Concrete is a versatile material. It can be used to make stylish and durable things for bathrooms. With some skills and techniques, you can make your own custom concrete sink.
This is a fun DIY project for your bathroom. This guide will show you how to design and build a concrete sink step-by-step.
Making your own sink is special. You can make any shape you want. Choose a cool design that fits your style. Store sinks look the same. Yours will be unique! Concrete is very tough and hard to stain. It lasts a long time. And costs less than buying a fancy sink.
Before you start, plan the sink size and shape. Make sketches to get the look you want. Gather the tools and materials.
You’ll need a concrete mix, a mold, trowels, and more. Use a plastic tub or build your own mold. Mix up the concrete. Then pour it in carefully. Let it dry fully. Then you can take it out of the mold.
Add any finishing touches. Like smoothing the edges or sealing the concrete. Install the sink in your bathroom.
Connect the drain pipe. Add the faucet. Then you have an awesome new concrete sink you made yourself! It’s easier than it sounds. Follow the steps in this guide to create your own concrete sink.
Benefits of a Concrete Bathroom Sink
A handmade concrete sink offers several advantages:
- Unique look and style you won’t find elsewhere.
- Can be molded into any shape or design.
- Extremely durable and stain-resistant.
- Lower cost than purchasing a pre-made concrete sink.
- Ability to match other concrete bathroom elements.
Data Source: fixr.com
With concrete, you can create modern, industrial designs of flowing organic forms, making a concrete bathroom sink a versatile choice for a one-of-a-kind focal point in the bathroom.
Design Considerations
Before starting your concrete sink project, plan out the details:
Size:
Measure your vanity space and determine the ideal sink size. Standard is 20-25 inches wide and 16-18 inches front to back.
Shape:
Rectangular, oval, and round sinks are common. Consider creative options like geometric, wave, or asymmetrical shapes.
Depth:
Standard is 4-7 inches deep. Deeper sinks fit larger faucets. Ensure proper drainpipe fit.
Drainage:
Decide on a bottom or rear drain location. This affects installation requirements.
Faucet Style:
Pick a focal faucet and ensure your design accommodates it.
Edge Profile:
Determine thick, thin, beveled, or rounded sink edges. To do this, you’ll need to sketch concepts and refine the visual design before construction.
Required Tools and Materials
These basic supplies are needed for a DIY concrete sink project:
- Concrete Mix – Fast-drying mix like Quikrete works best.
- Sink Mold – Use a plastic tub, box, or customized mold form.
- Mixing Tub – 5-10 gallon tub for mixing concrete.
- Mixing Stick – Sturdy wooden stick to blend concrete.
- Water Source – Garden hose or buckets to add water to concrete.
- Finishing Trowels – One metal, one plastic for smoothing.
- Safety Gear – Gloves, goggles, and masks to protect from concrete.
Optional materials include concrete dye, decorative aggregate, sink drain components, and waterproof sealant.
Constructing the Concrete Sink Mold
The sink mold forms the shape for the wet concrete to set into. Simple molds include:
- Plastic storage tub cut down to size.
- Cardboard or wood box lined with plastic sheeting.
- Flexible container like an inflatable baby pool.
For unique sink shapes, build a custom mold form:
- Cut plywood or medium-density fiberboard to size.
- Assemble into shapes with wood screws.
- Seal mold interior with plastic, vapor barrier, or foam.
- Brace exterior with wood or metal supports.
Leave an open top for pouring concrete and access for troweling the interior finish.
Mixing the Concrete
For best results, use a concrete mix that sets quickly, within 30-60 minutes. This allows mold removal and finishing shortly after pouring.
- Add dry concrete mix to the mixing tub as directed on the package.
- While blending the dry mix with a stick, slowly add water until the concrete reaches a thick, and flows easily when stirred.
- Mix for 2-3 minutes until smooth and lump-free.
- Optionally, add concrete dye, decorative rock, or glass chunks during mixing.
- Do not overwater, as this weakens the concrete.
Move quickly once the ideal concrete consistency is reached.
Pouring and Finishing the Sink
- Spray the mold interior with water to prevent sticking.
- Pour concrete into the mold, tamping occasionally to release air bubbles.
- Screed off the excess from the top once the mold is filled.
- Float the surface closed with a metal trowel.
- Use a plastic trowel to smooth the interior surface.
- Edge the corners and rim with tools to create defined lines.
- Cover the surface with plastic to retain moisture while the concrete sets.
- Allow the concrete to fully cure in the mold for 24-48 hours.
Remove mold once the concrete has hardened and can support its weight.
Installation and Sealing
To complete your concrete sink:
- Clean away any mold residue or dirt.
- Seal interior surface with waterproof concrete sealer.
- Attach sink to vanity with silicone adhesive.
- Connect the drain pipe and p-trap below.
- Ensure the drain slopes slightly for proper flow.
- Make cuts for faucet holes or mount the faucet on the deck.
- Allow sealer to fully cure before use.
Take precautions when lifting the finished sink into place. Get help moving heavier designs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How thick should a concrete bathroom sink be?
The standard thickness is around 1.5-2 inches. Thinner sinks risk cracking over time. Support thicker sinks by adding steel mesh when pouring.
Can any concrete mix work?
No. Use a fast-drying concrete blend rated for indoor use. Mixes with large aggregate do not finish well for sinks.
What if my concrete sink cracks?
Minor cracks can be filled with hydraulic cement patches. Larger cracks require chiseling out the section and repouring new concrete as a repair.
How do I get my sink perfectly smooth?
Proper troweling technique is key for a smooth finish. Keep a spray bottle handy while finishing to moisten dry spots. Allow extra time for smoothing.
Can I stain or polish my concrete sink?
Yes. Concrete dye or stain can add color. Acid staining produces mottled effects. Polished concrete uses grit to create a glossy sheen. Apply after initial curing.
Unleash Your Creativity With Concrete
Creating your own concrete sink provides immense design flexibility compared to buying a mass-produced option. The ability to shape concrete into any form enables you to produce a showpiece sink tailored to your specific bathroom style.
With some practice and the right techniques, you can achieve stunning artistic results.