sink. And also, there can be problems when you install a faucet.
Wall Mount Sink Height
If your bathroom is small, a wall mount sink is the best option for you. More importantly, with this option, you can fix the sink at the most convenient height for you.
Even a wall-hung sink can be mounted at a height between 30 inches to 36 inches. It basically depends on your needs and preference. For an ADA compliant wall hung sink, the height has to be somewhere below 34 inches.
My personal opinion is that if you are planning to go for a 34 inches height or above, a wall mount sink will the ideal solution for you. It is easy to clean and maintain whilst leaving you enough space in the bathroom.
Standard Height For Bathroom Vanity Sink
The standard height of a bathroom vanity sink was 32 inches. But nowadays, vanity manufacturer make it to 36 inches as the new comfort standard height. However, as per the National Bath and Kitchen Association, standard height of a bathroom vanity varies from 32 to 43 inches. Its mainly focused on providing a convenient fit for a variety of users.
The manufacturers usually fix the height of a standard vanity sink to 32 or 36 inches. A vanity sink’s height is measured from the bathroom floor to the vanity countertop where the sink sits.
For more information, check our post on bathroom vanity height here.
Bathroom Vanity Height With Vessel Sink
If you are planning to install a vanity with a vessel sink, standard heights can be slightly different from other types of sinks.
You have to be concerned about the height and depth of the sink and also about the height of the vanity in order to decide the ideal vanity height for your needs.
You must remember that the height of the vanity should be below 30-32 inches. Because the 6-8 inches vessel will be included to the total height. Otherwise, the height of the sink will be too high and uncomfortable for almost everyone.
As per the National Kitchen & Bath Association, the height of a vanity ranges from 24 inches to 35 inches along with an 8-inch tall vessel.
Related Questions:
What is the rough-in height for a bathroom sink drain?
Rough-in Height is usually placed between 18 and 24 inches from the finished floor, depending on the varying counter heights and sink depths. It also leaves enough space for necessary connections.
What size is a bathroom sink waste pipe?
The size of a bathroom sink waste pipe should either be 1 1/4 inches (32mm) or 1 1/2 inches (40mm).
What is the standard bathroom sink height in UK?
In the UK, a sink is normally installed at height, not more than 29 inches (750mm). And they need to make allowances for a knee clearance height of 21 inches (530mm) under the sink.
Thank you so much for the different options. I have converted the different possibilities into cm and I have chosen myself a personalised height of 90cm.