Kitchen refurbs are hot property when it comes to upgrading your home. Even a minor kitchen remodel can net an ROI of over 70%.
Are you on board with this worthwhile makeover project and you’ve got it all down pat bar the kitchen sink?
Not only is a kitchen sink a practical and useful component of any kitchen, but it also plays an important role in the overall design of your room.
The sink and faucets you choose may have a significant influence on the appearance of your kitchen. While the brass faucets are still in style and a great choice for modern homes, the sinks variety now has a plethora of alternatives.
Keep reading for some tips on how to choose a kitchen sink.
Types of Sinks
Before you head out in search of the perfect sink, it’s helpful to learn some of the terminology associated with kitchen sinks. This lingo can help you understand the different types of sinks and learn what you’re looking for.
There are four different types of sink installations. These are:
Drop-In Sinks
These sinks drop into the counter from above with a lip around the edge that laps over onto the countertop. This is the easiest way to install a sink, but it leaves a rim around the edge that can trap food and grime.
You can’t push food and liquids right into the bowl either because they become caught against the edge.
Undermount Sinks
To install this type of sink, you cut an opening in the counter that precisely matches the shape and size of the sink. Then you mount the sink underneath the countertop.
This leaves you with a smooth upper edge that’s cleaner and more hygienic than a drop-in style sink. It’s more time-consuming and expensive to install a sink this way.
Tile-in Sinks
Manufacturers make these sinks to fit in with tile countertops. They’re similar to drop-ins but they’re designed so that the edge is flush with the countertop.
There’s usually a grout line between the sink and the surrounding row of tile.
Farmhouse Sinks
Technically, a farmhouse kitchen sink is an under-mount sink. However, there’s one significant difference.
A farmhouse sink has an exposed and finished side that’s visible in front of the counter. You need a special reinforced cabinet for this type of sink.
Sink Configurations
There are a few choices available when considering the number of bowls and how they’re arranged when picking your ideal sink.
Most homeowners want as large a sink as possible. The most desirable size is 8 to 10 inches deep which easily fits into a standard 24-inch-high cabinet.
When it comes to width, it’s important to allow enough room to accommodate the mounting brackets. About 2 or 3 inches does the trick.
Once you’ve settled on a size, your next consideration is how many bowls you want.
Single Bowl Sinks
Sinks with only one bowl are becoming increasingly popular as they accommodate large cooking sheets, as well as pots and pans.
These deep, wide sinks also work well in wet rooms, where they serve as a convenient place to dump dirty shoes and clothes before you enter the house.
The trouble with single bowl sinks is that you can only use them for one thing at a time. You’ll need to do some juggling if you’re soaking dishes and want to rinse vegetables at the same time.
Double Bowl Sinks
A two-bowl sink alleviates the space issues you’ll experience with a single sink.
You can choose from 50/50 configurations where both sinks are the same size, or opt for a 60/40 split, where one bowl’s larger than the other.
The only disadvantage of double sinks is that there will be times when you need a larger sink than this configuration allows.
Triple Bowl Sinks
These are the least popular types of kitchen sinks. These sinks usually have two regular-sized bowls with a small bowl in the center.
Unfortunately, these sinks take up a lot of counter space, yet the advantage of this configuration is that you can access the disposal independently of the other sinks.
The Best Sink Materials
Sink materials affect everything to do with your sink. Different materials suit different kitchen styles and some last longer than others. The most popular materials used for kitchen sinks include:
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a durable and attractive option that goes well with stainless steel appliances. It’s easy to clean but it can develop water spots if your water’s hard.
The best stainless steel sinks consist of 16- or 18-gauge steel.
Cast Iron Porcelain
These sinks are an ideal match for traditional kitchen styles. You can choose from a wide variety of colors although abrasive cleaners dull their shiny finish. These sinks are also prone to chipping, staining, and cracking after years of use.
Fireclay
Fireclay’s a popular choice for farmhouse sink designs.
Although it’s often mistaken for cast iron porcelain, it’s much harder and less porous than the latter. Fireclay sink is heavy and requires extra bracing, so it’s one of the more expensive options.
Copper
Copper sinks develop a gorgeous unique patina over time. If you don’t want your sink to develop its own character and style, you can halt the aging process with regular polishing.
Thanks to these unique attributes as well as its long-lasting durable nature, copper’s an expensive option for kitchen sinks.
Natural Stone
Most natural stone sinks blend in with the surrounding counter, look fantastic, and offer sound-absorbing qualities. You won’t hear any clashing of dishes in a stone sink.
On the downside, these beautiful sinks are heavy and expensive to install.
Composite Materials
Made from granite mixes and polymers, composite materials often imitate stone. They aren’t nearly as heavy or expensive as stone sinks, but they’re also not as durable.
You may experience issues with stains and scratches when you install one of these sinks.
How to Choose a Kitchen Sink That Suits Your Style
One of the most important considerations for how to choose a sink is finding one that matches your kitchen design.
Sinks can last a long time, so it’s important to find the type of sink, materials, and configuration that you can live with for years to come.
Do you need some more design inspiration? Browse our website for more of the best home renovation ideas.
