Information About Kitchen
Sinks
What Are Kitchen Sinks Made
Of?
When the time comes to replace or install a
new kitchen sink, many things must be considered: style, size, color,
durability, and of course, price. The goal for most people is to manage that
fine line between looks and cost.
The stuff the sink is made of is extremely
important. If you don’t understand the different materials, you might finger
through a hundred sites, only to end up unknowingly choosing the wrong sink for
your needs and taste.
Even though high-end sinks are beautiful
and stunning to look at, they come with beautifully stunning price tags as
well! So let’s take a look at what we can find to fit your needs, style and
most importantly your kitchen project budget.
You will find an overview for each type of
material used to manufacture sinks. Each will tell you what problems the sink
material may bring as well as the good reasons for choosing each sink type. And
a very in-depth look at everyone’s favorite sink material, stainless steel!
TYPES OF KITCHEN SINKS
Whether you’re looking to add the finishing
touches on your kitchen remodel or have picked up a newfound love for cooking
and need a more capable workspace, there are many reasons to update your sink.
We have compiled a list of types of kitchen
sinks ranging between style and material. Each type contains tips on best uses,
pros and cons and counter fitting points. Once you’ve narrowed down to the sink
that will best fit your needs, check out our extensive selection of kitchen
sinks to find one that suits your kitchen.
FARMHOUSE SINK
A farmhouse style sink, also known as an
apron sink, extends over the edge of your counter. This type of sink is most
commonly used in a traditional or rustic farmhouse style kitchen and can be
designed with a single bowl or double bowl. These sinks are gaining popularity
with the resurgence of rustic and farmhouse interior design. They typically
come as fireclay or cast iron and are incredibly durable and easy to clean
because of their nonporous material. Farmhouse sinks have a deep basin perfect
for big families, lots of dishes and cleanup. They can be pricey and are more
difficult to install because you have to cut out a large portion of your
counter.
UNDERMOUNT SINK
An undermount sink is installed directly
under the counter, creating a seamless look from countertop to sink. This type
of sink is versatile and works with most kitchen layouts. Not only do these
sinks look sleek, but they also make for easy clean up because debris can be
pushed straight into the sink without catching on a lip or rim. It’s worth
considering the weight of the sink that you choose since it is typically
installed with glue which attaches to the underside of the counter and the
sink. Most fireclay or cast iron sinks will not work with this installation
method because of their heaviness.
STAINLESS STEEL SINK
Stainless steel sinks are light and easy to
install, making them a functional and popular option. Stainless steel sinks are
categorized by sheeting thickness, or gauge. A thicker gauge means the sink
will typically be heavier and cheaper, while a thinner gauge will mean the sink
is lighter and often more expensive. Stainless steel sinks tend to be noisier
than other sink materials and they can dent, but they offer great heat and
stain resistance.
BAR SINK
Bar sinks are installed in a home wet bar
and are generally smaller and more shallow than your average kitchen sink,
making them a secondary option. They are typically a single bowl design used
for prep work, drink-making and convenient cleanup. If you have a large family
or group of friends, a bar sink is great for entertaining in your home bar,
patio or terrace.
CORNER SINK
Corner sinks are double-basin sinks
installed on a corner of your counter. The two basins are set apart from each
other, in a catty-corner manner. This is a relatively unique design that can be
useful if you are looking to maximize your counter space. Corner sinks can be
expensive and difficult to install. Since most counters are seamed at the
corner, custom cuts in the counter will add to the total cost of installing
this type of sink.
Porcelain vs Black Kitchen
Sinks
Pros of Porcelain Sinks
It costs less to install a porcelain
kitchen sink than a black sink. Porcelain material is widely available and has
long been used for sink installations. The price range for porcelain sinks
accommodates many people. This makes it an affordable option when it comes to
kitchen sinks. Porcelain is generally a light-colored material. The light
shades make it a good choice for those who prefer lots of light in the kitchen.
