As with just about any choice these days, whether we’re talk ing about home renovations or not, it seems as though there are almost too many options to consider. Remodeling a kitchen? Sure, you could go with stainless steel — or you could go for something more colorful, but then you have to decide if you want something bright and bold or something darker and more dramatic.
For your next (or current) kitchen remodel, keep this handy guide around when you’re trying to figure out which sink you should install.
INSTALLATION
First thing’s first, you’ve got three main styles of sink to focus on: Drop-in, undermount and apron-front.
DROP-IN
• Easy-to-install
• Fits into countertop cutout
• Visible rim sits along countertop
UNDERMOUNT
• Ideal for stone counter-tops
• No visible lip or rim
• Harder and more expensive to install
APRON-FRONT
• Rising in popularity
• Provides a more vintage aesthetic
• Larger than your typical sink
Now that you’ve picked a style, think about what you want and/or need out of the sink. Some sinks feature offset drains, which allow water to drain when larger items (pans, pots, etc.) might be sitting in the middle of the sink — a problem that many center-drain sinks run into.
Or perhaps you want a divided sink — two sides, one for washing and soaking, one for rinsing. Maybe you want one side deeper than the other, or maybe you want one massive sink to hold all of your dishes. Kitchens with dishwashers may not need a split sink, or even one with much depth, but this step comes down to three things: Personal preference, what you use your kitchen for and how often it’s in use.
MATERIALS
Okay, ready for the next step? We talked about “choices, choices” earlier— now you’ve got another choice to make: When you close your eyes and imagine your new kitchen, what’s your sink made out of?
You’ve got a few popular options to choose from.
•Stainless Steel: The most popular option, and a good choice for modern kitchens and different counter materials. It’s affordable and relatively easy to take care of, but if you don’t pick the right gauge or quality you could be dealing with corrosion in the future.
•Fireclay: This is a super-durable material with a long lifespan, but you’re paying for it in spades. You’ll see this material with many apron-front sinks, but you’ll need to hire a professional for installation.
•Composite: These sinks are made of a special blend of materials and come in a number of different styles, shapes and colors. This is a good substitute for stone sinks, and while fairly heat-resistant, they’re not as resistant as other materials.
CONSIDERATIONS
In addition to installation types, features and materials, there are a few other considerations to keep in mind when shopping for your new sink. First, keep in mind the old “measure twice, cut once” adage—you may not be cutting anything, but you don’t want to find yourself with a new sink that doesn’t fit your countertop properly. Second, while your fixtures don’t have to match exactly, make sure you pick out faucets and spouts that pair well with your sink. After all, what’s the point in a remodel if it doesn’t look amazing?
FERGUSON BATH, KITCHEN & LIGHTING GALLERY
CONTACT 832-7474
ADDRESS 925 Kokea St. (Oahu showroom)
WEB fergusonshowrooms.com
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