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Kitchen Sinks

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Choosing a Kitchen Sink

Choosing a kitchen sink doesn’t have to be a difficult decision and Build.com is here to help. We offer the largest selection of kitchen sinks anywhere, so we realize it may be a bit overwhelming when it comes to choosing the right one. But keeping a few things in mind will narrow down which sink would be appropriate for you.

Sizing your sink

One of the first things to consider is the size of the sink you want to purchase. It should be proportional to the general size of your kitchen. If you have a large kitchen, it makes sense to purchase a large sink, and if you have a small kitchen, you will want to select a sink that doesn’t overwhelm your countertop space.

The depth of your sink is an important consideration, as well. The average kitchen sink is 8 inches deep, but if you wash a lot of large pots and pans or are purchasing a large sink you may want to go with a sink with a 10-inch depth.

Number of basins

The typical kitchen sink will have 2 bowls, or a double basin kitchen sink. If you are purchasing a smaller kitchen sink, you may want to go with a single basin kitchen sink, and larger kitchen sinks will sometimes have up to 3 basins. A double-basin sink with equal sized basins was originally intended to help with washing dishes. Now that most people use a dishwasher, you may want to consider a double-basin sink with one large basin and one small basin.

For very large or high-end sinks you can opt for a 3 bowl, or triple basin kitchen sink, which will usually have 2 large basins and a small basin in the middle that is used for a garbage disposal.

Type of sink

There are 3 types of sinks to consider:

• The self-rimming or drop-in kitchen sink is the most common and has a lip that goes over your countertop. These are the easiest types of sinks to install, and can be replaced without damaging your countertop. If you have a laminate countertop, this is the type of sink you will need to purchase. The only real disadvantage to this type of sink is that the lip of the sink may prevent you from wiping debris directly from the countertop into your sink.
• The undermount kitchen sink is installed beneath your countertop and gives a clean look to solid surface countertops. These sinks will typically require professional installation and heavier sinks may need additional bracing to support their weight.
• A flush mount sink will have a rim that is flush with your countertop and is most often used on tiled countertops.

Both undermount and flushmount sinks make for easy cleanup, as foods and liquids can be easily wiped from the countertop into the sink.

Material of your sink

• Stainless steel kitchen sinks are a popular choice and are extremely durable. Remember that the lower the gauge, the thicker the steel, and the higher the quality. These sinks are highly resistant to chipping and denting, but may be prone to scratching and water spotting. Stainless steel is also very popular as they compliment stainless steel appliances found in many modern kitchens. If you are concerned about noise, stainless steel sinks can include sound deadening materials on the underside.
• Cast iron kitchen sinks are another popular material for sinks. These sinks are covered in an enamel coating and are available in a wide variety of colors, have a glossy finish, and are resistant to staining. The downside is they are quite heavy, and undermount sinks may require additional support. Be aware that enamel can be prone to chipping if you are the type who likes to throw items into your sink.
• Granite kitchen sinks and granite composite sinks are the perfect choice for people with solid surface countertops. These sinks offer the highest level of durability and are extremely resistant to scratching and staining. These sinks are usually only offered with a matte finish, so if you want a sink with a glossy finish, this may not be the best choice.
• There are several other materials available such as copper, ceramic, fireclay, and even some proprietary materials made by specific manufacturers. Each material type has pros and cons when it comes to durability and maintenance, and you will need to weigh these carefully when making your decision.

Sink accessories

Finally, you can choose from various sink accessories such as basin racks, colanders, and even form-fitting cutting boards.

Final considerations

With a little thought and consideration, the exact type of sink you are looking for should practically reveal itself to you. If you are still having problems with your decision, consult your installer or contact us so we can help with your decision.

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