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The sink is the busiest spot in your kitchen. Nearly every
task begins or ends in its embrace, so choosing the right
one for the way you will use it and the way it will look may
be one of the most important decisions you will make when
planning your kitchen. You may not feel you really need the
new one that 'cooks', but you do want a sink that will serve
you well and look terrific, while not requiring too much
time to maintain.
The newest looks in sinks are those that compliment the
latest trends in kitchen design; namely the 'commercial' or
'professional' look and the traditional Old World styling,
two design trends that continue to run parallel to one
another, closely followed by the nostalgia of 'country' .
After you choose the look you want to enhance your
kitchen's personality, there is still plenty to decide. Will
you use stainless steel, porcelain, enamel or solid surface
material? How about copper or brass? For more on sinks, go
to Estimating Costs.
Stainless Steel - More popular than ever, the stainless
steel sink is the perfect compliment to the 'professional'
kitchen that boasts stainless steel appliances. Easy care is
a big plus. The quality of a stainless steel sink is
measured by its gauge (the higher the number, the lower the
quality), the amount of chromium and nickel it contains (the
more, the better) and the sound control employed ( the more
padding or coating the quieter. Tile and solid surface
counters allow undermount installation for easy clean up -
just push the wet and the mess right in with no lip or edge
to collect debris or dampness. Laser embossing is available
from some manufacturers to relieve the 'too commercial' look
for use in more traditional settings, too.
Solid Surface - First used for easier care custom counter
tops, sinks of solid surface materials have attained a close
second in preference among consumers for upscale kitchens.
These wonderful man-made composite materials present a
quiet, easy to clean surface that is stain and scratch
resistant. Solid surface sinks also allow for either surface
or undermount applications and can be fabricated to create a
completely smooth transition from a solid surface top with
no discernable ridge or line where they are joined.
Computerized cutting allows fabricators to create custom
designs for both decorative and functional choices.
Porcelain - Still the number one choice for many
consumers, there is nothing to compare with the gleaming
surface of a quality porcelain sink. Surprisingly durable,
porcelain on cast iron sinks are available in bolder colors
and more shades than any other material. Available in either
undermount or surface mount styles, porcelain sinks are
available in every imaginable style and with a wide variety
of functional options and features.
Enamel - A less expensive alternative than others, except
the most inexpensive stainless steel, enamel sinks are also
less durable. Available in several colors and configurations
enamel sinks do require more careful maintenance. But, top
mounted models may be changed out with relatively little
trouble, so enamel sink may be a better way to cut costs
than with some more permanent choices for your kitchen like
the cabinets. A good quality enamel sink may be expected to
last for several years with a little loving care. Be sure
not to scour with abrasive cleaners.
Other materials seen on today's sink scene are Soapstone
- a natural mineral substance, it is easy to care for,
available in several color ranges (no two are alike) and in
some of the most 'now' styles like extra deep farm sinks
with wide apron fronts.
Copper or Brass - usually familiar as bar or 'veggie'
sinks, these metals are sometimes chosen for kitchens
planned in the Old World mode or for a 'gourmet' appearance. |