Whether you are planning a complete kitchen remodel or are just looking to replace your current kitchen sink, you will be met with a wide selection of design features and installation methods to choose from. It is important to weigh out your options carefully, taking into consideration what style of sink will best suit your space, lifestyle, and personal tastes.
Mounting Style
The first (and most important) practical decision that must be made concerning your choice in kitchen sink is what mounting style will provide the most security and structural integrity when paired with your cabinetry and countertops.
Drop-In
Drop-in sinks are the most common mounting option. This installation method is “dropped in” a pre-cut hole in your countertop and feature a lip or rim that sits on top of the surface of your countertop. These sinks are easy to install and are widely considered the most budget-friendly option. It is important to stay on top of cleaning these sinks, as the non-flush finish of the sink can accumulate grime where the rim of the sink meets the countertop.
Undermount
Undermount sinks are installed by going beneath the countertop and adhering the sink to the underside of the counter. With the combined efforts of adhesive silicone, clamps, fasteners, or support brackets, these sinks tend to be more heavy duty, making them difficult to remove or repair. If your undermount sink needs to be replaced, it may require replacing your countertops as well. Splurging on a higher quality, established undermount sink may help in avoiding these issues. This mounting style offers a seamless, high-end finish, allowing for you to sweep crumbs or spilled water straight into the sink basin. When cleaning your undermount sink, do not forget to scrub beneath the lip of your countertop, as buildup can accumulate here over time.
Bowl Style
The layout and design of your kitchen sink will dramatically affect its functional performance as well as its visual presence. The following kitchen sink bowl styles all feature unique design details that best suit varying needs based on your cooking habits, cleaning preferences, and lifestyle.
Single Basin
The simplest of bowl styles, the single basin sink features a singular basin without any dividers, offering one large workspace for washing dishes or prepping food. This design offers enough space to wash larger items like cookie sheets, baking pans, and other large kitchen dishes, making it a popular choice for larger households.
Dual Basin
Dual basin sinks offer two distinct basin workspaces for rinsing, drying, and soaking dishes or other items. These multi-purpose sinks are a lifesaver for households without a dishwasher. As this design requires space for two individual basins, this style of sink offers less open space for larger pots and pans. These sinks can feature a half-and-half or one third split, offering different basin size options, and high or low divider heights to suit your preferences and needs.
Bar/Prep
Bar or prep sinks are a compact style of sink best suited for kitchen islands, beverage centers, home bars, butlers’ pantries, or other prep areas within the home. Though these sinks are too small to serve as the primary sink in your kitchen, these sinks are a wonderful addition to any home looking to maximize its prep and entertainment capabilities.
Workstation
Workstation sinks are a specialty style of sink that feature built-in ledges to support customizable accessories such as cutting boards, colanders, drying racks, and other accessories directly over the basin, eliminating cluttered countertops and unnecessary messes. Prioritizing functionality, workstation sinks are a valuable addition to kitchens as well as other spaces in the home such as laundry rooms.
Drainboard
Featuring a counter-mounted drainboard on one or both sides of the sink, drainboard sinks are a functionality-focused design for busy kitchens. These sinks are ideal for households without dishwashers, offering plenty of drying space for dishes and cookware. These sinks tend to run smaller than other sinks, leaving little space for prep work on a large scale.
Apron-Front
Also known as farmhouse sinks, apron-front sinks offer a charming, traditional look to a kitchen. The exposed front of these sinks function as an “apron” to your cabinetry, allowing any overflowing water to roll down to the floor rather than onto your lower cabinets, preventing water damage and staining. Apron-Front sinks are both a trendy and timeless style of sink that can feature one or two basins and come in a variety of materials and finishes.
In addition to the mounting method and bowl style, you will also need to consider what material and finish is the best choice for your kitchen sink including, but not limited to, the following materials:
Fireclay
Fireclay sinks are formed from durable ceramic and fired at extreme temperatures to create a heat-resistant finish, making them more durable than traditional ceramic sinks. Fireclay sinks come in a variety of styles and finishes.
Stainless Steel
Popularized in professional culinary settings, stainless steel sinks are a durable, budget-friendly choice for any kitchen. Stainless steel has a nonporous surface, making it naturally resistant to bacteria, mold, and other sanitary concerns. These sinks are built to withstand heat, rust, and stains, and will not chip or crack like other more fragile materials.
Copper
The natural look and feel of copper sinks make them an inspired choice to bring warmth to your kitchen’s design. Copper’s “living finish” is naturally antimicrobial and develops a unique patina with use and time. Though copper is a durable and stain-resistant material, avoid contact with acidic substances and cleaners to prevent chemical discoloration.
Cast Iron
Cast iron’s robust enameled surface offers unrivaled durability, withstanding heat, scratches, and heavy pots and pans with ease. This heavy-duty material tends to weigh more than other sinks and often require reinforcement and additional support to ensure they are installed securely. The luxurious yet practical look and feel of cast iron makes these sinks a popular choice among homeowners.
Stone Composite
Stone composite sinks, like Quartz, Neoroc, and SILGRANIT sinks are made of a stone composite material of up to 80% quartz or granite. The stone is finely ground and blended with an acrylic medium or epoxy resin to create an extremely durable matte finish that comes in a variety of colors and styles. These sinks are highly resistant to scratches, stains, and extreme heat for rock solid performance.
With so many bowl styles, materials, and finishes to choose from, it can be hard to find the right kitchen sink for your space. Work with DKB Designer Kitchens and Baths to explore our wide selection of kitchen sinks and weigh out your options to find the perfect fit for your home. Contact us to get started today!