Best Sinks, Tubs & Showers for DIYers
The fixtures themselves, the sink, tub, and shower base or surround, anchor a kitchen or bath. Material (cast iron, acrylic, fireclay, stainless) sets durability and feel, while size and configuration must fit the space and plumbing.
What to look for
- ·Match the material to use: cast iron and fireclay are durable and classic but heavy; acrylic and fiberglass are light, warm, and DIY-friendly; stainless and composite for kitchen sinks.
- ·Confirm the size and rough-in (drain location, supply spacing) fit your space and existing plumbing before buying.
- ·For showers, choose between a one-piece unit (easiest, no tile), a base plus tile, or a tile-ready pan; one-piece is simplest to install and maintain.
Quick comparison
| Product | Tier | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kohler Sinks, Tubs & Showers | Editor's pick | $$$ (varies by fixture) | Premium quality and selection |
| American Standard Fixtures | Editor's pick | $$ to $$$ | Dependable quality |
| Sterling Shower & Tub Systems | Editor's pick | $$ to $$$ | Quality tub/shower systems |
| Delta Tub & Shower Kits | Best value | $$ (kit) | Value tub/shower kits |
| Moen Shower Systems | Best value | $$ (system) | Reliable shower value |
| Glacier Bay Sinks & Tubs | Best value | $ to $$ | Home-center value |
| Store-Brand Sink | Budget pick | $ (basic) | Budget sink replacement |
| Basic Acrylic Tub | Budget pick | $ to $$ | Budget tub replacement |
| Mansfield Fixtures | Budget pick | $ (basic) | Budget builder fixtures |
Editor's pick
Kohler Sinks, Tubs & Showers
$$$ (varies by fixture)
A premium full-line brand with durable, beautifully finished sinks, tubs, and shower systems across styles. The pick for quality fixtures with broad selection.
Best for: Premium quality and selection
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's, Kitchen/bath showrooms.
American Standard Fixtures
$$ to $$$
A long-trusted maker of durable, well-engineered sinks, tubs, and shower systems with strong value at the higher tier. The pick for dependable quality.
Best for: Dependable quality
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
Sterling Shower & Tub Systems
$$ to $$$
Kohler's Sterling line offers durable, well-designed tub and shower systems (including grout-free walls) that install cleanly. The pick for quality one-piece-style baths.
Best for: Quality tub/shower systems
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
Best value
Delta Tub & Shower Kits
$$ (kit)
Reliable tub and shower kits and surrounds with good design and value, easy to find and install. A strong value for a bath refresh.
Best for: Value tub/shower kits
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
Moen Shower Systems
$$ (system)
Quality shower systems and fixtures with the brand's reliability at a fair price. A dependable value for a shower upgrade.
Best for: Reliable shower value
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's, Amazon.
Glacier Bay Sinks & Tubs
$ to $$
Home Depot's value brand for sinks, tubs, and shower bases that perform well for the price. A strong value for budget-conscious bath and kitchen updates.
Best for: Home-center value
Typically available at Home Depot.
Budget pick
Store-Brand Sink
$ (basic)
A basic stainless or acrylic sink for budget kitchen and bath updates and rentals. Simple and serviceable at the lowest cost.
Best for: Budget sink replacement
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's, Amazon.
Basic Acrylic Tub
$ to $$
A light, affordable acrylic or fiberglass tub for budget bath remodels and rentals. Warm to the touch and DIY-friendly, the cheap way to replace a tub.
Best for: Budget tub replacement
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
Mansfield Fixtures
$ (basic)
Affordable, dependable toilets, sinks, and tubs commonly used in builder and budget projects. Basic but reliable fixtures at a low cost.
Best for: Budget builder fixtures
Typically available at Home Depot, Plumbing suppliers.
Frequently asked
What sink material is best?+
For kitchens, stainless steel is durable, light, and easy to clean (heavier gauge is quieter and tougher), while composite granite resists scratches and stains. For baths, vitreous china, fireclay, and cast iron are durable classics. Match the material to use, looks, and your budget.
Acrylic, fiberglass, or cast iron tub?+
Acrylic tubs are light, warm to the touch, hold heat well, and are DIY-friendly. Fiberglass is the cheapest but less durable. Cast iron (enameled) is extremely durable and retains heat beautifully but is very heavy and may need extra floor support. Acrylic is the popular all-around choice for replacements.
One-piece shower or tile?+
A one-piece (or sectioned) acrylic/fiberglass shower or tub surround is the easiest to install and maintain, with no grout to seal, ideal for DIY and quick remodels. A tiled shower over a base or pan is fully custom and high-end but more work and maintenance. Choose by your budget, style, and DIY appetite.
How do I know a fixture will fit?+
Measure the space and check the rough-in: the drain location and distance from the wall, the supply line spacing, and overall dimensions. For toilets, the rough-in is usually 12 inches from the wall to the drain center. Match the new fixture's specs to your existing plumbing or plan to adjust it.
Can I replace a sink, tub, or shower myself?+
Replacing a drop-in or undermount sink and faucet is a common DIY. Swapping a tub or installing a one-piece shower is more involved (plumbing connections, leveling, securing, and sealing) but doable for a confident DIYer. Tiled showers and moving plumbing are bigger jobs many hire out.
Planning a bigger job? See the full Bathroom Remodel project guide: cost, DIY vs. hire, and the whole plan.
Open the Bathroom Remodel guide →