Fix it or dump it? Fix it or dump it? (June 11, 2004)

Is there an alternative to replacing a tiled-in sink?

by Lynn Comeskey

Q We have an older home in Menlo Park. Our kitchen and one of our bathroom sinks are badly worn and should be replaced. The sinks are tiled in place. We have called a plumber and he said we would have to tear out the tile in order to replace the sinks. This wouldn't be too much of a problem in the bathroom but it would involve replacing the entire kitchen counter, which is still in good shape, and we like the tile. You have made some good suggestions in the past and we were wondering if you might have a better solution. Is there an easier way to repair or replace the sinks?

A I can think of two solutions that would be less invasive (and less expensive) than removing the entire counter. Depending on the condition of the sinks, you may be able to have them resurfaced. You have probably seen ads for refinishing a tub in place. This is the same process; it's just a smaller surface. I have become more confident about refinishing because advances in the chemical composition have improved durability and color fastness.

The single most important factor in getting a good job is the preparation. If the applicator is willing to take the time to prepare the surface, you'll get a good job. Like painting, if the preparation is not complete, the job won't look good and it won't last. I understand that the confident (and competent) applicators are guaranteeing their work for five years. I would recommend refinishing for the bathroom sink, but not for the kitchen sink. The latter just receives too much wear and tear.

When you indicated the sinks were tiled in, I assume you meant that there is a row of quarter rounds around the perimeter of the sink. These tiles "hold" the sink in place. The second approach would be to hire a handyman (who is experienced with tile) or a tile contractor to remove the quarter rounds and then remove the sink.

If your sink is enamel on steel (very thin and the poorest quality), your options are few. The sink can be replaced with another steel sink or you can have a porcelain glazed cast-iron sink installed top set. The latter means there is a significant bump at the edge of the sink because the sink sits on top of the tile.

If you have a porcelain or porcelain-on-cast-iron sink, these are thick enough that you can reinstall a new thicker sink and still have it tiled in place. There is one major assumption I have made in order to do this. The installer has to be able to locate quarter rounds that either match the existing tile or, as a second choice, match the sink. I will say parenthetically that one can always find tile to match a white sink.

Of the two approaches, the refinishing will be less expensive, faster and probably not be as durable. It will be more difficult to find someone to do the second approach -- it's a small job and takes a lot of patience. In any case, either will be less expensive than replacing the counter. Good luck!

Lynn Comeskey continues to work with Mac & Lou Construction Co. in Palo Alto. Readers can write Comeskey care of the Palo Alto Weekly, P.O. Box 1610, Palo Alto, CA 94301.

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