DIY campervan sink ideas

One of the best things about hitting the road with your campervan is the instant access to running water when you need it. When you’re on the road, you don’t have to hunt down a rest stop to wash your hands, clean the dishes after a meal, or simply wash your face in the morning. With the flick of a tap, voila, you have everything you need.

Now all you need to decide is what sink to pop in that campervan! Here are our top campervan sink ideas (as well as some guidance on selecting the right one) to help you get started.

Campervan sink ideas: key factors to consider

Here’s everything you need to consider when it comes to choosing the right sink for your campervan.

Space

The first thing you want to work out is how much space you have to work with. It’s important to consider how you will be using your sink.

Do you plan to eat and wash dishes most nights there?

If that’s the case then you need your sink to be nice and deep to make this as easy as possible. In this case, a round sink isn’t for you, it gives you a lot less sink volume and isn’t a great way of maximising the space you have available. A square or rectangle design is a much better spend.

On the other hand, if you’re only planning on using it to wash your hands and wash up now and then, a round sink is very aesthetically pleasing and can really add to your overall design. Something to think about before making your choices.

Budget

Before you even dive into any of the below campervan sink ideas, it helps to have a budget in mind - this will make decision-making that much easier and steer you in the right direction along the way.

You can choose to go as expensive or cheap as you like, depending on your budget and the actual space you have to work with. Learn more about the cost to convert a campervan if you need some help with this one!

Wooden countertops

While there is nothing wrong with opting for a wooden countertop in your van (in fact it looks pretty amazing!), it does take a little more effort to maintain.

When it comes to popping in your DIY sink, there’s one important thing you have to factor in. 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.

Make sure you keep this in mind when going through your options.

Materials

The final thing to consider is what the sink is actually made of. Here are some options:

• Stylish: if you’re looking for something stylish, then opt for porcelain, enamelled cast iron and fireclay. But, also note that these options are heavier as well and add a lot of weight (and more expensive too).

• Practical: copper is perfect to create that rustic look, while stainless steel is nice and light and durable as well.

DIY campervan sink ideas

Once you make the all-important decisions about how much space you have and what you will be using your sink for, it’s time to dive in and take a look at the different sink ideas to choose from.

1. Undermount sink

An under-mount sink is mounted underneath a countertop in the kitchen, just as the name suggests.

While the under-mount sink is very handy for being able to wipe benches straight into the sink and can be nice and deep for dishwashing. Note, this design isn’t great for the wooden countertops, as it’s hard to seal them off.

It’s easiest to install the under-mount sink to the countertop before it’s attached in place. POp the sink in and use the clips to secure it in place. You can use adhesive glue to glue it in place and take note of the drying time on the packet. Use a caulk gun to then apply an outline to the inner edge. Allow this to dry for 24 hours before wiping away.

Once in place, you can attach faucet fittings, disposal and water supply lines that you need.

2. Top-mount/drop-in sink

This is one of the most popular designs out there, largely because they are affordable and relatively simple to install. If you are planning on buying a campervan, you might not have the funds to do it up straight away. This is a great affordable option for you.

Unlike the under-mount sink, a drop-in sink is mounted to the top of the countertop. Another reason they are so popular is that they are nice and easy to install. Plus, they can be used on any type of countertop (that’s right, even wood!).

To install, you drop the sink in (making sure the space lines up with the size of your new sink) and seal it with the clips. The rime should connect with the counter right around. Again, run the caulk around the counter to seal it in place.

Once finished, you can go about attaching all the other lines underneath.

3. Farmhouse sink

A true showstopper, a farmhouse sink is a perfect option if you have the space and the budget. It’s a drop-in sink that has an exposed front-facing side, giving you, even more, sink space to work with. Naturally, it’s one of the more expensive options as well.

You install this type of sink the same way you would a drop-in sink above.

4. Vessel sink

A vessel sink sits on top of your countertop and is very common in bathrooms. They are also a good choice for a campervan as they tend to be nice and small. But, cleaning between the sink and countertop is tricky and isn’t ideal with food around!

A vessel sink will normally come with a ring or gasket to put between the sink and the countertop. When it comes to installation, it often helps to have an extra set of hands for this type of sink, as they need to be secured in place.

5. Bowl

Yep, you read that right. If you’re not into DIY and plumbing, then the next three options are for you. Simply use a bowl! Pop water in it, use it for washing up, then go outside and tip it out when you’re done. No installation needed, no draining.

6. Collapsible sink

This is just a different type of bowl sink that can be folded up and popped away. It’s extra handy if you don’t have much space in your van.

7. Sink/faucet combo

This type of sink has been designed just for the campervan. It comes with a foldable faucet and glass cover, so you can fold it down when it’s not in use. The downside? They aren’t very deep for cleaning those dishes and can be quite expensive as well.

Earn a return on your campervan conversion

Ready to get started? There’s something extra special about taking on a campervan conversion yourself, adding that personal touch to your home away from home. From DIY campervan curtains and other campervan interior ideas to complete campervan conversion kits, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to get a little crafty and truly make the space your own. Embrace the DIY and get started creating a space you love with these great campervan sink ideas.

Want to earn some money on your investment? Each year, heaps of Kiwis earn up to $10,000 by hiring out their motorhome through Camplify. It provides a quick and easy way to generate long-term passive income!

And the best part is, Camplify takes care of many of the expenses involved in hiring out your vehicle, including:

• Comprehensive hire insurance.

• 24/7 AA nationwide breakdown cover for hirers.

• Dedicated customer support.

If you’re interested in joining Camplify as an owner, try our earnings calculator and see how much income you could generate each year by hiring out your unused motorhome!