Some Thoughts on Basic Kitchen Layouts for Kitchen Remodeling

Choosing the right kitchen layout can be hard. The temptation is to keep the status quo when kitchen remodeling to keep costs low. Alternatively, some homeowners want to go the opposite way and completely change the layout. In either case, it can be a hard decision. The kitchen layout will have a great impact on the way you work, so you have to know what you are getting into before starting on a kitchen design. Here are some thoughts on basic kitchen layouts, and which one you should consider for your new kitchen.

One wall

As you can probably imagine, everything is lined up on one wall in this kitchen layout. This means all the appliances, workspaces, sink, and cabinets. A basic one-wall layout works just as well in a small kitchen as it does for a very large one, so size isn’t going to help you decide. Below are the pros and cons of this layout.

Pros

• Foot traffic and workflow are unconstrained
• Maximizes openness as there are no barriers
• Easy to design and construct
• All utilities are along one wall, so putting in the plumbing, electrical wiring, and gas piping is fairly simple and quick, thus more cost-effective
• Works well in an open space layout

Cons

• Limited counter and work spaces
• Inefficient because it does not use the kitchen triangle
• No place to put a seating area without compromising the amount of workspace
• Precludes the inclusion of a kitchen island

Galley

The galley or corridor style of kitchen gets its inspiration from the galley kitchen in ships, which tend to be narrow and confined. It is a good (and sometimes the only possible) layout for homes with limited spaces such as condos and apartments. In a galley kitchen layout, two facing walls hold all the kitchen appliances and elements such as sink, countertops, and cabinets. A galley kitchen can be open on either end, or just one. The other end may be walled off, or lead to a door.

Pros

• Has a high proportion of work and storage spaces with two facing walls
• Work efficient because it uses the kitchen triangle
• Everything is within easy reach

Cons

• Narrow confines make it hard to have more than one person in the kitchen at any one time
• If the kitchen serves as a through way from one room to another, it can be hard for people to go through it
• A closed-off end may be too narrow and inaccessible to be of much use
• A seating area is probably not possible
• An open oven or dishwasher can make movement difficult

L Shape

One of the most popular of the basic kitchen layouts is the L shape. This design has two walls adjacent to each other to form the letter L (hence the name). These two walls usually form the corner of the home, and hold everything you need in the kitchen. In most cases, it is open ended, although older kitchens may have two adjacent walls opposite the kitchen walls, forming a box. An L-shaped kitchen is the base for most kitchen remodeling packages for a 10×10 foot kitchen.

Pros

• This is the best layout to use the classic kitchen triangle
• It has more space for countertops than one-wall or galley kitchen layouts have
• You can include a kitchen island, thus adding even more workspace and storage spaces
• You can easily plan for seating or even a table in the kitchen area

Cons

• Depending on the size of the kitchen, the refrigerator may be some distance from the cooking area
• Corners are usually a problem when it comes to storage and access (although custom corner cabinets with pullouts can address that quite easily)

Double L

A double L kitchen is primarily a replication of the L-shaped kitchen, usually involving a full kitchen island that includes a sink and/or cooktop. In some designs, it can involve a combination of one-wall kitchen layout and full kitchen island.

Pros

• There is quite a bit more countertop spaces in this design as full islands tend to be much wider than wall counters, which are usually just 24.5 inches in depth
• Depending on the size of the kitchen, two or more people can work comfortably together, especially if there are two sinks

Cons

• Takes up a lot of real estate because of the island, although an open floor layout can largely discount that if the island can be used as the eating area as well
• Expensive to set up as the kitchen island requires additional plumbing and other utilities

U Shape

The U-shaped layout I a lot like the galley style kitchen, except that the facing walls are much wider apart and one end is closed off to accommodate some kitchen services and/or countertops. The opposite end provides access to the kitchen.

Pros

• It is work efficient as it can use the kitchen triangle
• Additional work and storage space by way of the closed end

Cons

• Unless it is exceptionally large, it will be hard to put in a kitchen island and still maintain at least 48 inches aisle space
• Seating is not easily accommodated in this layout

Hire a professional kitchen remodeler to help you choose

Any of these kitchen layouts may be the ideal one for your kitchen remodeling. It will depend highly on your space constraints and the way you work. To make sure you choose the right one, consult with a professional remodeling company. Fairfax Kitchen Bath services the DC, MD and Northern Virginia metropolitan areas. We are a Class A, licensed and insured contractor, registered in the Commonwealth of Virginia. We provide free professional design services as well as comprehensive cost estimates to keep help you decide on the best layout for your new kitchen.
When you contract with us, you can be sure you will get a quick turnaround on all your needs. We specialize in fabricating kitchen countertops to specifications and installing them within budget and on time.

