You’d think buying a new sink would be a simple step in your kitchen renovation, but you’d be surprised. With a lot of unfamiliar terms and measurements you never knew existed, navigating kitchen sinks can be quite the conundrum. Here we share five things that will help clarify your kitchen sink confusion.
#1. Installation Type
There are a few different installations you can do when it comes to kitchen sinks.
Apron front sinks (also known as farmhouse style) require a wider sink cabinet and one that can accommodate its exposed front.
Topmount is a drop in style sink that is installed over the countertop. The edges of the sink will be fully visible, and there will be a clear divide between the sink and countertop.
Undermount refers to installing the sink beneath the countertop to create a straight drop from the countertop to the sink. This is a sleek choice, with little to no reveal.
#2. Single Bowl or Double Bowl
There are pros and cons to both single and double bowl kitchen sinks, so it really comes down to the size of your sink base cabinet and your personal preferences.
Single bowl sinks can accommodate larger items like pots and pans. You will have more options when it comes to sizes and faucet placement, and they are typically less expensive.
Double bowl sinks offer more versatility when it comes to food preparation, and washing and drying dishes — think rinsing veggies in one side and dirty dishes in the other. But it may be more difficult to find the perfect size for your kitchen, and you will have limited options in regards to installing your faucet.
#3. Sink Material
Choose a sink material based on the look you love and the durability you seek.
Stainless steel is a popular choice because it easy to clean and maintain, and provides a durable material for kitchen sinks at an affordable price point. It keeps a consistent look over time, and a brushed satin finish will help hide any scratches. Stainless steel works with any style kitchen, and is especially in sync with contemporary kitchen designs.
Granite composite is another excellent contemporary option with style and durability. Astragranite from Willow Lane Cabinetry is comprised of 80% Quartzite and 20% Acrylic. Silver ions are added to the sink during the manufacturing process and kill 99% of bacteria on contact. It comes in a variety of sizes, styles and colors, is scratch resistant and can resist heat up to 550 degrees.
With copper, you get a unique look that changes over time and nicely complements country, rustic and transitional kitchen designs. It has antibacterial properties, so it provides an ideal environment for washing food and dishes. Copper takes a little more care than other options, but it’s well worth it for that gorgeous natural patina.
#4. Sink Thickness
If shopping for a stainless steel sink, another number you will want to be familiar with is the thickness. You will find 16, 18 and 20-gauge stainless steel sinks. The lower the gauge, the better the stainless steel is — in other words, a 16-gauge sink is thicker than a 20-gauge sink. The most popular thickness is an 18-gauge sink, which is easy to find and considered a good thickness for kitchen use.
#5. Number Of Faucet Holes
If you’re replacing an existing kitchen sink, you can simply look under the sink to see how many holes your mounting plate covers. If it has three, get a new faucet with three holes as well. This will be the easiest option. If you are building new or completely remodeling your kitchen, the choice is yours!
Welcome to Willow Lane Cabinetry — the #1 place to buy affordable, semi-custom cabinets online! Let us help you create the kitchen, home office, bar room, laundry room, or bath of your dreams with our 100% free room design tool. We offer all wood, semi-custom cabinets, fully assembled and delivered for free. Plus all the accessories you need to complete your remodel. Visit our website to see our products today!