CHOOSING A NEW KITCHEN SINK: THE PROS AND CONS

When renovating your kitchen, the last thing you probably are thinking about is sink style. When we start working with a client on their kitchen we run through a number of questions to help determine project goals and selections. Kitchen sink is one of the specific things we will discuss. Our number one tip when advising clients as they select a new kitchen sink? Always select an under-mount sink for ease of cleaning. (translation: under-mount mean stone goes over the top of the sink so there is no seam or lip to wipe crumbs and mess into the sink.) But beyond that…we have a few tips to help you make the right decision.

CHOOSING A NEW KITCHEN SINK: THE PROS AND CONS

BASIN STYLE: Considering single basin versus double basin.

Single Basin Pros:
– You can fully soak + wash large pots and pans
– You can fit A LOT of stuff inside (when you want to delay doing dishes but want the appearance of a clean counter) —when you stayed up too late to clean the kitchen but want to wake up pretending you didn’t.
– Many basin sinks come with accessories to add in removable basins or drying racks to the sink can be flexible

Single Basin Cons:

– You don’t get a separate sink for soaking while still having another drain accessible.
– With low water pressure or a wrong-sized faucet, it can be hard to reach the outer corners of the sink to rinse and keep clean.

Farmhouse sinks:

Farmhouse sinks are great as an added aesthetic  and generally come in cast iron or more decorative metal. Our tip though? With a farmhouse, be prepared to do a little bit of maintenance. Spills will inevitably come out of the sink and run down the face, ending up on the top of your cabinet doors. if this isn’t wiped away, it will degrade your cabinets over time. Ask your designer or cabinet installer if you can use a color matched PVC edge tape on the top of these cabinets to protect them from water running down.

Other considerations: Materials

When helping our clients choose sinks, we typically go with one of two materials —

– Stainless. More durable, industrial, scratch and stain resistant. Goes well with most styles. undermount styles blend away.

– Cast iron. Beautiful texture. durable but not scratch or chip resistant, especially if using for washing large or heavy pots and pans. Can be repaired. Hint: be sure you talk to your cabinet and stone installers if you plan to use cast iron sink as it will require additional support to hold the weight of sink.

Need help with your design decisions…everything including the kitchen sink? Check out our virtual and in-person design services.