We sell only top-quality products for all your kitchen remodeling needs manufactured by leading brands in the industry such as Schrock Caabinetry, Silestone, Blanco, Kohler, and Mosaic Décor. You will also receive it much faster than ordering what you need from big box stores.
We have a showroom in Fairfax, Virginia, which houses all our products, including actual granite, marble and engineered stone slabs from which you can choose. Go with Fairfax Kitchen Bath from the get go. You can ask us about kitchen remodeling packages to get the best deals. We guarantee you will love it for life!

Contact us today to get a free quote for a budget-friendly kitchen remodeling project.

12 Money Saving Tips for Kitchen Remodeling

Kitchen remodeling can be small or big. A big one will run you some large change, ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 if you go all out on the overhaul. However, you can save quite a bit on kitchen remodeling if you follow the tips below.

Be ready at the gate

Make sure you pick out everything you want to see at project end, from the cabinets to the fixtures, and make sure they are not back ordered before the re-modeler gets started on the demolition. A big chunk of change can disappear by making last minute changes or additions to your renovation, which typically means extra charges for expedited shipping or extended work hours.

Repaint good cabinets

New cabinets are a great idea, but they do represent a big part of your renovation project. If your cabinets are outdated, but in good condition, you may want to just repaint them instead of replacing them. Choosing high-quality white semi-gloss paint can make the outdated look new, and you save a lot of money in the process. Include the paint job in the project cost to make sure it looks professional.

Replace cabinet doors

If your cabinets are just too ugly to be hidden behind a coat of paint, you can still avoid replacing the whole thing by simply replacing the doors. Your contractor can supply you with a wide selection of cabinet door styles from which to choose that will fit the old cabinets, and include it in your project cost. You can choose to have them install the new doors (recommended, just in case something goes wrong), or you can put them in yourself. Of course, the cabinet boxes need to be in good condition, or you’ll be throwing good money after bad.

Pick and choose the backsplash

A full backsplash all around your kitchen sounds fantastic, but they cost a pretty penny as well. Instead of a carrying it along all the kitchen walls, keep the full backsplash for the wall behind the stove and sink, and gradually taper to half-wall up to the corners of that wall. This ensures your backsplashes are visually appealing and functionally efficient.

Get picky with lights

A great and cost-effective way to save money on renovations is to choose the right lights for spot, overhead, and under cabinet lighting. You can get away with plainer and cheaper elements if you have the right lighting to add drama to your kitchen. An even better idea is to have the contractor put in dimmer switches.

Lighting fixtures don’t have to be very expensive to be stylish, either. You can probably find what you need online. Choose LED lights to save even more money.

Work with the current layout

Unless your kitchen sink is in an impossible location, avoid moving it to keep from having to move the pipes. You can save as much as $5,000 every time you decide to keep the sink and appliances that need dedicated plumbing, gas pipes, and electrical wiring i.e. dishwasher in their current locations.

Opt for remnant stones

Replacing your counters with granite, marble, or engineered stone is a great idea, and they do not cost as much as they used to. However, you can shave some bucks off your budget by asking your countertop supplier if they can use remnant stones for small areas, such as a mobile island.

Keep the leftovers

You only pay for what you use with countertops from Fairfax Kitchen and Bath, but you are certainly entitled to keep whatever is left over from anything else in done in your kitchen. You can keep any good-sized lumber, tiles, crown moldings, and paint the contractor did not use for your own small improvement projects.

Look for bargains

You can find some great stuff in yard sales and overstock sales you can use for your kitchen remodel, such as appliances, light fixtures, tiles, and the like. Just make sure you coordinate with your contractor.

Devil in the details

Sometimes, your best investment is in the accents and details you add to your renovation. You can choose to put in mosaic tiles for your backsplash, or choosing ornate pulls and knobs for your cabinets and drawers. They should not add too much to your costs but will add a bunch on the interest.

