One of the most important project decisions to make is often the choice of a sink.
Granite Division offers higher quality sinks than you will find in most larger retail stores at a competitive price so that you don’t need to worry about it! Ordering sinks at Granite Division also gives us quality control over the entire process and takes the hassle off of you! This article is a guide to equip you to make the best decision when it comes to sink selection. It covers considerations about the sink function, size, style and material options, and a starting point for further research in faucet selection. If you would like to order a sink from elsewhere this will also serve as a guide for considerations.
WHEN LOOKING AT SINKS THE FIRST PRIMARY CONSIDERATION IS FUNCTION. FOR A HOME KITCHEN THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF SINKS – SINGLE AND DOUBLE BOWL.
Single Bowls
Single bowls offer plenty of space for washing large pots and dishes, and they can take up less space than double bowls.
Double Bowls
Double bowls provide room for separate tasks (food prep, cleanup, washing dishes, etc.)
They can also have different size ratios, which are typically 50/50, 60/40, or 70/30.
THERE ARE THREE BASIC STYLES TO SINKS: UNDERMOUNT, DROP-IN, AND FARMHOUSE.
Undermount Sinks
Drop-In Sinks
Farmhouse Sinks
Undermount sinks are installed underneath the countertop. This means that cleanup is easier, and that you do not see the edges of the sink.
Drop-In sinks are installed by being “dropped in” to a hole in the countertop. This is the most inexpensive way to install a sink. A Drop-In sink’s edges will be over the countertop.
Farmhouse sinks (also referred to as Apron-front sinks) actually have the front side exposed and protruding slightly from the cabinet. Farmhouse sinks allow for easier cleaning of large pots and dishes. *Talk about what needs to be put in as far as cabinet / install considerations*
THE NEXT CONSIDERATION IN SELECTING A SINK IS ITS MATERIAL. THERE ARE MANY TO
CHOOSE FROM, BUT THIS ARTICLE GOES OVER THE MORE STANDARD SINK MATERIALS:
STAINLESS STEEL, CAST IRON, FIRECLAY, COPPER, AND PORCELAIN.
Fireclay is solid white clay that is fired under high temperatures for an extended period of time. Of all the choices presented it has the lowest maintenance, and while it has a look similar to porcelain it is more durable.
Stainless steel is the most common choice for a kitchen sink, and there are many stainless-steel options. It is low cost and low maintenance, but it is not difficult to dent or scratch.
Fireclay is a low-cost alternative to cast-iron, but both are susceptible to chipping.
Copper sinks are available for their interesting style, and copper has bacteria-killing properties. However, these sinks are typically on the more intensive end of both cost and maintenance.
Porcelain sinks are low cost and maintenance. However, they are not durable enough for heavy use and are not good candidates for heavily trafficked areas.
THE FINAL CONSIDERATION WITH SINKS IS FAUCETS.
There are thousands of possibilities on the market, and we encourage you to find something you like and order it. We will need your faucet at the time of installation, and our installers cut the holes for the faucet on site.
