Choices - Kitchen Sinks - Part 2

Today we'll continue with Part 2 of our first installement of Choices on Kitchen Sinks.

Part 1 can be found HERE.

Green Mountain Soaptone

Stone - Stone sinks often come with an apron front. Some of the most popular stones used are granite, soapstone, marble, travertine and onyx.

Pros: Heavy and durable. Resistant to heat and cold. Quiet and retain heat well. Will not fade in colour or corrode.

Cons: Susceptible to chips and scratches, which are difficult to repair.

Tip: Stone is porous. To protect it regular oiling or sealing is required

Fact: Porosity of the stone varies depending on the type of stone and finish. Granite can contain pits or fissures. Marble is the most porous and requires careful maintenance. Soapstone is the least porous; however it is quite soft and will develop a scratched patina with time.

www.raichlecopper.com

Copper - Highly lustrous, copper sinks are becoming increasingly popular. They are available in a multitude of finishes to suit a variety of needs.

Pros: Low maintenance. 100% copper will not corrode or rust. Bacteria cannot survive on copper so it is extremely sanitary.

Cons: Made of soft metal, so it is susceptible to dents. Can be very costly because copper sinks are typically hand-made. Patinas over time.

Tip: Look for soldered joints as opposed to welded ones as the latter can corrode and turn black. Beware of recycled copper as it is not pure and can rust.

Fact: Waxing will prevent oxidization of copper. A thicker gauge of copper well reduce the risk of denting.

Wood - Used for hundreds of years, wood sinks can be sculpted into any form.

Pros: Can withstand the rigors of daily use. Material maintains richness.

Cons: Naturally organic product, so more conducive to the growth of bacteria and spread of germs. Tends to darken with time.

Tip: Certain organic oils can be applied to alter the colour and sheen of the wood.

Fact: Make waterproof with wax or oil. However some woods, such as teak, have inherent anti-bacterial and waterproofing properties.

Glass - Although more commonly used in bathrooms and low-usage areas, glass vessel sinks have found a niche among the adventurous and in high design.

Pros: Available in a variety of shapes, colours and finishes, including frosted, etched, textured or polished.

Cons: Can chip or scratch when it comes into contact with metal or glass objects. Cannot be repaired if chipped, cracked or broken.

Tip: Don not install where waste overflow is required as glass sinks typically do not offer this features.

Fact: Tempered glass is stronger and more shatter-resistant than non-tempered. However, it can still crack. Laminated glass contains an inner layers of resin or plastic that acts like a bond, making it sturdier and particularly resistant to shattering.

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