Refinish floors

Kitchen floors get a lot of traffic, so they may look the worse for wear. However, if you have good-quality hardwood floors in good condition, you can save quite a bit by refinishing instead of replacing them. Hardwood floors are always a favorite for homeowners, so keeping current ones make a lot of sense.

Hire a pro

Counterintuitive as it may sound, you really need to go to a reliable contractor to do anything more than painting a wall or replacing a sink. Professional remodelers can provide you with a workable design and comprehensive cost estimate that takes into consideration all the stuff you may not know about until you are deep into your renovation. When it comes to a major kitchen remodel, DIY will just get you in bigger trouble in terms of time and money. Do yourself a favor and hire a pro like Fairfax Kitchen Bath from the get go. You can ask us about kitchen remodeling packages to get the best deals. We guarantee you will love it for life!

Fairfax Kitchen Bath services the DC, MD and Northern Virginia metropolitan areas. We are a Class A, licensed and insured contractor, registered in the Commonwealth of Virginia. We sell only top-quality products for all your kitchen remodeling needs manufactured by leading brands in the industry such as Schrock Cabinetry, Silestone, Blanco, Kohler, and Mosaic Décor.

When you contract with us, you can be sure you will get a quick turnaround on your products, and receive it much faster than ordering what you need from big box stores. We specialize in fabricating kitchen countertops to specifications, and installing them within budget and on time.
You can see the products before you buy so you can decide for yourself if the quality is what you expect. We have a showroom in Fairfax, Virginia, which houses all our products, including actual granite, marble and engineered stone slabs from which you can choose.
Contact us today to get a free quote for a budget-friendly kitchen remodeling project.

Is Kitchen Remodeling Right For You?

Home renovations come with many benefits. They make your home more comfortable for you because they give you the opportunity to express your personality and lifestyle. Some home renovations are simple and relatively headache-free. Major kitchen remodeling, however, is another kettle of fish. It can have a big impact on your life in more ways than one. While it can certainly give you your dream kitchen, you have to go through quite a few nightmares before the finish line.

For one thing, major kitchen remodeling projects tend to cost a whole lot. Fairfax Kitchen Bath does offer packages for basic kitchen remodeling projects starting at $8,450. However, you vision of your dream kitchen can easily drive that up to a much higher figure. You might consider doing it all yourself if you have the skills needed, in which case you are looking at months of work, for which your kitchen will not be usable for a big chunk of that time.

That said, a remodeled kitchen done right will make you love your home more, and it will make more people want to buy it when you finally decide to sell it. Even if you don’t for a good many years, a nice kitchen will make it all that more desirable in which to spend time with family and friends. It can be worth the effort, time, and money if you understand why you are doing it fully, and if it is the right thing for you at that particular time. Before going full tilt into a kitchen remodeling, take the time to think about it. Assess your needs, wants, and capacity to see it through so you can manage your expectations and avoid disappointment and sticker shock.

What do you want and need?

Most people are quite aware of what they want in kitchen remodeling. They want a kitchen that looks fantastic and updated, with all the possible features available. However, what they want may not be what they need.
For example, homeowners that spend very little time in the kitchen may not need anything more than the basic elements: sink, refrigerator, and stove top. They will not need much storage space or appliances because they don’t use them. In some homes, a snazzy wall oven is more decoration than appliance because it has never been opened.

Before embarking on a kitchen remodel, find out what you actually need to function in the kitchen. Do you need more countertops? Do you need to make the most of the space? Does your layout work for you? Do you need new cabinets? Do you really need a kitchen island?
In many cases, you do need to update the kitchen because it looks like a throwback Thursday photo. However, that will not usually involve a complete remodel. You may be able to achieve that by simply putting in new countertops, refacing cabinets, repainting walls, or a combination of any of these. You should still get a pro to do this for you, but it will not cost quite as much money and time as a complete remodel.
Make a list of the problems you have with your kitchen and rank them according to how much it affects your ability to get things down. This will give you a better grasp on what you need, as opposed to what you want, and establish whether a complete kitchen remodel is right for you.

How much can you afford?

A kitchen remodel (or any type of home improvement, for that matter) depends on what you can afford. If you have an unlimited budget, then this section becomes moot. However, if you are like most people, you need to sit down with your checkbook and consider how much you can actually afford to put into remodel. If you made the checklist above, you can clearly see if there are things in there that you simply cannot delay. It could be a busted sink or a water-damaged ceiling. You have to find the money for these things because you need to attend to them.

