When you’re in the process of remodeling your kitchen, you’ll have a lot of different decisions to make, from cabinets and countertops to appliances and hardware. You might not give a second thought to the kind of kitchen sink you’ll choose, but you should – today, there are many options available for you to explore, including sink materials and styles:
Sink Materials
- Stainless Steel: Chances are, you’re pretty familiar with the traditional stainless steel sink. This material type is the most popular on the market, and with good reason – stainless steel sinks are less expensive than many of their counterparts, are durable and are available in a variety of installation types. With stainless steel, gauge (thickness) matters – for best results, 18-gauge is recommended, especially on under mount sinks. Heavy-gauge, high-polish stainless steel sinks are pricier, but you’ll enjoy enhanced durability and appearance. Stainless steel sinks can be noisy, can scratch easily and may be difficult to keep immaculate-looking because of their tendency to show water spots. Overall, however, a stainless steel sink is very resistant to heat and staining, and is a good choice for sink material.
- Cast Iron: Another option for kitchen sink material is cast iron. These sinks have been around the longest, and are still popular today. Cast iron sinks are made of the same material as a cast iron skillet, except they’re glazed with a heavy coating of porcelain enamel. This enamel can chip, but is incredibly hard and durable for daily use, is easy to clean, and is resistant to fading. Homeowners might find that they need extra under-sink supports to bear the weight of a cast-iron sink – they generally weigh up to three times more than a their stainless steel counterpart. And, cost can be a factor – cast iron is generally quite a bit more expensive than stainless steel.
- Granite or Quartz Composite: If you’re looking for a sink that will be extremely long-lasting and durable, and has the beauty of granite and quartz, then you might want to consider a composite sink. These sinks are made of crushed granite or quartz that has been mixed with resin filler. These sinks hold up to staining and scratching, and generally are priced between stainless steel and cast iron.
- Fireclay: Fireclay sinks are basically what their name says they are – sinks made of ceramic clay that have been fire-dried in a kiln, enameled, and then fire-dried again. This process makes the durability of fireclay sinks surpass cast-iron; however, it should be noted that even these sinks could chip from impact. Fireclay sinks run on the expensive side, and are most widely available in farmhouse or apron styles.
Sink Styles
- Single Bowl: As the name implies, this sink has one basin. This style is ideal for small kitchens where space is limited. One basin that is larger is also ideal for cleaning large pots and oven trays, and cleanup is simpler. Single bowl sinks are also generally cheaper than other sink configurations.
- Double Bowl: Again, as the name indicates, these sinks have two bowls. They can either be equal in size and depths or have different sizes and depths. The setup you choose depends on your kitchen arrangement and lifestyle.
- Farmhouse: Also known as an apron sink, the farmhouse sink is forward facing and replaces a section of counter. These sinks provide a traditional, country design, but today are manufactured to reflect the desired look and feel of a modern kitchen. Single bowl configuration is most common. When remodeling, keep in mind that farmhouse sinks can be more expensive than their counterparts.
- Top Mount: This sink sets into the countertop and has a rim that holds the sink in place. Also referred to as “drop-in” sinks, the top mount sink is fairly simple and inexpensive to install.
- Under Mount: Under mount sinks are mounted under the counter, meaning the edge of the countertop drops off into the sink basin. These sinks provide sleek, modern looks and are easier to clean than top mount sinks. It should be noted that an under mount sink is more costly to install and requires more labor. Also, there is usually no place for faucets, so these components will need to be installed in the countertop itself.
If you’re planning a kitchen renovation and wonder what type of sink will best suit your design, lifestyle and needs, Fahy Kitchens & Baths can help. Please feel free to contact us at (315) 735-8181 or fax to (315) 735-2829. Fahy Kitchens & Baths is located at 1908 Oriskany Street West in Utica, N.Y. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are appreciated.