Choosing a kitchen sink is just as important as choosing the countertops. Like your countertops, you want a sink that fits with how you live in your kitchen.
From prepping food to how you clean your dishes, below is a quick guide we have put together to assist you with your decision:
Kitchen Sink Material
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- Stainless Steel: Is the most popular sink material, and it works with any kitchen design. It is stain and heat resistant but can scratch and leave watermarks. We recommend choosing a brushed or satin finish to reduce the appearance of imperfections. Also, the thicker the stainless steel, the more durable. 18 and 16 gauge sinks are preferred by our clients.
- Composite Granite: Composite granite sinks are durable and do not show scratches or watermarks. They are gaining in popularity, however, they can crack. Be sure to inspect your sink thoroughly before installing.
- Natural Stone: This is a very popular choice for clients who are putting in soapstone countertops. A soapstone kitchen sink looks gorgeous as an apron sink. One thing to consider is like natural stone countertops they are susceptible to staining and soapstone can scratch.
- Solid Surface: For a seamless look, these sinks can be integrated with a solid surface countertop. They work great in contemporary and transitional kitchens. But, they are prone to scratching like stainless steel and natural stone.
- Cast Iron: Cast iron sinks are very durable and are recommended for clients who want a white sink. However, they are extremely heavy. So, you need to make sure there is enough support for the sink.
- Copper: For that rustic farmhouse look, copper sinks definitely fit the part. They are also antimicrobial and rust-resistant. Please keep in mind that they can get pricey and react quickly to other substances if not careful.
Single-Bowl Sink
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The single-bowl kitchen sink is the most popular choice for our clients. Particularly, the square-shaped stainless single-bowl pictured above.
Aesthetically, many prefer the clean and sleek lines of a single-bowl sink. These sinks also provide more room for cleaning larger pots and pans. The only drawback to a single-bowl is that it is harder to multi-task like you can with a double-bowl.
Equal Double-Bowl Sink
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This used to be the most popular sink choice for homeowners. An equal double-bowl sink is versatile in that it can be used for multiple tasks. For instance, you can wash dishes on one side and rinse dishes on the other side. However, it is not easy washing larger pots and pans in a double-bowl.
Offset Double-Bowl Sink
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If you prefer a double-bowl sink, but need more space in one then the offset double-bowl sink is a good fit. A 60/40 sink has one basin that is usually about 18 inches wide and another that is 14 inches wide. In the larger sink, you can clean dishes and in the smaller one, you can prep food.
Apron-Front or Farmhouse Sink
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Many absolutely love the charm and vintage look of a farmhouse kitchen sink. Unlike the other sink choices, a farm sink is more of a focal point for your overall design. These sinks are also wider with a deep basin so they accommodate larger pots and pans.
The main con of a farm sink is the cost. Not only do you need to purchase the sink, but also you need to install a special base cabinet for the sink to fit.