On the other hand, if there is nothing that jumps out at you marked “immediate,” you can move on to non-urgent needs. For example, if you have a hard time finding storage space for all your things, you can prioritize new cabinets. Ditto for more workspace and new countertops. You can get free estimates for getting both these things done to see if you can afford one or both without too much hardship.
Take a good, hard look at your finances and decide on a budget. Based on that, you can start ticking off the items on your list according to importance until you reach your limit. Approaching the money side of a kitchen renovation this ways protects you from sticker shock and still get most of what you need done.

How much can you stand?

Cost is a driving factor, but that is not the only thing you need to manage. A kitchen remodel, even a small one, is sure to be a source of inconvenience for you. If you have a contractor, you will have strangers in your house, making a mess and keeping you out of the kitchen for the duration of the project. If you do the remodel yourself, it is not only inconvenient, it is also time-consuming. In either case, you need to decide how much inconvenience you can stand, and for how long. This will determine if a kitchen remodel is for you, and how far you can go with it. You can ask your contractor for an estimate on how long a project will take. If it makes you shudder, you may want to consider scaling back.

Conclusion

A major kitchen renovation is a decision you should not take lightly. You can consult with experienced remodeling contractors to help you manage your expectations. Fairfax Kitchen Bath services the DC, MD and Northern Virginia metropolitan areas. We are a Class A, licensed and insured contractor, registered in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Contact us today to get a free quote and design consultation for the right kitchen remodeling project for you.

We guarantee you will love it for life. We sell only top quality products for all your bathroom renovation needs manufactured by leading brands in the industry.

When you contract with us, you can be sure you will get a quick turnaround on your products, and receive it much faster than ordering what you need from big box stores. We specialize in kitchen remodeling and carry the products you need, including sinks, faucets, natural and engineered stone slabs, shelves, tiles, backsplashes, knobs and pulls, hardwood flooring, and cabinets,. We carry only the top brands for these products, such as Schrock Cabinetry, Silestone, Blanco, Kohler, and Mosaic Décor.

You can see the products before you buy so you can decide for yourself if the quality is what you expect. We have a showroom in Fairfax, Virginia, which houses all our products, including actual granite, marble and engineered stone slabs from which you can choose.
Our products come with manufacturer warranties that ensure your satisfaction with the quality and installation.

7 Ways to Deal with Spaces Above Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets are one of the major elements in  a kitchen renovation. Most cabinets come in pairs: the wall cabinets and the base cabinets. Installers hang wall cabinets at a predefined height for easy access.

This is usually between 18 and 20 inches above the countertop to accommodate small appliances, such as a coffee maker. Hanging it lower than 18 inches is not a good idea for most people because it can cramp your workspace below. You can raise it as much as you like, especially if you happen to be taller than average. However, too high and you might have a problem accessing whatever you need in them.

Another consideration for choosing the right height for your wall cabinets is the leftover space on top. The standard height for a kitchen is 8 feet. The standard height of a wall cabinet is 36 inches. In a typical kitchen setup with the wall cabinets hung at 18 inches above the counters, there is about a 6-inch gap from the top of the wall cabinet to the ceiling. This is an awkward space too high to reach without a ladder without any other purpose than collect dust. Unless you have a cat that likes to use it as a personal space, you should do something about it. Here are 7 ways to deal with that awkward space.

Choose a taller cabinet

The easiest way to get rid of that awkward space during a kitchen remodel is to choose taller cabinets. Most cabinet makers offer wall cabinets that are 42 inches in height. This closes that gap nicely. You can complete the picture if you have a small space remaining by putting in crown molding. This is an inexpensive way to give your kitchen a bit more flair.

Mask it with wood

If you have existing cabinets and you want to keep them, you can deal with that gap by covering it with a piece of MDF or screen bead. Have your remodeler put up the screen beads along all those gaps to seal it in foreever. Paint or put veneer on the board to match the cabinets, and finish it off with crown molding. No one will even know there’s a gap there, and you won’t have to get up there to clean out the dust bunnies when it’s time for spring cleaning.

