Kitchen sinks are by far the most used fixture in the kitchen. Consider how many times a day you use your kitchen sink!
There are a wide array of choices including everything from a variety of materials to bowl configuration. This means that a lot more thought needs to go into choosing the right kitchen sink type, in terms of design and functionality, for your home.
Most people don’t think about their kitchen sink much or how they use it while cooking, baking, or doing dishes- at least not until it’s time to replace it! So let’s talk about the options out there, what’s involved to replace it, and think about what type would best serve you and your family.
Choosing the size and configuration that best fits your space and lifestyle is important.Kitchen sinks are available in more shapes and sizes than ever before. The interior width of the sink’s cabinet determines the maximum dimensions for your sink. Standard kitchen cabinets come in size increments of 3" starting at 9" wide (9", 12", 15", 18", 21" 24", etc). There are a wide range of sinks to fit most standard cabinet sizes. Be sure to measure your cabinet size before selecting a kitchen sink.
The most common sizes are 25” wide and 33” wide. While most sinks are close to these sizes, there is a wide range of options available on the market today.
What size sink your kitchen can fit will depend on your cabinet size.
Measure your current cabinet from edge to edge (not the outside of your cabinet door necessarily but where the cabinet box’s edges are).
TIP: Standard cabinet sizes are in 3” increments. I.E.: 27”, 30”, 33”, 36”, etc.
In general, your sink should be at least 2-3” smaller than your cabinet size. For example, a 36” sink base cabinet can easily fit a 33” sink.
If you are currently replacing your cabinets, you can choose your sink base to fit your sink or vice versa. It’s best to choose your sink during the design process so you can change the sink base cabinet size to fit the sink you’ve chosen if needed.
Your designer will discuss with you the general sizing (ie: 25”, 33” or another size) while working on the design to make sure the sink base is the appropriate size to your preferences and the space of your kitchen. Before finalizing the design and ordering the cabinets, it is best to decide on your kitchen sink so you aren’t limited by your cabinet size.
Most brands of kitchen sinks now offer 2 different divider types.
1) Traditional Sink – The material that creates the division between the two sides of the sink is the same depth as the overall sink.
2) Low Divide Sink –Brands have different names for it (ie: Smart Divide; Aqua Divide, etc). The material that creates the division between the two sides of the sink is lower than the overall sink- generally less than 50% of the depth. This allows you to easily fit large pans or cookie sheets in the entire sink while still getting the benefit of divided bowls.
A drop-in sink sits on top of the countertop and the bowl(s) drop into the countertop cutout. These sinks have a lip sitting on top of the counter.
An undermount sink is attached to the underside of the countertop. There is nothing sitting on top of the counter. Considerations with an undermount is if the countertop can support the weight of the sink. Laminate countertops should use drop-in sinks.
Integrated sinks are built into the countertop. It is available with certain materials, such as a solid surface material, where the sink is of the same material and has no seams or on site installation required. Sink color can often be either the same as the countertop or a different color than the counter.
A apron-front sink, often called a farmhouse or farm sink, has a front piece exposed that appears to sit on the cabinet. It’s style is a nod to traditional farmhouse sinks. But today not all apron-front sinks have a traditional century old feel. They are available in almost all materials, have various designs available for the apron, and come in a variety of colors.
Kitchen sinks are available in a variety of materials.
Stainless Steel Sink
Stainless steel is the most common and traditional look. Stainless sinks goes with most kitchen styles and can easily match faucets and appliances alike. Benefits include heat and stain resistant and are available in a variety of types, styles and sizes.
KOHLER CAST IRON SINK
Cast Iron sinks are very durable, available in a variety of colors, and can make a bold statement in a design.
BLANCO SILGRANIT SINK
Granite Composites is a newer technology and is called different names by different brands. Composite granite sinks are good-looking, durable and don’t show water marks or scratches the way stainless steel sinks do. They come in a variety of neutral hues.
BLANCO FIRECLAY SINKS
Fireclay sinks are manufactured from clay fired at an extremely high temperature, fireclay sinks are highly resistant to scratches, staining and chipping. Cleanup is easy — just dish soap on a sponge, or use a mild abrasive cleanser for tougher marks.
Yes! Or you at least need to know what type of faucet you would like as depending on your sink type, you will need to know how many holes your faucet will require.
When purchasing your sink, if it is a drop-in sink you will purchase a sink with the appropriate faucet and soap dispenser holes required. For undermount, you typically won’t need to know how many holes are required until the time of your countertop installation.
Kitchen faucets are available in 1- 2- 3- or 4-hole configurations.
1) SINGLE-HOLE MOUNTING KITCHEN FAUCET – The handle is attached to the faucet itself and has a mixing valve for both hot and cold water.
2) TWO-HOLE MOUNTING KITCHEN FAUCET – Accommodates a single-handle faucet with a side spray or remote valve faucet.
3) THREE-HOLE MOUNTING KITCHEN FAUCET – Accommodates a two-handle faucet or single-handle faucet and a side spray.
4) FOUR-HOLE MOUNTING KITCHEN FAUCET – Accommodates a two-handle faucet and a side spray.
Yes! Depending on your sink will depend on what accessories are available for your particular model. While you can always purchase generic options, if you know you’d like a stainless steel rack or basket or other integrated accessories, it’s best to find a sink that offers what you are looking for prior to purchase.
There are a lot of choices out the
