How To Choose The Right Sink For Your New Countertops
Have you just chosen that gorgeous, new natural marble countertop for your kitchen renovation and now you need to decide on a sink? Type in “kitchen sink” into the search bar of a home center’s website, and the sheer number of choices might well leave you exasperated. We are going to look at some of the options here, and hopefully leave you feeling more confident when the time comes to select an appropriate sink to perfectly suit that new natural stone countertop and make your kitchen complete!
MATERIALS
What do you want that new sink to be made of? Here are the common options:
Stainless Steel: Stainless steel sinks have been a popular option for many years for a good reason. They are durable, inexpensive, they don’t chip and are available in every shape and size you might need! The only concerns are, generally, that they can scratch and sometimes become water spotted. Some people dislike the noise they can make when items are dropped into them. The noise issue, however, can be minimized by choosing a model with noise deadening coatings on the underside.
Enameled Cast Iron: Often seen in older kitchens, but still a popular choice today, this material is sturdy but can be prone to chipping of the enamel coating. They are available in a variety of colors and are quieter due to the weight and natural vibration dampening quality of the cast iron.
Composite: This type of sink is molded from quartz or granite mixed with resin, and generally come in colors or patterns designed to resemble granite. They have a reputation for heat and damage resistance but can be on the pricey side.
Vitreous China: Think of the typical toilet, and you know what vitreous china is. Normally reserved for bathroom fixtures, kitchen sinks are now available in this material. It is scratch-resistant and attractive but can be prone to chipping if you’re not careful.
STYLES AND MOUNTING OPTIONS:
How do you want it to be installed? How many bowls do you need?
Single or Double Bowl: When making this choice, consider how food will be prepared, and the needs of the cook. If your kitchen is large enough to have a separate food prep sink, you might not need a double bowl sink and can consider a larger single bowl to accommodate washing larger items. If you like having a separate place to rinse washed dishes, go for a double bowl.
Vitreous China: Think of the typical toilet, and you know what vitreous china is. Normally reserved for bathroom fixtures, kitchen sinks are now available in this material. It is scratch-resistant and attractive but can be prone to chipping if you’re not careful.
STYLES AND MOUNTING OPTIONS:
How do you want it to be installed? How many bowls do you need?
Single or Double Bowl: When making this choice, consider how food will be prepared, and the needs of the cook. If your kitchen is large enough to have a separate food prep sink, you might not need a double bowl sink and can consider a larger single bowl to accommodate washing larger items. If you like having a separate place to rinse washed dishes, go for a double bowl.
Drop-in mount: Installed from the top with a small lip that overhangs onto the countertop, and then secured from underneath with brackets, or from the top with adhesive.
Undermount: Installed from underneath, and more difficult to replace if they ever need to be. Some find that this type of sink gives a more polished look to the installation.
Apron Front: These are typically wider and deeper, and mounted so that the front (“apron”) extends out from the counter to give your kitchen an “old world,” rustic look.
All in all, when choosing a sink, first keep in mind how you will use it, and you won’t likely go wrong!