When shopping for a new kitchen sink for your new kitchen, it’s important to find out all the options available. We’ve done the research for you and now we will show you some options, styles, finishes, pros and cons before you purchase your next sink.
Stainless Steel
The most common for a good reason, stainless steel sinks are affordable, go with almost any décor, are heat resistant, and like the name suggests these sinks don’t stain.
The only drawback, though small, is that stainless steel can scratch and easily show hard water deposits. The quality of the stainless steel used in the sink will dictate how well it holds up and varies largely with the gauge or thickness. Thicker is better and, not surprisingly, more expensive.
Overall though, stainless steel is generally affordable and durable. And some of the latest styles tap into a very modern industrial look with square commercial style and undermount designs that will complement any contemporary kitchen.
Granite Composite
Composite sinks are made from a mix of crushed granite (or quartz) that is filled in with resin to create a solid material and is less expensive than a solid stone sink.
These sinks need reinforcement upon installation due to the weight of the stone. They are on the expensive side, can chip and need a yearly sealing.
Fireclay
Have you heard of fireclay sinks before? Fireclay sinks are created when ceramic clay is molded into a sink shape, left to dry, then are coated in a porcelain enamel and fired at a high temperature over for a long period of time. The result is a beautiful sink that looks similar to cast iron enamel sink. Apron or farmhouse sinks are common styles for this method.
Fireclay sinks need to be handled carefully as they may crack during installation, over time they can crack as well, especially if you are not careful when you put your dishes in the sink. They can be pricey and are quite heavy.
Cast Iron Enamel
Cast Iron sinks are made from an iron sink base that has been coated with porcelain enamel. The enamel, which is melted glass, prevents rusting and stains from the iron as the coating fuses with the iron underneath.
As you can imagine, this sink is very heavy, so you will need a professional to install it with extra mounting! It can also chip or scratch if you don’t look after it. You will have to find a cleaner specific to cast iron.
Solid Surface
A Solid surface sink is man made from resins and made to look like natural stone (Formica and Corian) and can be used for countertops as well as sinks. It is most often paired with the same material as the countertop to create a uniform design. You will have to be careful not to put hot pots in the sink or it will scorch the surface.
Stone
Stone sinks are carved from one solid piece of marble or granite. This means no seams to worry about cleaning or sealing. They don’t chip are heat resistant.
Once polished, they are very easy to clean. If the stone is sealed properly and maintained your sink will last. If not, it can chip and crack and lose its beauty and effectiveness. Stone sinks are expensive and need to be looked after!
For more ideas and inspiration check out houzz and House Beautiful magazine.
Once you have researched your kitchen sink options and made your final decision, we’d be happy to install it for you. Contact us today.
