Pedestal sinks do look nice, but honestly, are they really worth the hassle in rentals? I mean, even with reinforced mounts, aren't you still kinda gambling on tenants not misusing them? Kids climbing, people leaning heavily, or even just someone accidentally bumping into it hard enough... seems like a lot of potential headaches down the line.
Also, what about storage? Most renters I've known complain about lack of bathroom storage space. Pedestal sinks might look sleek, but they don't exactly offer much room for toiletries or cleaning supplies. Wouldn't a small vanity cabinet be more practical overall?
Not knocking the aesthetics—pedestal sinks definitely have their charm—but maybe practicality should win out here, especially if you're dealing with unpredictable tenant behavior. Or am I missing something that makes them worth the extra trouble?
I get your point about practicality, but honestly, pedestal sinks can actually save you headaches sometimes. Had a vanity cabinet in one of my rentals once—tenants spilled water constantly, cabinet warped badly... ended up costing me more than a sturdy pedestal would have. Just something to consider.
"Had a vanity cabinet in one of my rentals once—tenants spilled water constantly, cabinet warped badly... ended up costing me more than a sturdy pedestal would have."
That's actually a really good point. I've seen similar situations plenty of times. Pedestal sinks can definitely be a lifesaver in rental properties or high-traffic bathrooms, especially if you're dealing with folks who aren't exactly careful with water (we've all been there, right?). Cabinets look great at first, but water damage sneaks up on you fast—warping, mold, peeling finishes... it's not pretty.
One thing I'd add, though: pedestal sinks do have their quirks. Storage is obviously the big trade-off. If you're used to stashing cleaning supplies or extra towels under the sink, you'll need to get creative elsewhere. But honestly, that's usually manageable with some wall shelving or a small storage tower nearby.
Installation-wise, pedestals can be a bit trickier than cabinets because you need to make sure the plumbing lines up just right. I've had a few DIYers call me halfway through their weekend project because the drain pipe didn't match the pedestal's opening. Not a huge deal, but something to keep in mind if you're tackling this yourself—measure twice, install once!
Also, from experience, make sure your wall behind the pedestal is solid enough to support it properly. I've seen some shaky installs where the sink wobbles every time someone leans on it. A good backing board or proper anchors go a long way here.
Overall though, if durability and ease of maintenance are your priorities, pedestals are tough to beat. They're simple, clean-looking, and pretty forgiving when it comes to water splashes and spills. Just weigh the pros and cons based on your specific needs and bathroom habits... and maybe how accident-prone your household is!
Switched to a pedestal last year and honestly, zero regrets. Yeah, storage took a hit, but a cheap IKEA shelf solved that. Installation was straightforward—just triple-check your plumbing alignment first. Way easier to clean now, and no more soggy cabinets... wish I'd done it sooner.
Totally agree on the plumbing alignment—seen a lot of DIY installs go south because someone rushed through that step. Pedestal sinks are definitely cleaner and simpler, but one thing I'd add is to double-check your wall support. Unlike vanities, pedestals don't have cabinets to help distribute weight, so the sink itself relies heavily on proper wall anchoring. If you've got drywall, make sure you're hitting studs or using solid anchors. I've had a couple calls where the sink started pulling away from the wall after a few months because the homeowner underestimated this.
Also, if you're swapping from a vanity, keep in mind your flooring might look different underneath. Had a client who didn't realize their tiles stopped short under the cabinet, and they ended up with an awkward gap. Easy fix if you're prepared, just something to think about ahead of time.
Storage-wise, shelves or wall-mounted cabinets do the trick nicely. Seen some creative setups with floating shelves above the toilet or even small corner units. Just depends on your bathroom layout and style preference.
Overall, pedestal sinks are a solid choice—cleaner look, easier maintenance—but as always, prep work makes all the difference.