Use it as a bookcase

If storage is at a premium for you, covering up that space may seem like a big waste. You can put it to good use by converting it into a book case. Your cookbooks will go very nicely in there, but you can also put in other types of books. You may want to avoid putting books right above the kitchen stove, refrigerator, or anything that gives off heat and steam.

Put in plants

Feng shui experts advise against having gaps between the wall cabinet tops and the ceiling because it collects stagnant energy. This is one more reason to deal with it. They suggest putting in plants. You can choose live ones that thrive in low light and infrequent watering, or fake ones you can dust off every few months. Lives ones would be best as they can clean the air and make your kitchen a nicer place to work. Ask your local gardener for plant that can live on top of your kitchen cabinets.

Use it as an attic

Most people stash rarely-used things in the attic. There is no reason why you can’t do the same for smaller thing son top of kitchen cabinets. Use decorative baskets or nice plastic containers to keep your stuff together and stash them into those pesky gaps.

Use it as a display case

If your kitchen ceiling is higher than 8 feet, you may have a larger gap than usual. If so, you can probably use it to display small paintings or framed posters, or show off your collection of vintage kitchen things like brass kettles. Pottery also looks fantastic up there. Alternatively, you can use the space to display decorative wine and other bottles, full or empty, for a bit of artistic interest.

Add more cabinets

You can close the gap and use it, too. You can put in special cabinets that fit exactly in the gap. The front can open sideways, upwards, or slide. You can ask your contractor to put in these special cabinet fronts or sliders during your renovation. These spaces are ideal for keeping things you only use occasionally, such as Christmas-themed dishes or décor.

Conclusion

Those awkward gaps on top of your wall cabinets are there to stay. You need to deal with them at some point, and the best time is during a kitchen renovation. You do not have to do anything too drastic, like raising the ceiling or replacing perfectly good cabinets. These tips can help you deal with them in a constructive way. Of course, you need a professional to incorporate some of solutions, and the expert remodelers of Fairfax Kitchen Bath have the experience to do it seamlessly.

Fairfax Kitchen Bath services the DC, MD and Northern Virginia metropolitan areas. We are a Class A, licensed and insured contractor, registered in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

We guarantee you will love it for life. We sell only top-quality products for all your kitchen remodeling needs manufactured by leading brands in the industry.

When you contract with us, you can be sure you will get a quick turnaround on your products, and receive it much faster than ordering what you need from big box stores. We specialize in fabricating kitchen countertops to specifications, and installing them within budget and on time.
We carry the products you need for your kitchen renovation, including sinks, faucets, natural and engineered stone slabs, shelves, tiles, backsplashes, knobs and pulls, hardwood flooring, and kitchen cabinets. We carry only the top brands for these products, such as Schrock Cabinetry, Silestone, Blanco, Kohler, and Mosaic Décor.

You can see the products before you buy so you can decide for yourself if the quality is what you expect. We have a showroom in Fairfax, Virginia, which houses all our products, including actual granite, marble and engineered stone slabs from which you can choose.
Our products come with manufacturer warranties that ensure your satisfaction with the quality and installation.
Contact us today to get a free quote for a budget-friendly kitchen remodeling project.

Why White Works for Kitchen Remodeling

Most homeowners will check trends in kitchen design when considering kitchen remodeling. After all, it is the perfect time to update the look. However, trends do tend to pass, so it can be iffy to go too far out on a limb with them as they can quickly make the kitchen look outdated. A major kitchen remodel has a significant price tag, so you want to make sure your investment will have some return after a few years. A white kitchen design may be the answer.

Many designers agree that a white kitchen is a classic, primarily because it will always look clean and fresh. People associate those two attributes with a great design, especially in the kitchen, and this approach to design always works.

Kitchen remodeling history tells the tale

You can find proof of this by simply looking back in the history of white kitchen design. Most manufacturers back in the 1920s offered just the one color for their products to customers, and for a good reason. It was just a few years after the Spanish Flu epidemic of 1918, which killed millions of people in the world, and more than half a million Americans. White was a color associated with cleanliness and health, so using it for household products was a smart move.

Of course, while visible dirt is immediately apparent on white, this does not mean that because your kitchen is white it cannot carry germs or viruses. However, the psychological effect is still in place to this day.

