Choose the Best Kitchen Sink Style for Your Needs
When remodeling or building a new kitchen, selecting the perfect sink is an important decision that impacts aesthetics, functionality, and workflow. With many types of kitchen sinks available today in a wide range of styles, sizes, materials, mountings, and configurations, it can be overwhelming to pick the right one.
Countertop Compatibility
An essential first step is ensuring sink and countertop compatibility. The type of countertop material you choose will influence mounting options and styles for seamless integration and waterproofing.
Self-Rimming Drop-In Sinks
Self-rimming, also called topmount, sinks have a visible lip that sits on top of the countertop cutout. The rim hides the countertop edge for a finished look. They drop into a pre-cut hole and work well with laminate or tile countertops.
Undermount Sinks
Undermount sinks attach below the countertop, creating a sleek, contemporary look. They highlight the countertop material and are easy to wipe clean. Undermount installation is ideal for stone countertops like granite, quartz, or marble.
Vessel Sinks
Vessel sinks are bowl-shaped and sit on top of the counter like a decorative focal point. They don't require much countertop cutting. Vessel sinks pair nicely with stone, tile, or wood countertops in modern kitchens.
Farmhouse Sinks
Farmhouse, or apron-front sinks, extend slightly over the base cabinet for a rustic appeal. They complement butcher block, granite, or quartz countertops in cottage, urban farmhouse, or traditional kitchens.
Composite Sinks
Composite sinks blend natural stone particles with acrylic or quartz resins for durability and custom colors. Composite pairs well with quartz countertops in modern or contemporary kitchens.
Number of Basins
Configuring sink basins for workflow is key. Most kitchen sinks have either single, double, or triple bowls.
Single Bowl
Large single bowl sinks maximize basin space for soaking oversized cookware. They also neatly accommodate garbage disposals.
Double Bowl
Divided double bowl sinks allocate separate spaces for soaking dishes, preparing foods, draining, and compost. High dividers maximize functionality.
Low Divider Double Basin
A lower divider creates an open, contemporary look while still delineating two useful sink zones. It's a smart compromise blending style and utility.
Mounting Styles
Installation is impacted by mounting style. Cutouts must precisely fit the sink you choose.
Top Mount
Inexpensive and simple to install, topmount sinks drop into a pre-cut hole resting on the countertop edge. But gaps may appear over time as sealant fails.
Undermount
Undermount sinks install below the counter for easy cleaning. Installation is more complex, requiring careful caulking and clamping to attach securely.
Vessel Sinks
Vessels set on top of counters like decorative bowls, making for very easy installation. Their raised profile suits bathrooms but can impede kitchen workflow.
Materials
Sink materials impact aesthetics, performance, and pricing. Each has advantages balancing looks and practicality.
Stainless Steel
Classic, affordable steel suits both modern and traditional kitchens. It resists stains, dents, and heat while hiding water spots and scratches. But it can be noisy.
Cast Iron
Cast iron looks gorgeous but must be meticulously dried to prevent rust. Porcelain enameling minimizes maintenance. It scratches easily but diffuses sound well.
Composite
Quartz or granite blended with acrylic resins creates resilient, silky-smooth sinks. Composite is fade, stain, scratch and heat-resistant in chic colored designs.
Fireclay
Glazed, enameled fireclay is very durable despite a porcelain appearance. Fireclay withstands high temperatures with minimal chipping but the surface can gradually erode.
Ceramic/Porcelain
Smooth vitreous china ceramic or porcelain enameled steel provide design flexibility including clever integral drainboards. But the glassy surface stains and chips easily.
Depth and Size
Both single and double bowl sinks come in either standard or extra-deep models. And divider location impacts basin functionality.
Standard Depth
Offering ample space for dishes and pans, standard 7" to 9" depth suits most kitchens well. Standard models work with most base cabinets.
Extra Deep Sinks
For serious home chefs, deeper 10+" sinks fit big pots and pans. But installation requires special base cabinets with false drawer fronts to accommodate the depth.
Divider Locations
Evenly splitting the area suits general tasks in double bowl sinks. Off-setting the divider left or right creates a main basin for soaking and a smaller prep sink.
Special Features
Integrated accessories customize sinks, improving functionality.
Drainboards
Included raised drainboards elegantly dry dishes or stage ingredients near the basin. They integrate seamlessly when molded from the sink material.
Cutting Boards
Insertable wooden or plastic cutting boards fitting over the sink bowl save counterspace. Look for finger holes for easy lifting after food prep.
Colanders
Handy stainless steel or plastic strainer inserts conveniently sit atop bowls to drain pasta or wash produce. Choose a colander sized right for your sink's dimensions.
Soap Dispensers
Convenient built-in soap dispensers, often placed near the faucet, simplify cleaning. For easy refills, look for tops accessible from above the counter.
Installation Considerations
Installation approaches impact complexity, cost and customization flexibility.
Professional vs DIY
For custom countertop cutouts, faucet holes, plumbing adjustments, and undermount mounting, consider hiring a pro. Prefabricated drop-ins are simpler for DIYers.
Cabinet and Countertop Prep
The existing base cabinetry must precisely accommodate the new sink you select. And countertop cutouts for top mount sinks differ from undermount.
Plumbing Requirements
Look for sinks offering multiple faucet and accessory holes at standard 4" spacing. Or choose a single-hole model for wall-mount or vessel faucets.
Design Styles
Align your sink selection with your desired design aesthetic.
Modern
Sleek stainless steel or crisp white porcelain undermount sinks keep lines clean in contemporary kitchens. Neutral double bowls project understated style.
Transitional
Bridge old and new with versatile fireclay apron fronts or ceramic single bowls. Graceful profiles meld functionality with upscale charm.
Traditional
Bring back beloved farmhouse charm with exposed apron-front fireclay or enamelled cast iron sinks. Generously sized for large gatherings when entertaining.
Farmhouse
Fireclay is a natural choice, evoking pastoral style with wide single bowls and gently curved aprons. Crisp white paired with oil-rubbed bronze faucets ups old-fashioned appeal.
Contemporary
For sleek modern spaces, straight-lined stainless steel or graphite silicone undermount sinks keep things minimalist. Show off decorative faucets as a focal point against stone counters.
Choosing What's Important to You
When selecting your dream kitchen sink, identify must-have features. Keeping priorities like aesthetic style, installation complexity, included accessories or eco-friendly materials in mind while researching options prevents decision overload.
Find Inspiration From Kitchen Sink Photo Galleries
Online sink inspiration galleries showcase beautiful kitchen designs with sinks as shining focal points. Browse photos picking out styles aligned with your preferences until some top contenders emerge.
It's much easier to figure out the perfect sink style with an overview of common kitchen sink types. Take stock of your must-have features, measure your existing space, browse designs you love, and start shopping! Be sure to strategically choose options suiting your countertop material, kitchen style, and workflow needs. And don't underestimate the impact your dream sink can have on both room aesthetics and functionality when cooking. With some thoughtful planning upfront, you're sure to find a perfect fit.