Shopping Sinks
When shopping for the perfect sink for your kitchen or bathroom, there are several things to consider before making a purchase: materials and style. There are so many options available on the market when it comes to sinks, that you may feel overwhelmed just thinking about it. We’re here to help make the process easier! Check out our breakdown of sink materials and styles to get an idea of what will work best for you.
Materials
Some of the more popular materials used to make sinks today are stainless steel, granite composite, quartz composite, cast iron, and fireclay.
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel sinks are extremely popular! Some of the benefits of going with stainless steel are:
- Budget-friendly
- Available in a variety of installation types, so it’s extremely versatile
- Good resistance to heat and staining
Granite Composite
Granite Composite sinks are wonderful for looking like they are made from natural stone. Some of the main benefits of choosing this type of sink are:
- Extremely durable
- Beautiful aesthetic quality
- Some of the longest-lasting sinks on the market
Quartz Composite
No longer limited by the traditional choices of stainless steel, porcelain or cast iron, homeowners who choose composite sinks enjoy benefits such as:
- Scratch and chip resistant
- Does not support bacteria growth
- Uniform color throughout
- Heat resistant up to 530 degrees F
- Multiple color options
Cast Iron
Cast Iron sinks come in a large variety of styles and colors, giving you lots of options on a look that’s just right for your space. Some of the big benefits of going with a cast iron sink are:
- Very tough/solid
- Scratch-resistant
- Easy to clean and doesn’t show water spots
Fireclay
Fireclay sinks come in a large offering of styles and sizes, have been more recently popularized in the form of farmhouse sinks. Some fireclay sink benefits include:
- Many style options available
- They go through a rigorous process to mold the enamel to the clay, increasing the overall strength of both materials in the finished product
- They have a timeless look
Styles
Once you know what type of material you want your sink to be, it’s time to choose which style you like best! Some of the most common styles options are single bowl, double bowl, and farmhouse style.
Single Bowl
A single bowl sink features just one basin, and offers the following benefits:
- Great for smaller spaces because it’s often very compact
- Boasts a deeper basin because it’s only the one basin, making it great for washing larger pots and pans
- Makes for an easy clean up because of its smaller size
Double Bowl
A double bowl sink features two basins, and is typically more desired than a single bowl sink for the following reasons:
- Allows for the separation of dirty and clean dishes
- Makes for easier washing of dishes
- Bowl sizes/depths can either be matching, or you can choose one to be deeper or larger than the other, etc.
Farmhouse
Farmhouse sinks have been growing in popularity for awhile now. Also known as apron front sinks, they give a sophisticated country flare to your space. Some of the benefits of this style sink are:
- Available in both single or double basins
- Available in a variety of materials, like stainless steel and engineered surfaces
- Works well in both modern and rustic decor
- Farmhouse sinks must be installed prior to counter top templating