The Kitchen Sink: Everything You Need to Know

Material

The list keeps growing as more technologies are being developed. Long gone are the days when your only choices were stainless steel and cast iron. Today, the list of materials includes quartz, fireclay, and even cast acrylic.

Let’s take a look at the top 3 choices.

Cast Iron

The oldest material used for kitchen sinks and tubs, cast iron has always been popular because of its solid feel and durability.

If the sink is adequately maintained, it will keep its glossy luster for many years. A typical kitchen sink weighs over 100 lbs.

Although it is durable, you have to be mindful of preventing damage to the surface should the enamel coating chip expose the iron base material to water which would cause rust. Even though there are touch-up kits, the area that was touched up will never look as it did initially. The good news is that you can protect the sink by adding some pads.

Stainless Steel

By far the most durable, stainless steel sinks range in thickness of the material from 16 to 22 gauge. The smaller the number, the thicker the material would be.

These sinks can take a lot of abuse, and apart from developing some surface scratches here and there, they literally can last a lifetime. If you opt for this sink, make sure that it has an adequate sound deadening system, whether it is a spray-on coating or pads.

True, not everyone likes the aesthetic of stainless steel, but if you want durability, this would be the way to go.

Quartz

This type of material is marketed under different names–solid surface, Whitestone®, etc. Quartz is a fabricated material made of a mixture of granite, acrylic resin, and in some cases, other additives that would give the material different characteristics, such as aluminum.

• Quartz is highly durable and resistant to scratches, stains, and impact.
• Heat resistant, a quartz sink or counter can withstand temperatures of up to 535°F.
• Because it is non-porous, it is bacteria and odor-resistant.
• The color goes all the way through the material, making it fully repairable.
• Quieter than stainless steel.

Installation type

Now, our next step is selecting the type of installation we want.

Self-Rimming

The sink is sitting over the counter with the rim resting on the perimeter of the countertop.

• Faster installation since there is no need to polish the inside surfaces of the cutout.
• More economical. In construction, time is money so faster installation = more economical installation
• It can be installed in any type of countertop material, including laminate countertops.
• The weight is evenly distributed on the countertop, requiring no reinforcement under the counter.
• In case of damage, the sink can be easily changed without requiring any damage to the cabinet or the countertop.

Undercounter

This sink sits under the counter, supported either by the rough top, a framed support structure, or support brackets.

• A much cleaner appearance
• Easier to keep the counter clean, no nooks and crevices that can breed mold and bacteria on top of the counter.
• Countertop must be a solid surface, such as quartz or stone (Granite, soapstone, etc.)
• A bit more expensive installation since the inside edge of the cutout would need to be polished.
• Not easily removable in case of damage.
• Since the faucet is installed on the countertop, you have more flexibility in selecting where you want your faucet and other countertop accessories (Soap dispenser, water filter spout, etc.)

Farmhouse

This is not only an installation method but also a type of sink. The sinks are designed with an apron on the front part. They are installed flush with the edge of the countertop, making the front of the sink a design element.

• Usually installed undercounter, so most of the above pros and cons also apply.
• These sinks are generally deeper.
• The most common sink configuration is a single bowl, which, coupled with the extra depth it allows you to wash bigger pots and pans comfortably, perhaps even a cookie sheet.
• Because you don’t have that extra piece of countertop between you and the sink, it tends to be easier on the back.
• It can be an aesthetic focal point to your kitchen as the apron is visible and, in many cases, includes decorative features.