If you're remodeling your
kitchen on a budget – or equipping a new kitchen and haven't a clue where to
start – focus on the kitchen sink. Yesteryear's limited selection of cast iron and
stainless steel can't compete with today's stylish, modern sinks.
Simply choose the
mounting type and style, then select the material. A new sink will transform
your kitchen.
Kitchen Sink Mounting Types and Design Options
In general, your kitchen
sink will either rest above or attach beneath the kitchen counter.
Understanding installation types, styles and terminology will help you find the
sink you really want.
Surface-Mounted Sinks: Surface-mounted sinks drop into a hole made in the kitchen
countertop. If the sink is rimmed, it features an exposed flange that meets and seals to the
countertop. Self-rimming sinks, on the other hand, lack the flat flange, using rounded outer
edges to rest on the countertop instead. Both are fairly simple to install and
work with most countertop materials.
Under-Mounted Sinks: For a kitchen countertop that looks seamless, consider an
under-mounted kitchen sink. The countertop still features a cutout to
accommodate the sink, but instead of dropping through the counter, it mounts to
the underneath. The effect is a sleek counter surface. It's considered a
low-maintenance design that looks especially good with modern interiors.
Under-mounted sinks work best with solid counter materials like stone and
concrete, not moisture-permeable countertops like laminate.
Tile-In Sinks: As the name suggests, a tile-in sink is surrounded by a tile
countertop. The sink drops into a hole, like a surface-mounted sink. The
difference is the height: Once the tile is installed, the sink rim is actually
flush with the surrounding countertop. This makes cleaning the countertop a
breeze and calls attention to the beauty of your tile, rather than the sink
basin.
Integral Sinks: Some people mistakenly call these "Corian sinks," but
Corian is just one integral sink and counter manufacturer. Integral sinks are
made of the same material as the countertop and fused to it, presenting a
seamless appear
Farmhouse Sinks: Another popular kitchen sink style is the farmhouse sink. Rather
than referring to how the sink mounts, it's a design that features a front
apron panel. It's a stylish look that highlights the sink itself. Farmhouse
sinks may be under- or surface-mounted, and even tiled-in.
How Many Bowls Do You Need?
Bigger isn't always
better. When selecting your new kitchen sink, consider the size of your kitchen
and your work habits before settling on a bowl size or number. Most sink styles
are available in single and double bowls, and sometimes triple as well. One
bowl may be smaller than the others, especially with triple bowls, which often
sandwich a smaller bowl between two larger ones.
Single-bowl sinks work
best for smaller kitchens (less than 150 square feet). Triple bowls are the
ultimate luxury, allowing you to stack dishes to dry, have dishes soaking, and
still peel vegetables in the third basin.
Sink Materials
Stainless Steel - Stainless steel is easy to clean, reasonably priced, and strong.
Look for the gauge (thickness) of the steel and the sound-deadening ability. The
lower the gauge, the thicker the steel, making it more durable. Spray coatings
and special pads on the bottom of the sink reduce noise. Choose a satin finish,
rather than a mirror finish, to lessen scratching. Look for varying bowl shapes
for added style.
Cast Iron - Cast iron sinks are coated with enamel and come in a variety of
colors. Cast iron is heavy, but a bigger issue is that it chips and scratches
easily. Exposed iron will rust, requiring replacement or repair. Also, cast
iron doesn't keep water hot for very long. It's favored for the glossy finish
and stain resistance. Use cast iron with farmhouse sink styles for
authenticity.
Composite - Composite sinks encompass three specific types: quartz
composite, polyester/acrylic composite and granite-based composite. Of these,
the polyester/ acrylic composites are more budget-friendly and provide a shiny
look. Quartz composite sinks are more durable. Composed of 70 percent quartz
and 30 percent resin filler, they resist damage and also come in various colors
and finishes. Granite-based sinks are a higher-end choice and offer the
greatest scratch and chemical resistance of any sink material.
Take your time when
shopping for your new kitchen sink. Look online and at various stores to get
ideas and find the sink you'll love.
Check out our Pinterest page
to see sinks we love! www.Pinterest.com/NissouRealty
Your Local San Diego Real Estate Expert,
Nissou Realty Group
Keller Williams Realty - El Cajon
619-250-4541 DIRECT
619-873-2772 OFFICE
619-250-4541 DIRECT
619-873-2772 OFFICE
Email: Stephen@StephenNissou.com
www.StephenNissou.com
CalBRE # 01443193