Since the 1920s, the popularity of white kitchens has waxed and waned, but has never entirely died out. In the 1930s and 1940s, strong colors were in favor, especially red, white, and blue in the US. The 1950s saw an influx of more cheerful and softer hues such as yellow and mint green. Psychedelic hues found favor in the freedom loving 60s, which carried over to the groovy 70s, albeit favoring earth tones more.
Color adventurism started to die down in the 1980s, when everything was colorful except for the kitchen, which sported neutral colors, floral wallpaper, and Formica. The 1990s was equally neutral, but began leaning more towards the country look and natural materials. Formica (as well as vinyl floors) was still the rage, but not for much longer.

By the 2000s, kitchens sported granite countertops, stained cherry or maple cabinets, and glass tile walls. Formica and vinyl disappeared from kitchen, and people were increasingly looking to natural, sustainable, and recyclable materials for their kitchens, often using white as a backdrop. Of all the color trends, the only one that has stood the test of time is the white kitchen.

White sells better

You can also see the enduring marketability of white for kitchen remodeling by looking at historic records of appliance sales. According to the Home Appliance Manufacturers Association, white sells better than any other color. The same applies for kitchen cabinets, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association.

If you choose white for your appliances and cabinets, you have a better chance of appealing to the taste of potential buyers if you decide to sell your house at any time. A white quartz countertop or marble countertop can be the bestselling feature. That is quite a compelling reason to choose a white kitchen for kitchen remodeling.

It works on many levels

The psychology of color supports the idea that white is a great idea for any kitchen. For most people, it evokes a feeling of purity, innocence, and happiness. The visual effects of white also help to support the case for white kitchen. White makes any room look brighter, and therefore bigger and spacious. This is an important attribute today, as more people are living in small spaces, and any help in making it seem bigger is a good move.

White works with anything

A white kitchen does not necessarily mean a completely white kitchen. While this can work in some cases, white often serves as a way to provide contrast and depth to more colorful elements in the room. For example, white cabinets can through the trim and hardware into focus, providing interest to the room. White throws tile accents and artwork in sharp relief, making them seem to “float.” The same applies to light fixtures, accessories, and countertops.

White is also works in any setting, like the little black dress. It can blend into any style of kitchen, from ultra-traditional to uber modern without sticking out like a sore thumb. In addition, since manufacturers tend to favor white for many products, it is easy to find anything to fit a design requirement. Faucets, sinks, appliances, tiles, and counters of any shape, style, and model will most likely be available in white.
From a homeowners’ point of view, a white kitchen is like a blank canvas in which the can express their personalities without striking a sour note. A white kitchen serves as the backdrop for different colors, designs, and themes. Switch it out when the mood strikes, and the design will still look cohesive.

Hire a pro to create your white kitchen

Knowing what you like and bringing it to light are two different things. A professional kitchen remodeling company can help you realize your dream kitchen. Fairfax Kitchen Bath guarantees you will love it for life. We sell only top quality vanity top slabs and kitchen products manufactured by leading brands in the industry.

When you contract with us, you can be sure you will get a quick turnaround on your products, and much faster than ordering what you need from big box stores. We specialize in fabricating kitchen countertops to specifications, and installing them into your bathroom within budget and on time.
We carry the products you need for your kitchen remodel, including natural stone and engineered stone slabs, cabinets, sinks, faucets tiles, backsplashes, knobs and pulls, and hardwood flooring. We carry only the top brands for these products, such as Schrock Cabinetry, Silestone, Blanco, Kohler, and Mosaic Décor.

You can see the products before you buy so you can decide for yourself if the quality is what you expect. We have a showroom in Fairfax, Virginia which houses all our products, including actual granite, marble and engineered stone slabs from which you can choose.
Our products come with manufacturer warranties that ensure your satisfaction with the quality and installation.
Fairfax Kitchen Bath services the DC, MD and Northern Virginia metropolitan areas. We are a Class A, licensed and insured contractor, registered in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Contact us today to get a free quote for your inspired kitchen remodeling project.

Choosing the Right Sink for Your Kitchen Remodel

One of the last things you will think about for a major kitchen remodel is the kind of kitchen sink to put in. After all, a sink is such a mundane thing. However, the kitchen sink is an essential part of your kitchen, so choosing a new one deserves a lot more attention than it usually gets. The type of sink you choose will have a profound effect on how you work, so pay attention to the pros and cons of different types of sinks so you can choose the right one for your needs.

