Choices - Kitchen Sinks - Part 1

Welcome to Choices, a feature on our blog that will (hopefully) dispel some of the confusion around the almost infinite choices you have to make when designing your kitchen. We'll feature a type of product, outline the choices, and tell you some of the pros and cons of each. In the end it's up to you, but an informed decision is the best way to go.

Today, we're featuring the first of a 2 part series on kitchen sinks. When it comes to kitchen sinks there are many configurations to choose from, including top-mount, under-mount, apron-front, and many others. There are similarly a wide variety of materials available, all of which come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours.

Stainless Steel - Most popular amongst consumers for its clean contemporary look, stainless steel sinks are fabricated by drawing a sheet of stainless steel over a die.

Pros: Available in a wide variety of styles, sizes and finishes. Virtually care-free, easy to maintain and affordable. Resistant to staining and will not rust or corrode unless exposed to harsh chemicals such as chlorine bleach.

Cons: Scratches easily. However, the scratches become less apparent over time as they blend in with other fine scratches. Thinner stainless steel sinks can be quite noisy.

Tip: To help reduce the clattering of dishes against the sink, look for a sink with a sound deadener applied to the bottom.

Fact: Premium sinks are made from higher quality steel (18/8 or 18/10 grade). The thicker gauge steel prevents water spotting and provides heat retention.

From www.corian.com

Solid Surface - Solid surface sinks are made from a man-made material and typically combine two main ingredients: a natural mineral (the “filler”) and a resin (the “binder”),

Pros: Durable and adaptable. Excellent insulation properties. Heat, cold and sound resistant

Cons: Can scratch or chip, however, because the colour runs all the way through the material, surface scratches can be easily buffed out and scratches filled.

Tip: Custom made drain-boards or inlay designs can be built directly into the sink or adjacent countertop.

Fact: The only product that can be colour matched and integrated with countertops, creating a “seamless” look.

Porcelain or Enamel - Offering a more traditional look, porcelain or enamel sinks are made by applying a glass coated finish to metal or cast iron

Pros: Very durable and resistant to hot and cold objects.

Cons: Susceptible to scratching and chipping. Extended exposure to certain items such as tea bags will cause staining, and aggressive cleaning can dull the surface. Surface damage that exposes the metal substrate can lead to metal corrosion.

Tip: Look for a lifetime warranty against chipping.

Fact: This sink material is quite heavy, so under counter cabinetry and braces must be sturdy enough to support the sink. These sinks often come with a front apron (often called “farmhouse” style).

This article first appeared in Design Quarterly - Fall 2008 Issue, and was written by Justin Horn CKD and Tröe Collier