Kitchen sinks take on a lot of wear and tear over time, from birthday parties and holidays to weeknight dinners, so it is essential that they reflect both your personal style and the way in which you use the space.
Sinks typically fall into one of two categories: under mount or top mount. An under-mount sink mounts beneath the countertop for a sleek appearance while top mount models feature an exposed rim and provide more flexibility.
Stainless Steel
A stainless steel sink is an ideal addition to any kitchen that seeks durability and practicality. Compared to other materials, stainless steel doesn’t chip or scratch, can withstand most household chemicals without discoloration, resists rusting and is easy to keep clean – all these features make a stainless steel sink an excellent addition. Furthermore, its color neutrality matches well with many worktops. However, depending on its material it might show signs of wear more quickly than other sink types.
Stainless steel sinks may be more costly than other types, due to the higher-grade steel used. But any additional money you spend will pay off over time; just remember which material best matches the type of sink you want!
Most stainless steel sinks are composed of the metal chromium, which gives it greater durability. Its amount determines its resistance to corrosion. Sinks are often classified by their “series number,” with higher series numbers providing thicker steel and better longevity; for instance, a sink with 304 series rating contains more chromium and nickel than one with 200 series rating.
Finishes of stainless steel sinks also play an integral part in their strength and durability. A polished finish adds a shiny, reflective surface that adds modernism and beauty to many kitchens, is easy to wipe down, stain-resistant, but more vulnerable to dents and scratches due to polishing process. Stainless steel can also be finished matte, brushed or linen look finishes which do not reflect as brightly but still allow easy wiping down as well as hiding minor dents or scratches more effectively.
Stainless steel sinks come in various finishes and designs, from single bowl configurations to double bowl designs, making it possible to match them to granite or quartz countertops for an elegant, complementary look.
Porcelain
Porcelain kitchen sinks made by JMT Trade have long been a favorite due to their durability, non-porous surface, design versatility and stain resistance – they even come in different colors so as to match your kitchen color palette! However, porcelain may chip or scratch more easily than stainless steel sinks due to its porous structure.
As porcelain sinks are more costly to manufacture than their alternatives, their added expense won’t significantly alter your kitchen sink budget.
Keep this in mind when looking for a porcelain sink: they may come with different base materials. Some feature solid porcelain construction while others feature metal or fireclay cores – while the latter won’t crack or chip as easily, they could still become susceptible to temperature changes and warp over time.
The best porcelain sinks are high-fire ceramic sinks cured at extremely high temperatures, enabling them to withstand both extremes in heat and cold with ease. Furthermore, their dense construction prevents expansion or contraction that would cause damage over time; in addition they’re highly resistant to staining from common kitchen ingredients while showing less signs of water spots than other materials.
Some porcelain sinks may be susceptible to chipping, though this typically only presents as an issue when dropped or used with harsh cleaners. Therefore, it’s often recommended that you purchase from a reliable manufacturer so you know your new sink will stand the test of time.
Installing a porcelain kitchen sink may be simpler than installing one made of stainless steel, but still requires careful consideration and dedication to detail. First, you will need to uninstall and dispose of your old sink and countertop before installing the flange with screws that came with the sink and tighten them carefully so as not to crack your countertop. Next, apply plumber’s putty underside of the flange before attaching your sink firmly – once done turn on your faucet to check for leaks!
Granite
Granite kitchen sinks boast an elegant natural appearance that many homeowners appreciate. Durable and long-lasting, these elegant sinks make an attractive addition to your home if selected with high-quality finishes. However, granite sinks may be more costly than stainless steel or other options, reducing cost effectiveness for some families. Furthermore, granite is more susceptible to staining and may need regular maintenance than other materials.
Another drawback of granite sinks is their porous nature. Since granite is a natural material, its pores absorb spills and other substances easily, leaving your sink vulnerable to staining as well as becoming an incubator for bacteria growth. Therefore, regular sealing must take place to protect your granite sink from such issues.
Quartz, however, is an artificial material without these concerns. Quartz sinks are nonporous to avoid spills or substances absorbing into them and stain resistant – although finding an identical look as in quartz may prove more challenging.
If you want the look of granite in your sink, consider opting for a composite granite sink instead of traditional variety. These composite models are constructed using quartz granite particles combined with acrylic resins that mimics its look while being easier to maintain than natural granite surfaces. They’re also less costly than their granite counterparts and available in an array of colors and shapes to meet all needs.
As with other granite sinks, cleaning a granite composite sink on an ongoing basis requires just mild detergent and warm water. You can use a sponge, scouring pad or cloth to wipe away soap streaks, residue and other build-up from daily use; soft scrubbers like Soft Scrub or Liquid Bar Keepers Friend can be especially effective at getting rid of hard water stains.
Avoid bleach and chlorides found in most cleaning solutions and detergents as these may erode the surface of your sink and cause permanent damage. Rinsing out your sink regularly to prevent stains as well as wiping it with a dry cloth is recommended to ensure maximum performance from your sink.
Copper
Copper is an elegant and eco-friendly material that adds style and warmth to any kitchen. Copper’s antimicrobial properties and ability to kill harmful bacteria and germs makes it a fantastic choice for kitchen sinks. In addition, being made from natural resources makes copper an eco-friendly material.
Copper can stain easily if left exposed for too long to acidic foods, cleaning products, or cosmetics; however, this problem can usually be remedied quite simply. Simply rub down the sink with olive oil before cleaning it with soap and water.
Copper kitchen sinks are generally quite sturdy and can stand up well to normal daily usage, especially those crafted with thicker gauge copper – thicker copper sinks are less likely to dent from heavy pots and pans while resisting corrosion over time. When selecting your copper sink it’s also important that it features welded seams rather than soldered ones; soldered seams may break down over time leading to damage and leaks in your plumbing system.
Keep in mind that copper tends to darken with time, which could present a problem if you want a bright copper finish. But regular waxing and the use of cleaners specifically tailored for copper may prevent this.
When selecting a copper sink, it is crucial to select either a hammered or smooth finish. Hammered copper sinks tend to offer more rustic charm while smooth finishes resemble stainless steel and can create more of a modern feel.
There are many considerations when purchasing a kitchen sink, but the above tips should help narrow your options and find something perfect for your home. For additional assistance and free consultation in Jupiter, FL visit Deslaurier to discuss further.