Top mount sink

Also known as a rimmed or drop-in sink, this is the most common and cost-effective type of kitchen sink. It is quite easy to install provided the hole in the counter is measured correctly. It is called a drop in sink because you literally drop the sink into the hole, and it is secured to the counter with silicone. The rim supports the sink, so it is important that it rests securely on the counter.
The best thing about top mounted sinks is that it is easy to install once the cut is made in the counter. You can do it yourself with a solid surface or laminate counter if you have the right tools. However, if you have a quartz or granite counter, it is best to leave the cutting to the professionals.

The problem with this kind of sink is that the rim is higher than the counter, which means that shunting water and debris straight from the counter to the sink is not possible. The sink rim itself has to be regularly cleaned to make sure no foreign matter is festering in there.

Under mount sink

Also popular in homes today, under mount sinks differ from top mount sink in terms of installation. Under mount sink rims attach under the counter using clips instead of resting on the edges of the sink cutout.
The best thing about an undermount sink is the clean lines. The sink itself is under the counter, so there is no rim bumps to interrupt the visual path from the counter to the sink. From a practical point of view, this also means clean up is a lot easier as water and any dirt goes directly from the counter to the sink.

The problem with under mount sinks are they are harder to install. Aside from requiring some type of support to keep the sink from dropping down, the sink cutout has to be precise to prevent any gaps forming between the underside of the counter and the sink, where food and other gunk can collect. This can be hard to DIY, and almost impossible for granite or quartz counters. Professional installers ensure than any gaps are sealed with silicone, but the gaps have to be relatively small, so success or failure is all on the fabricator.

Double basin sink

There was a time when double basin sinks was a must because people needed one basin for washing and another for rinsing. However, with most people not bothering to handwash anything that can fit into a dishwasher, a double sink is no longer necessary.
The best thing about a double sink is the ability to multi-task. You can use one basin for thawing out food and the other one for washing or preparing food. The problem with most double sinks, however, is that they are often too small fro washing large pots, pans, and bakeware.

Single basin sink

Gaining more popularity today than double sinks is the larger and deeper single sink that can accommodate larger items. Farmhouse sinks are one example of the single basin sink, and these are gaing traction with many homeowners because they are comfortable to use. If you hold parties all the time or cook large meals on a regular basis, this is the sink for you.
The only problem with a single large sink is that you have no room for a drying area. That is easily solved by includin a drying cabinet or rack in your kitchen design. Alternatively, you might consider the next sink type.

Drainboard sink

If you live in a small house or condo, space is at a premium. This means dedicating a space for drying dishes may not be possible. One type of sink incoporates the sink with a drain board, appropriately enough called a drainboard sink. The drainboard and sink are one unit, so the fabricator will include it in the cutout. In most cases, these sinks are top mounted, so the rims sit on top of the counters, which means they have the same problem with cleaning as top mounted sinks. The great thing about a drainboard sink is that it is space saving. The problem with it is that the sink basins tend to be on the small side, which may not matter if you have a small kitchen anyway.

These are just a few of the most popular basic types of kitchen sinks. Each one has many variations on the theme, but the general characteristics remain the same. If you cannot decide on a sink for your kitchen, discuss it with a reliable kitchen remodeler like Fairfax Kitchen Bath. Fairfax Kitchen Bath services the DC, MD and Northern Virginia metropolitan areas. We are a Class A, licensed and insured contractor, registered in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

We guarantee you will love it for life. We sell only top quality products for all your kitchen remodeling needs manufactured by leading brands in the industry.

When you contract with us, you can be sure you will get a quick turnaround on your products, and receive it much faster than ordering what you need from big box stores. We specialize in fabricating kitchen countertops to specifications, and installing them within budget and on time.
We carry the products you need for your kitchen renovation, including sinks, faucets, natural and engineered stone slabs, cabinets, shelves, tiles, backsplashes, knobs and pulls, and hardwood flooring. We carry only the top brands for these products, such as Schrock Cabinetry, Silestone, Blanco, Kohler, and Mosaic Décor.

You can see the products before you buy so you can decide for yourself if the quality is what you expect. We have a showroom in Fairfax, Virginia which houses all our products, including actual granite, marble and engineered stone slabs from which you can choose.
Our products come with manufacturer warranties that ensure your satisfaction with the quality and installation.
Contact us today to get a free quote for your trendy kitchen remodeling project.