Today's kitchen sinks have become central workstations that can be customized to meet each family’s exact needs. More than simply a practical necessity – household sinks now offer more design appeal, softer lines, and a greater variety of finishes. Even laundry room sinks now have design appeal.
How do you choose the perfect sink for you and your family? Size, width, depth. There are undermount, self-rimming, farmhouse, integral with the countertop style, and dual-level sinks. Extra large, extra deep, single, double, triple and corner bowl styles and specialty sinks specialty sinks such as apron front.
Some manufacturers offer a selection of fully integrated accessories to make your new sink even more serviceable, such as dish drainers, sink racks, and custom colanders and cutting boards.
You may find that one large, deep basin gives you more room than the common equal-size, double-bowl sink arrangement for rinsing large pots, plates, and platters before loading them into the dishwasher. You may choose a style that offers a low profile double sink that features half the height of conventional dividers. A second, smaller sink could be placed in an island or bar area for preparing vegetables or mixing drinks.
The placement of the drain-bowl is also important. There are center-drain models and rear-positioned drain models. Rear-positioned drain models offer more usable under-cabinet storage space.
Kitchen Sink Styles
Self-Rimming sinks are the most common option.The edges of self-rimming sinks lap the countertop. Please ensure it has the proper installation holes for your faucet. And don’t forget additional holes for accessories such as, soap dispenser, instant hot water dispenser, filtered water faucet etc.
Undermount sinks attach below the countertop and offer the advantages of easy cleanup because there are no rims to wipe crumbs over. There is a visually smooth transition between the counters and the sink. These undermount sinks are generally made of stainless steel although other materials such as Corian and enameled cast iron are available. Undermount sinks make the perfect addition to today’s high end granite, soapstone and/or corian countertops.
Bar / Prep Sinks - The ultimate “must have” for entertaining and busy kitchens. For a completely coordinated kitchen, match your kitchen sink with a bar/prep sink which can be installed in an island or entertainment room. Prep sinks and their faucets can be matched to coordinate with the main kitchen sink and faucet.
Materials
There are great choices of materials to suit every taste and décor. Kitchen sinks are made from enameled cast iron, porcelain on steel, vitreous china, natural stone, and stainless steel and more. To keep all sinks looking fresh and new, and eliminate dents and scratches, place a protective mat or custom rack on the bottom of the sink basin.
Stainless Steel Sinks – the neutral color for the kitchen and the most popular style of sink. Stainless steel works in both traditional and contemporary kitchens and they’ll complement your decor long after trendy colors are out of style. Some have integrated counter tops & larger, deeper bowls. Though it may scratch, it’s easy to clean with a household cleanser and soft towel; and the thicker gauge models are very durable. The thickness of a stainless steel sink is measured in terms of its gauge. The higher the gauge – the thinner the steel. Most stainless steel sinks are manufactured from 18 or 20 gauge steel with a chrome nickel content, which make them very solid. They won’t chip, nick, crack or rust, stain or fade. The sanitary surface is just one reason healthcare facilities use them. Finishes include a mirrored finish which is shiny and brushed or satin stainless which is less likely to show scratches. There are also some sinks that are a combination – satin bowl and mirrored rim. Most stainless steel sinks are undercoated with a sound deadening material to reduce noise, inhibit condensation and provide for better heat retention.
Enameled Cast Iron Sinks are a solid cast iron base layered with a deep enamel surface. These sinks are extremely heavy and resist almost any type of structural damage. These long-lasting sinks are a little more difficult to install (due to their weight). They do however provide for good heat retention and are quieter than other types of sinks.
Americast Sinks are a remarkable alternative that's more durable, weighs half as much, and is easier to install than traditional cast iron sinks. It’s insulation properties allow it to retain heat longer and emits less sound. Americast is American Standard's patented process that bonds the high-quality porcelain enamel surface with an enameling grade metal and a molded reinforcement material backing. This strengthens the sink for normal use and the smooth surface is very appealing. Damage could occur if a heavy object is accidentally dropped into the sink. If damage should occur, it can be repaired with a special filler/repair agent that is color matched to your sink, and dries to a shine.
Vitreous China & Fireclay Sinks are a ceramic-based material with baked on porcelain; best recognized for its smooth and glossy finish. This type of sink is often referred to as a county or French country style. The material is impervious to water, very durable and is available in almost any color, including hand-painted and sculptured designs. Damage could occur if a heavy object is accidentally dropped into the sink. It is easy to clean and is germ-resistant.
Manmade Materials – Some of our kitchen sinks are made from Swanstone, also called Engineered Stone, which is an authentic solid surface. Color and texture run all the way through and cannot wear away. Choose from a wide variety of easy-to-clean colors for your kitchen and bath. Products include kitchen sinks, bath and shower walls, shower floors, vanity tops and bowls. And, products made of Swanstone are covered by a limited lifetime warranty.
Copper Sinks – This style of sink adds uniqueness to the kitchen. Most copper sinks are crafted from the finest quality copper. This super-thick copper is hand-hammered, and formed into a work of art that adds a touch of class to any kitchen. Copper sinks have a living finish, their patina ages and improves over time, therefore it resists stains and other discoloration. They are also the healthier choice because bacteria cannot grow on copper. You can choose from a natural “weathered” copper or dark bronze for a warm dark look. They are offered in “natural” or polished and finished in satin nickel. Most copper sinks are heavy because of their extra-thick casting process. This enables a lifetime of use while absorbing noise and repels dings and scratches.
