A Kitchen Sink Comparison Guide for Home Remodeling
Choosing the right kitchen sink is an essential element of a successful design.
Few elements of your home are used as often as your kitchen sink! Believe it or not, when remodeling, one of the most important choices you'll make is the kitchen sink. It will affect your life every day, for many years. Your kitchen is the heart of your home, and your kitchen sink is the heart of your kitchen!
Kitchen sinks are available in a variety of materials and styles to fit every need whther your building new or remodeling an existing kitchen. Materials include stainless steel, porcelain over cast iron, soapstone, and engineered products. From multi-bowl sinks to under mounts, farmhouse sinks and more, a kitchen sink can be one of the lowest priced elements of a kitchen remodel, but some high-end models can carry a four-digit price tag like a hand-hammered copper farmhouse sink for example. Fortunately, most are well made and affordable.
Let's explore today's available kitchen sink choices!
Choosing The Perfect Kitchen Sink
When choosing your kitchen sink, you'll need to consider several factors. First, is the size of your kitchen. A multi-basin model in a small kitchen can overpower the space. Think about how you'll use your sink. Will you be washing the family dishes? Filling large pots with water? Or chopping and washing vegetables? Finally, consider your aesthetic needs. For example, is your kitchen style modern or traditional?
The National Kitchen and Bath Association is an industry trade group that suggests that for kitchens of less than 150 SqFt, a standard 21” single bowl sink is ideal. If your kitchen is larger, you can choose a two or three bowl model. Whichever size you choose, you'll need to select the type of mounting. This is both a functional and aesthetic decision. The faucet, spray hose type, soap dispensers or garbage disposal air switches will help you specify the size and number of holes you'll need in the countertop sink deck. Finally, you'll need to decide on a color. A colored sink can offer a stunning focal point in any kitchen, but make sure you budget appropriately. Any color other than white can cost you an additional 30% premium!
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Kitchen Sink Styles
Once you've decided on the type of sink, it's time to consider the various shapes, styles, and materials available. The following are some of the most popular style choices.
Farmhouse Sink
Most are large single basin sinks, but they are also available as a double basin. Farmhouse sinks sport a distinctive apron front which provides a beautiful old-world style. Make sure you're comfortable with this design statement since you'll be living with it for a long time.
Farmhouse sinks come in a variety of materials including porcelain, copper, steel or ceramic. They also come in a wide range of color choices to fit any décor.
Rounded Sides
Many homeowners find a sink with rounded corners easier to keep clean than one with squared edges. Many new models offer a combination shape with rounded corners at the bottom of the sink and angular corners where the sink joins the counter top. If you're into a sleek modern look, this might be an excellent choice for you!
Built-In Drainboard
Great for draining dishes and washing vegetables, this is a wider sink and eats up a lot of counter space. Best for a larger kitchen.
Under-Mount Sinks
These sinks attach beneath the counter and are ideal for cleaning. Simply slide food scraps right into the basin. Under-mounts provide a sleek finished look and are perfect for natural stone or quartz countertops.
Choosing Your Kitchen Sink Material
Kitchen sinks are available in a variety of materials. Your choice depends on your needs as well as your style and of course, your budget. Materials include:
Stainless Steel
Classic and easy to clean, stainless steel can be formed into any shape, is nearly indestructible and looks great in any kitchen. Stainless can scratch, but is easily buffed out if the sink is brushed stainless steel. Most manufacturers offer a wire tray to prevent scratching.
Porcelain
A traditional material, porcelain gives your kitchen a classic, vintage look. If you love the color, porcelain is available in a wide range of colors. Though porcelain has a timeless aesthetic quality, it can chip, and metal pans can leave difficult to clean scuffs.
Granite Composite
An engineered material made of granite particles and resin, these sinks resist chipping and scratching Granite sinks are an excellent choice if your home has hard water because it doesn't show spots. Lighter colors may stain and require special maintenance.
Natural Stone
The most common choice is soapstone, and a natural stone sink can accurately match your countertop. This can give your kitchen an authentic period look. Natural stone sinks can be expensive and can scratch or chip.
Your kitchen sink can make a design statement, add a pop of color or be a focal point of your entire kitchen. The best option is to speak with your designer, and visit your local showroom and see your options before you decide. Your designer or design build firm and help you to understand all of your options, price points and pros and cons of the various materials and styles available.
Your kitchen is a place in your home you should feel comfortable working in. Take the time to consider all of your kitchen sink options, think about your lifestyle, your needs and your budget. With a little legwork and expert advice for the design professionals at Forward Design Build, you'll find the perfect kitchen sink to meet your needs and personal aesthetic! Contact us today regarding your kitchen design.
Forward Design Build is a residential design-build firm in Ann Arbor, Michigan that is known for its commitment to craftsmanship and communication. We are committed to improving our neighbors quality of life with inspired design and creative remodeling. Our homes are highly functional, exquisitely beautiful, and remarkably comfortable. Contact us to speak with an expert about your new home or remodeling project.