Home Improvement Advice

Kitchen sinks, what do we know about them?  We use and abuse them and they’re probably the most used plumbing fixture in your home.  We know a garbage disposer usually hangs off of it into the cabinet.  Other than that, it just sits in your kitchen ready to perform the duties assigned no matter how dirty of disgusting.  After years of duty however, it becomes time to just retire the sink and get another one.  Problem is that there are many materials you can choose from and how do you know what one is right for you?  The answer of course is to understand what is important to you and how each of the kitchen sink materials stack up against your needs.

It’s no secret that we’re all short on time and having someone else do anything for you in your home is expensive.  The point is that time is expensive no matter if it’s yours or you hire someone.  With that in mind, remember that if you need to replace your sink every year or two because you bought cheap, the expense is in the labor.

The cheapest sinks today are stainless steel and pressed steel.  The lower cost stainless and the pressed steel are also known as “apartment” grade.  They call them this because apartment owners, looking for the cheapest prices tend to use these products.  If you’re on a budget and your family are not heavy users of the kitchen sink, these may be an attractive alternative to more expensive materials.  Be aware though that the pressed steel sink typically has a painted surface that scratches and chips easily.  These sinks will tend to look old and outdated quickly due to the finish used.  The stainless also scratches easily but if cared for correctly, it will continue to look acceptable.  Cheaper stainless steel sinks tend to be made of thinner material which means that water being ran into them and the garbage disposal will sound a lot louder on these less expensive models.  These sinks come in rimless and top mounted models.

A definite upgrade to these products is the cast iron kitchen sink.  These sinks are made of casted metal them finished with a porcelain material giving them a deep and beautiful glow.  The finish is long wearing and with a little occasional waxing, can look great for years.  They come in a variety of colors and can be ordered in undercounter mounting or top mounting styles.  These kitchen sinks however are heavy and much more difficult to install so unless you are extremely handy and have experience with these sinks, you will need an expert for installation.

Another sink material that seems to be gaining in popularity is the solid surface type material  These are a durable material formed into a kitchen sink and tend to be more of a matte finish.  This type of sink material goes especially well with more natural finishes in your kitchen.  Although not as popular as cast-iron, these composite kitchen sinks are rapidly gaining a strong following.

Your kitchen sink is a well used piece of plumbing that deserves to be constructed of quality materials.  Buying only on price will cause  additional expense due to having to replace the unit much more often.  So the best solution is to buy quality and have your Uncle Charlie install it for you.

The sink is the busiest spot in your kitchen. Nearly every task begins or ends in its embrace, so choosing the right one for the way you will use it and the way it will look may be one of the most important decisions you will make when planning your kitchen. You may not feel you really need the new one that ‘cooks’, but you do want a sink that will serve you well and look terrific, while not requiring too much time to maintain.

The newest looks in sinks are those that compliment the latest trends in kitchen design; namely the ‘commercial’ or ‘professional’ look and the traditional Old World styling, two design trends that continue to run parallel to one another, closely followed by the nostalgia of ‘country’ .

After you choose the look you want to enhance your kitchen’s personality, there is still plenty to decide. Will you use stainless steel, porcelain, enamel or solid surface material? How about copper or brass? For more on sinks, go to Estimating Costs.

Stainless Steel – More popular than ever, the stainless steel sink is the perfect compliment to the ‘professional’ kitchen that boasts stainless steel appliances. Easy care is a big plus. The quality of a stainless steel sink is measured by its gauge (the higher the number, the lower the quality), the amount of chromium and nickel it contains (the more, the better) and the sound control employed ( the more padding or coating the quieter. Tile and solid surface counters allow undermount installation for easy clean up – just push the wet and the mess right in with no lip or edge to collect debris or dampness. Laser embossing is available from some manufacturers to relieve the ‘too commercial’ look for use in more traditional settings, too.

Solid Surface -  First used for easier care custom counter tops, sinks of solid surface materials have attained a close second in preference among consumers for upscale kitchens. These wonderful man-made composite materials present a quiet, easy to clean surface that is stain and scratch resistant. Solid surface sinks also allow for either surface or undermount applications and can be fabricated to create a completely smooth transition from a solid surface top with no discernable ridge or line where they are joined. Computerized cutting allows fabricators to create custom designs for both decorative and functional choices.

Porcelain – Still the number one choice for many consumers, there is nothing to compare with the gleaming surface of a quality porcelain sink. Surprisingly durable, porcelain on cast iron sinks are available in bolder colors and more shades than any other material. Available in either undermount or surface mount styles, porcelain sinks are available in every imaginable style and with a wide variety of functional options and features.

Enamel - A less expensive alternative than others, except the most inexpensive stainless steel, enamel sinks are also less durable. Available in several colors and configurations enamel sinks do require more careful maintenance. But, top mounted models may be changed out with relatively little trouble, so enamel sink may be a better way to cut costs than with some more permanent choices for your kitchen like the cabinets. A good quality enamel sink may be expected to last for several years with a little loving care. Be sure not to scour with abrasive cleaners.

Other materials seen on today’s sink scene are Soapstone – a natural mineral substance, it is easy to care for, available in several color ranges (no two are alike) and in some of the most ‘now’ styles like extra deep farm sinks with wide apron fronts.

Copper or Brass – usually familiar as bar or ‘veggie’ sinks, these metals are sometimes chosen for kitchens planned in the Old World mode or for a ‘gourmet’ appearance.