The light shades of the kitchen sink enhance the natural lighting aspect in the
kitchen. Dirt shows easily on porcelain so it’ll never be too hard to know when
you need to clean your sink. This will help you achieve a clean looking kitchen
all the time.
Pros of Black Kitchen Sinks
Black is a sleek and trendy choice for the
modern kitchen sink. If your kitchen appliances and countertops are black, a
black sink blends perfectly with the décor. Black will give your kitchen a
uniquely attractive appearance. Black sinks will also retain their appearance
far longer than porcelain sinks. Black sinks are low maintenance. Dirt doesn’t
show easily which makes it easier to have your kitchen looking good. Stains
don’t form on black sinks and they’re also easier to clean. Porcelain kitchen sinks
require a lot more maintenance. Black kitchen sinks rate highly for heavy-duty
use. Black sinks are a good choice for those with young children in the house.
Single Bowl vs
Double Bowl Sink
Saving Counter Space
If you use every inch of available counter
space in your kitchen for storage, food prep, and decor, then double bowl sinks
are useful with the second bowl. Using a double bowl sink with two large bowls
gives you the option of placing a drying rack in the sink rather than on the
counter. So, you can wash dishes in one bowl and dry them in the other without
needing counter space.
Some single bowl sinks have a built-in 1
drying rack on one side, but this reduces the washing space. The size of the
sink is always dictated by the sink base cabinet, so when you have limited
counter space, a double bowl sink may provide the storage and drying area
needed. Using a single bowl sink in a small kitchen also maximizes counter
space, providing more prep room and counter storage than with a larger sink.
Installation
As far as the installation of the sink is
concerned, there is little difference between a single and double bowl. Both
sinks are held in place with epoxy 2 and sink clips. A large C-clamp will hold
the sink to the counter while the epoxy 2 dries. The difference in the
installation is when it is time to connect the plumbing.
Because a single bowl sink has only one
drain, the installation is faster, easier, and cheaper. Placement of the faucet
is also easier because there is only one bowl requiring water.
Double bowl sinks have two drains, which
need to connect to one another before entering the final waste trap. One side
of the sink may have a garbage disposal, while the other does not, which
increases the difficulty. In addition, having a double bowl sink raises the
question of where the faucet will be placed. If both sides of the sink will be
used for washing, the faucet needs to be located so that it can fill both
sides.
The Great Kitchen Sink
Debate: Single or Double?
The kitchen is among the busiest rooms in
any home, and especially so during the holidays. Are you thinking of how your
kitchen can be redone to better accommodate next year’s holiday preparations?
If the kitchen sink is one of your concerns, then you’re reading the right
post!
Is a Double-Bowl Sink Worth the Space?
If you have an older home, it probably came
with a double-bowl kitchen sink. This trend made its rounds at a time when
dishwashers were not yet standard in the average American home. The primary
purpose of double-bowl sinks was to make dishwashing easier: one bowl for soapy
water, the other bowl with clean water for rinsing.
Nowadays, the double-bowl sink is rarely
used for dishwashing. However, this type of kitchen sink does more than make
dishwashing easier. Some of the benefits of a double-bowl sink are:
- It’s ideal for washing large pans and other items that you don’t want to run through the dishwasher.
- It helps keep things organized. For instance, you can put dirty dishes in one bowl while you use the other for food preparation.
- It makes garbage disposal easier too. You can use the garbage disposal on one side even if the other bowl is full of water or dirty dishes.
Is a Single-Bowl Sink Enough for Your
Needs?
Today, single-bowl sinks are dominating
the home kitchen designs arena. Single-bowl sinks have one deep basin
without any divider. They offer a number of benefits, including:
- They provide more space for washing bigger kitchen items.
- They do not take as much counter space as double-bowl sinks.
- They are ideal for smaller kitchens.
Let DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen Help
You Choose
Choosing between a single- or double-bowl
sink will largely depend on your needs. Do you need more counter space? A
single-bowl sink could prove to be a good choice. Do you like the ability to
separate dirty dishes while rinsing produce? A double-bowl sink can serve you
wel