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.
