Choosing A Sink
The Ultimate Guide On Materials, Mounting & Shapes
Redecorating can be costly, but when we look at kitchen or bathroom renovations, we start talking big bucks. For this very reason it’s essential to do your homework and identify your needs before you start buying.
In retrospect, homeowners often regret their choice of sink. In fact, most of us don’t appreciate the importance of having a choice, because unless you are building your home, your sinks have inevitably been chosen for you.
Shape, depth and the material are all important factors when choosing a sink. There is no one sink design that suits everyone, so read on to learn everything you need in order to make an enlightened decision on your next kitchen or bathroom make-over.
Materials
When it comes to selecting the material for your sink that will best suit your purposes, you need to evaluate what you use it for and how often you use it.
The kitchen sink is usually the most heavily used feature in the house. The principal washroom basin runs a close second but, whereas the kitchen sink will need to be constructed of an extremely durable material, the washroom sink will usually lend itself to something a little less hardy, and a little more decorative.
The following outlines the pros and cons of each of these popular materials used in sink construction:
$424.94
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Stainless Steel & Copper (the heavier the gauge the better)
Stainless steel reigns as the most common choice for kitchens, whether it be for industrial use in a restaurant, or casual use in the home. Stainless steel gives a sleek contemporary look and copper (more expensive) leans more towards a rustic and earthy look.
On the plus side, stainless steel fits any budget. Both steel and copper are very durable materials as they are not affected by heat, acidity or food colorings. They are easy to clean and very sanitary. They are also available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and finishes.
On the other hand, metal sinks do show water stains and are susceptible to scratches. Maintenance is easy though, and a quick wipe after use will leave them looking shiny and new again.
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Enamel Cast Iron
Although this style of sink is considered a little “passé”, they are available in an extensive variety of colors.
The down side is that they are very heavy and can chip fairly easily. When they do chip, the iron is exposed and prone to show unsightly rust stains within a short time.
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Ceramic, Vitreous China, Fireclay & Porcelain
Ceramic or porcelain are a classic and still the most common sink finish in bathrooms. Vitreous china is a type of china very similar in composition to fireclay or ceramic with a glassy topcoat making it stain resistant.
On the plus side, these materials offer a wide variety of colors and are easy to maintain. They are resistant to extreme heat, scratches and chemical products. Fireclay can be plain, painted, or sculpted, presenting a large variety of design options. They have a smooth, non-porous hard surface that won't rust, fade, or discolor. They are the perfect complement to traditional, country or rustic décor styles.
On the other hand, they may chip and can over time (albeit a very long time) lose some of their varnish. They are quite heavy and, in the case of sculpted or painted designs, quite a bit more expensive.
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Composite & Solid Surface
Composite materials and solid surface sinks and countertops are relatively new to the market but their popularity is growing fast. These materials are usually resin based and then mixed with a variety of other products such as fiberglass, sand, quartz or granite powder. The different mixes result in a sink of variable resistance and quality. Most people favor the resin and granite mix for durability.
Their wide variety of colors and shapes as well as the possibility to sink the basin into the counter top, offers a sleek look that is very easy to clean (a mix of vinegar and water is very effective). Depending on the mix, composite materials generally offer a stain and scratch resistant surface.
On the other hand, the need for professional installation and the innovation of the product do show on the final bill. Solid surfaces can also loose some of their shine after a few years and they tend to be more vulnerable to heat.
It is recommended to place a metal rack in the bottom of your composite sink to protect it from hot pans. Also, always make sure that the color is through and through and not just surface finish. Through and through color is easier to refinish should you ever need to repair scratches.
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Concrete or Stone (Granite, Marble, Onyx etc.)
If you want to make a statement in your kitchen or bathroom, stone is the way to go. It is a great fit for both modern and rustic designs, and is effective in contributing a rich and warm look to a kitchen or bathroom. Stone sinks are also the most durable on the market - very rarely will you see a stone sink chipped or damaged by heat. They can be custom ordered so are a good fit if you have a special design in mind.
The down side of stone or concrete sinks is that some are very porous (especially cement) and are therefore vulnerable to stains, lime scale and chemicals. These sinks have longer life spans if they are sealed properly. It is also very important to confirm which cleaning products are recommended for best care. Before choosing stone or cement, make sure that the existing structure of your kitchen or bathroom can support the weight of your material of choice.
