Sinks can vary in both size and shape, and can be designed in diverse ways – so what should you look for when putting together a kitchen refurbishment?
Double-bowl sinks are ageless classics. Whether you’re washing and rinsing dishes in each bowl, or loading your double-bowl sink into your garbage disposal, you can’t ever go wrong with a double basin sink.
Size
Your size depends on how many and what kind of cooks live in your household, what dishes need washing most of the time – which, in turn, affects the layout of the kitchen.
First, determine the dimensions of your countertop opening and choose a sink that fits, then follow with styling that suits the space.
A deeper sink will allow you to reduce splashing and is good for washing deep pots and pans, bake ware and larger dishes. Buy sinks between 6-to-12 inches deep.
Small one-basin sinks fit neatly into corners to provide a handwashing or produce-rinsing back up, and also allow the wet bar more utility without consuming too much counter space.
Material
With most kitchen layouts taking the kitchen sink as a central feature, an appropriate choice is vitally important. From white utility basins that fade into the background at a glance, to sinks that serve as the main focal point of a room, the humble sink requires careful consideration.
This is driving creativity in design with an increase in the variety of colours and styles including traditional slab and polished slab finishes to stone-like surfaces as well as high durability, resistance to stains, and ease of use, resulting in a sense of elegance in any environment thanks to its aesthetic appearance.
Shades of marble, abundantly available anywhere from brown to grey or off-white to black or white, textured with polish or honed, with veined or subtly veined finish, make marble a fabulous option as a kitchen sink. Marble sinks are perfect for luxury residential applications.
Farmhouse-style (or apron) sinks are especially on-trend with the rising popularity of rustic and farmhouse kitchen styles, and they stick out past the edge of the counter to create a single or double bowl with a design that often features fireclay as its traditional material (which can be more cost-prohibitive or limit your design options).
Drain Location
the location of the sink is important when deciding on a sink drain. Some styles of sinks have drains in distinctive areas may nees to modify plumbing arrangements .
Prior to putting in a new kitchen sink, remove the existing one and measure. Measuring from the floor or the base of the cabinet to the trap arm will help to determine if a new sink can be installed without having to modify the countertop and/or cabinetry.
The trap is a U-shaped pipe beneath your sink that houses a small amount of water to create a seal. This will keep odours from escaping up through your drain and into your home. Your drain should slope downward about 1/4 inch per foot to keep fats, grease and food particulates from blocking the pipe; otherwise, it can cause food odours to flow into your house. If you get a new sink, place a small amount of plumber’s putty into the space between the strainer of the new faucet and the existing tailpiece on the p-trap.
Style
Sink designs can differ in size and style depending on personal preferences , as seen here with some of the most popular shapes for sinks in kitchens:
Double Basin Sinks: These two-bowl sinks work as nature intended: one for dirty dishes and one for rinsing or cleaning. Have one basin smaller and less fussy while using the other for dirty dishes only. If you opt for the symmetrical appearance, both should be of the same size; if you prefer an asymmetrical look, one of them can be a little larger than the other to give you a little more flexibility with space.
Low-Divide Kitchen Sinks: Farmhouse sinks, or low-divide kitchen sinks, are sinks that have a lower centre separator for ease of inserting big cookware such as cookie sheets or casserole trays without them spilling out over their edges. Furthermore, cleaning them becomes a lot easier as there aren’t any extra water leaking over its edges into other part of the divider.
Corner Sinks. Corner-shaped designs lie flush against your countertop to make the most of your space. They’re quicker to install than some other designs – but potentially pricier.
