Many people are renovating their kitchens this spring. An important, but sometimes overlooked, item is the kitchen sink. Picking the right sink for your kitchen can be difficult if you don’t know what you want. The choice of a new sink can be boiled down to three options: material, type, and faucet.
The type of sink that you get can be determined by many factors. The first choice is whether you want an undermount sink, or a solid-surface one. Undermount sinks have a joint between the sink and counter, where a solid-surface sink is laid into the counter, and sealed. It is easier to clean a solid-surface sink. Next, decide if you want a double or a single sink. Double sinks were made for washing dishes. Single sinks are good for cooking, such as filling pots or cleaning cookware. Figure out what size your sink (or sinks) you want. If space is an issue, a small sink should be considered. For doubles, an oversized and a small sink can be a good option if you have enough space. The depth of the sink can greatly impact its usage, as it determines how much it can hold, as well as it’s additional usages. You may also want extras such as a garbage disposal or hot water dispenser.
Kitchen sinks generally come in materials such as stainless steel or enamel-coated cast-iron. Stainless steel is the strongest style of sink available, and the option that is the least prone to dents and scratches. Enamel-coated cast iron sinks are less durable than stainless steel, but look nicer than their stainless steel counterparts. However, the enamel can scratch or wear over time. Composite sinks are also an option. A newer style, composite sinks are made of synthetics, they come in a multitude of colors and materials. They are much lower in price than metal sinks, but are a lot less durable.
There are tons of faucets on the market, with hundreds of features to choose from. First, determine which type of valve system you want. The valve types are ball, disk, cartridge, and compression. Each one brings hot and cold water together differently, but the main difference is in which design you like. You should figure out if you want one or two handles to control the water. You may also want a spray-arm hose, whether from the side of the sink, or straight from the faucet. The final decision is the finish of the faucet. The finish you choose can go with the style of your kitchen, and can tie the sink with the rest of the room. Finishes such as bronze, chrome, nickel, or pewter are common. Brass is the most durable, but is best for low-use areas.
To discuss the island design plan that best suits your kitchen stop by our showroom at 711 Port Richmond Ave or contact us at 718-273-6233.