These sinks are expensive and generally require professional installation, which also adds to the final bill.
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Glass
Glass sinks are a new and very trendy look for bathrooms. They are elegant and available in many unique shapes, designs, and vivid colors. Glass is easy to clean and is very hygienic because it is not porous.
The down side of glass is its vulnerability to chips, scratches and stains (water, soap and toothpaste). Choosing the correct finish can help with the stain issue, but will not altogether eliminate it. One good solution is to select a glass sink with an etched bottom.
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Mounting
The most common and least expensive option is the countertop or drop-in sink. It sits on, and is supported by, the counter itself. The down side of this mounting style is that dirt can accumulate around the sink’s lip.
Another common style is the under the counter sink. If you opt for this mounting style, the hole in the counter will need to be properly finished as the sink is fixed under the counter itself. On the plus side, dirt will not accumulate around your sink! Under the counter sinks requires stone or solid surfacing to rest on because the counter material is exposed. They are also more expensive to install because of the time and skill needed to do so.
Integrated mounting is a one-piece counter and sink. See materials.
Over the counter mounting once again is defined by its name. The sink rests on top of your counter. See vessel sinks.
Drop-in
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Under-mounted
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Intergrated
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Over the counter
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Shapes
The shape of your sink is primarily determined by the space that you have to work with. If you are replacing a sink in an existing countertop or console, it is extremely important to measure the hole accurately to ensure a good fit. Although it may put restrictions on your choices, not having to replace the countertop will result in substantial savings.
The standard size of a kitchen sink is 22” x 30” and consists of 2 basins of equal size, 8” in depth. Keep in mind though that this standard might not best suit your requirements, and there are many other options available to you e.g. if you cook a lot and use big pots, your sink has to be big enough and deep enough to accommodate them for easy cleaning.
When it comes to bathroom sinks, the variety in shapes and sizes is immense. It all comes down to figuring out what best suits your purposes.
Faucets are also a key consideration when picking a sink. Height and number of holes needed for the fittings might make you change your mind on the sink you had originally chosen. For example, since vessel sinks sit in the counter instead of flush like other designs, you will need to choose a faucet that sits higher than your bowl. Similarly, if you tend to use a lot of very deep pots in the kitchen, you want to make sure that your faucet is high enough to accommodate their cleaning.
Number Of Bowls
It all comes down to space and preference: choose from various designs including equal or different size bowls, and corner models. Three bowl kitchen models are favored by seasoned cooks and often include a place for a food disposal system.
Single Bowl
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2 Bowls
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1 1/2 Bowls
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Apron Front
Apron front or farm sinks are one of the hottest kitchen sink designs right now. They mix modern and rustic styles beautifully to make a spectacular statement in your kitchen.
They are typically under mounted and sport a large and deep single bowl although it is not difficult to find a 2-bowl model.
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Vessel
One of the latest bathroom trends is the vessel sink or above the counter sink.
They are often shaped like bowls (although rectangles are gaining popularity) and are guaranteed to make a strong design statement, as they can be an art-piece unto themselves. Showcase your vessel sink by resting it on a console or antique dresser to allow it to take center stage in your brand new bathroom design.
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Pedestal
It is undeniable that pedestal sinks look good and save space in a bathroom, but they don’t provide much counter space. Clutter accumulates fast, specially in principal bathrooms.
If you choose a pedestal style, you will have a choice of mounting the sink to the wall and exposing the plumbing beneath it, or purchasing a design with a pedestal base.
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Wall-mounted
A wall-mounted sink is a great space saving solution. They can be mounted on a sidewall or in a corner and are therefore to fit into any bathroom design. Since they don’t have cupboards or counter space you can add storage space underneath simply by adding special racks.
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$299.99
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Console
A console is a cross between a vanity and a pedestal sink. The console sink looks like a piece of furniture. The sink is installed like a pedestal sink, but rests in a console with 4 legs.
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Hopefully this guide on the art of buying a sink will have helped you in your kitchen or bathroom remodel. Our friends at Home Depot know that this is not an easy decision and their knowledgeable staff will be glad to lend a hand in helping you making an educated decision.
