Owner guides
Campervan sink ideas
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Having a functional sink and tap system in your van is a huge plus for several reasons – there’s no need to find a campsite or rest stop to have a quick wash, get the dishes done or have that all-important cuppa in the morning. All you need to know is what type of sink to get! The latest guide in our DIY campervan conversions series looks at campervan sink ideas, with our top picks and info on how to install.
Campervan sink ideas – types and examples
1. Top-mount sink
A top-mount sink, also known as a drop-in sink, is one of the most popular campervan sink ideas. Short of filling a basin of water from a portable container, it’s the easiest to install too, as it’s just dropped into a customised hole in the countertop. This type of sink can be used on any countertop material, including wood. We recommend buying a sink with a rim/upper lip, so it fits snugly into place.
Pros – easy to source and fit; wide range on the market to suit any budget
Something to consider – will need basic DIY skills
How to install
As with many campervan sinks, a top-mount/drop-in sink is installed by following the simple steps of:
Measuring the sink – width and depth
Cutting a hole in the countertop to fit – as we always recommend, less is always better when cutting holes in your van; you can always plane/file the hole for an exact fit
Placing the sink – just plonk it in!
Sealing – seal the sink to the countertop with the accompanying clips/screws, then use adhesive/glue to fix it in place. Use a caulk gun to apply an outline to the inner edge, and allow this to dry for 24 hours before wiping away.
Connecting the water supply – the final but ultra-important step! You’ll need to connect the sink to the campervan water supply plus the sink to its tap. Firstly, connect the tubing to the sink, then connect the sink to the water supply. We have the full lowdown in all things campervan water in ourcampervan water system guide.
Try before you buy – Ernie, Yorkshire
2. Undermount sink
Another fairly straightforward option is a sink that’s mounted under the countertop in a kitchen, rather than dropped in like a top-mount one. These can be good because they’re nice and deep for dishwashing, and you can also wipe benches straight into the sink.
Pro – fitted into the counter before installation
Something to consider – not great for wooden countertops, as these types of sink are hard to seal off
How to install – install an undermount sink by placing the sink into the countertop before the countertop is mounted in your van. Cut the hole, place the sink in, and clip/screw then glue it into place. Use a caulk gun to then apply an outline to the inner edge. Allow this to dry for 24 hours before wiping away.
3. Covered sink
It’s always a good idea to have a surface over your kitchen sink, usually by adding a hinged cover. This keeps everything tidy, prevents any odours escaping, looks smart, and can be used as a chopping board too!
T6 VW conversion Cherry does this with both sink and hob (above), while another VW conversion, Chino in Watford (below) uses a specially adapted wooden board with room for the sink’s tap. (If your DIY skills don’t stretch to that, just place a board over the sink like inFamily Fun Bus, Hitchin.)
Pros – keeps sink covered and adds a space-saving chopping board
Something to consider – more work than simply dropping a sink in
How to install – you can buy a campervan sink cover kit with the countertop and hinges included, then screw it into place. Keeping it simple, buy a chopping board that will fit over the sink – easy.
Try before you buy –Cherry, London
Round sink
Campervan sinks come in a variety of shapes, from round or triangular to rectangular or square. This round sink in Silver Explorer, Folkestone, really looks the part.
Pro – simple to fit
Something to consider – not as deep/spacious as oblong sinks
How to install – as with top-mounted sinks, above
Try before you buy –Silver Explorer, Kent
4. Square or rectangular sink
Square or rectangular are the most popular sizes of top-mounted campervan sink, as they’re easy to fit and simple to source. The neatly placed square sink in Starlight (above) also features a fold-down tap.
Pro – Very popular, so easy to buy
Something to consider – nothing – these are super simple sinks!
How to install – as with top-mounted sinks, above
Try before you buy –Starlight, North Yorkshire
Triangular sink
For something a bit different, why not add a triangular sink to your van conversion? This model in Gosport is neat and stylish, fitting into one end of the counter.
Pro – stylish look
Something to conside r – more difficult to fit
How to install – as with top-mounted sinks, above
Try before you buy –Mr BlueSky, Hampshire
Back/portable sink
For the ultimate in space-saving, add your sink in a portable style! Putting a sink (and hob) system sink at the back of your campervan saves plenty of room and allows for outdoor cooking too. If you want to do your van conversion as conveniently as possible, look for a campervan box kitchen kit where everything’s placed neatly together in a small cube.
Pros – saves space
Something to consider – not as convenient as in-van styles
How to install – no need to install if you just want to have the portable kit at the back of your van – all you need to do is connect up the water and/or gas. Or build a sliding drawer!
Try before you buy –Obi Van Konobi, Staffordshire
Hob/sink combo
Our final campervan sink idea is another popular feature for van conversions – the sink/hob combo. Their popularity means they’re easy to source, plus they make for a convenient kitchen space in your van with all you need in one place. You can buy the sink and hob as separate units, then install them side by side, or buy a sink/hob combination for easier installation.
Pro – Convenient and space-saving
Something to consider – the gas system needs to be installed as well as water system
How to install – to fit, these work on the same basis as a top-mounted sink – just cut the hole to fit, then drop the unit/s in
Try before you buy – Betsy, Cardiff
Campervan sink ideas: key factors to consider
Space
The first thing is how much space you have to work with. How will you be using your sink – do you plan to food prep/wash dishes for most meals, for example? If so, go for a square or rectangular (or even triangular) sink, all of which will be deeper and more space-efficient than a round one.
But maybe you’ll only use your sink for quick handwashing and maybe rinsing the occasional cup or plate? In that case, you can choose a sink based on aesthetic rather than practical features.
Budget
Yes, it’s that word again… the essential one for most campervan conversions! Campervan sink ideas cover all budgets, so confirm what you want to spend and steer your search accordingly.
Tip – check out our campervan interior ideas guide for inspiration on what you might want to splurge on.
Materials – kitchen countertop
We love wood and timber as campervan materials, particularly for kitchen counters. But these do take a bit more effort to maintain – something to be aware of when choosing your sink. You don’t want any water to be able to get into the exposed ends of your countertop. These end grains suck up water and make their way up the wood and will cause permanent water damage.
Materials – sink
The final thing to consider is what the sink is actually made of. Here are some options:
Stylish – porcelain or enamelled cast iron sinks look pretty fancy in any context. Consider, though, that these types of sinks will be heavier (and more expensive) than others.
Practical – most sinks come in stainless steel, which is a light, durable and easily available popular choice as well as allowing for an affordable draining board if that’s a must-have in your van. Copper is a perfect option for a rustic look, while tough plastic is also an affordable and easy to install choice.
Learn more about campervan sinks
There can be a lot to think about when it comes to campervan sink ideas and their installation, but we promise it’s probably simpler than you might think! Sites like YouTube, Pinterest and Instagram have loads of tips and tricks, and we’ve always found campervan conversion Facebook groups a great source of information and inspiration too.
Of course, the best way to get to grips with it all is to try it for yourself. Browse through our listings throughout this guide and see more at our campervans for hire in the UK pages, then take a van out on the road. It’s well worth the investment, as is spending the money to get the perfect campervan sink for your build – remember you can hire your own van out on Camplify when it’s completed to make your investment back.
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