Kitchen sinks come in a variety of mounting styles and various sink varieties. How the countertop is built, and the material that your sink is made from playing big roles in were kind of sink you choose to install. While the design and style of sink you choose will depend on personal preference, the kind of sink you get will largely depend on whether you are replacing an existing sink or remodeling your entire kitchen. Ultimately, what you decide to do with your kitchen sink will depend on how much space you have and what kind of budget you’re working with. Below are a few different options to consider when it comes to sink options.
Stainless steel: This is perhaps the most common kitchen sink available today. In addition to being extremely durable, they are also one of the easiest to install and come in a wide variety of sizes, colors, and finishes. Stainless sinks are also easy to clean because they don’t absorb stains easily, and they will hold up well to hot pots and pans on the stove. Unfortunately, since stainless sinks can be costly, they are often not the best choice for smaller countertops.
Stainless steel sinks are the most practical kitchen sink choices because they are very inexpensive and can be installed fairly easily. However, since stainless sinks can get very bright, they can also be great eye-causers! Plus, since the sink’s finish is so shiny, there is often a lot of visible dust residue, making the appearance of cabinets behind the new sink a little grubby-looking in places. Some people opt for a black cabinet surface or for something with a matte finish like brushed nickel to solve this problem.
Cabinet with Tilt: A kitchen sink with a tilt is called a zero-tilt cabinet. Its shallow depth helps to create space behind the countertop for extra dishes or pots. The zero-tilt design also allows for easier cleaning because all you have to do is tilt the cabinet toward the dishwasher. However, if you want a deeper basin, you may need to buy two units because the cabinet tilt doesn’t allow one to fit behind the other.
Standard Size: When you buy a new kitchen sink, you probably assume that the only options you have are standard sizes. That’s not always true. Sinks come in all different shapes and sizes no matter what their standard size is. If you’ve been thinking about getting a new kitchen sink, but you aren’t sure whether it will work with your existing sink, consider what might be available before making any final decisions.
If you already have a garbage disposal that comes with a kitchen sink, the odds are that the disposal is compatible with your new stainless steel sink. If it isn’t, you’ll need to buy a plumbing supply to match up the plumbing of the garbage disposal and your new kitchen sink. The plumbing supply will likely cost you more than a sink with a standard sink, but it will be worth it in the long run. You’ll be able to use the sink you already own and avoid the plumbing company’s markup.
Undermount and Overmount: Both of these kitchen sink plumbing fixtures come in a wide variety of configurations. You can get a sink with a single hole or two holes; you can choose a countertop with a hole or no hole; you can choose a deep or shallow bowl; you can get a standard size or a customized size, and you can even have a sink made from a material that won’t rust. Most under-mount and overmount sinks also come with their own tops, allowing you to choose whether you want an under-mount or an overmount sink. Undermount kitchen sinks are often made from stainless steel, but they can also be made from copper, brass, or bronze. They can be made in a bowl shape, but they’re also commonly used as a bar sink.
Drop-In: A drop-in kitchen sink fixture is just what its name implies-it’s a fitting that slips underneath the counter. These fixtures are available in stainless steel and a variety of colors and materials. Most drop-in sinks have a smooth underside surface and are made with textured surfaces on the underside for a non-slip grip. Stainless steel drop-ins are very popular because they’re very durable and usually offer a lifetime warranty. They are sometimes available in a polished finish to provide a glossy, modern look.