Kitchen Sinks

Sinks are an integral part of every kitchen. They must be functional as well as beautiful and there may be more decisions to make when it comes to choosing a sink for your kitchen remodeling project than you think.

Follow our advice to make the best choice for your remodeling project.

Considerations Before You Begin

• Consider your counter space to identify how much area you have to work with.
• Do you want a one, two, or three basin sink? If you hand wash a lot of your dishes you may want to consider a two or three basin sink.
• Choose a sink that corresponds to your kitchen's design.
• Choose a material that is resistant to water damage.
• Not all sinks can accommodate every type of faucet, so make sure to choose a sink and faucet that work together.

Sink Materials

Copper - This material is an extremely popular choice for kitchen sinks. Although this is a more expensive option than other materials, a pure copper sink will require no maintenance. The downfall for copper is that the color changes over time, but some people find the aging process part of the charm and appeal.

Stainless steel - This sink material is a popular choice for its modern look. If your kitchen has stainless steel appliances, consider this material for your sink to achieve a uniform look. Stainless steel has the advantage of being easy to clean and it resists corrosion, however it can dent easily compared to other sink materials.

Solid surface - These sinks can be fused with a corresponding solid surface countertop for the ultimate in easy cleaning. They can be made of Corian®, Swanstone®, or other non-porous materials. These sinks have a warmer, softer feel than metal sinks, but are more susceptible to nicks and damage from hot pans.

Sink Installation Techniques

Undermount - These types of sinks are installed underneath the countertop to create a seamless look and are more functional for cleaning. Undermount sinks are easy to maintain and have a modern design appeal, but they can only be installed in a solid surface or stone countertop.

Flushmount or Integral - This is where both the sink and countertop are a uniform material and one piece. This type of sink has no seams and is easy to clean.

Self-rimming or Top mount- This type of sink has a rolled edge that overlaps the countertop making it a versatile option that works with virtually all countertops. This type of sink installation is a popular choice because it makes installation painless. Top mount sinks require periodic caulking around the rim and don't clean as easily as flushmount or undermount sinks.

Tile in - This style sink is used with tiled countertops where there is no visible separation between the two surfaces. There may be a rim or trim piece depending on the sink.