Whether you’re planning an entire kitchen remodel or you simply want to upgrade what you already have, choosing the right kitchen sink is essential. With the wide variety of options available on the market today, however, how will you ever select the best one? We’re here to help you answer that very question with some key factors to consider during the selection process.
5 Kitchen Sink Factors That Impact Style and Performance
1. Kitchen Sink Material
From stainless steel and quartz composite to cast iron, porcelain, and more, the options for kitchen sink materials might seem almost endless. That’s why it’s important to understand how each type performs in terms of:
- Overall durability
- Price
- Ease of cleaning
- Scratch, stain, and hard water resistance
- Antimicrobial capabilities
- … And more
Of course, the appearance of the material matters too, as you seek to combine aesthetics with function in a way that makes your kitchen a beautiful but efficient place to work. Below, we’ve listed a few popular kitchen sink materials along with some of their most and least desirable qualities.
Common Kitchen Sink Materials:
- Stainless Steel – With an average lifespan of 15-30 years, stainless steel sinks are a smart choice if you’re looking for durability, scratch and stain resistance, and easy cleaning at an affordable price. If you have hard water, though, you may have to put up with pesky water spots or hard water stains.
- Cast Iron – Sinks made from this material can be very heavy but on the positive side, last 20-30 years! Cast iron sinks are also hard water and scratch resistant, easy to clean, and can fit perfectly in a farmhouse style kitchen. They are susceptible to scratches though, and come with a higher price tag than stainless steel.
- Quartz Composite – Do you like the look of stone but you’re not a fan of the high price tag that comes along with it? A kitchen sink made from quartz composite could be the solution! This material is extremely durable, has a stone-like appearance, and is resistant to heat, sound, scratches, dents, stains, and hard water. If you’re a little klutzy, however, it may not be so forgiving when you drop dishes in the sink.
Of course, the list of kitchen sink materials goes on and on (copper, fireclay, brass, granite, etc.) but you get the idea. If you’re not sure what material to choose, work with a professional kitchen designer to find out what will work best for your specific situation.
2. Type of Installation
In the past, there weren’t a lot of sink installation types to consider. With today’s modern sinks, however, you can get a drop-in, undermount, apron-front, or integral installation. Drop-in sinks are the most traditional option and are the easiest and cheapest installation method. On the opposite end of the spectrum are integral sinks which are installed seamlessly with the adjacent countertop and made of the same material.
The choice here ultimately comes down to two primary factors:
- The overall look you want to achieve
- How much money you have in your remodeling budget
3. Kitchen Sink Depth
The size of your sink’s bowl can have a significant impact on how easy it is to use. If you wash large pots and pans by hand, for example, a deep sink is ideal. The deeper the sink, the more room it takes up, however, so you’ll also need to consider how much room is necessary in the cabinet below. Deeper sinks are also more difficult for children or shorter people to reach into and may be cumbersome for extremely tall people to use, too.
How do you decide which kitchen sink depth is right for you? Consider the ways in which you’ll be using the sink as well as who will be using it most on a regular basis.
4. Kitchen Sink Width and Bowl Arrangement
While depth is certainly important, overall width is a key factor to consider, too. In addition, you’ll want to decide whether your sink should be one bowl or multiple.
Again, your final decision will usually come down to who’s using the sink and how it’s being used. Cost is also a factor, with larger sinks costing more, and appearance matters, too. You’ll want a sink that’s big enough for what you need to do but not oversized for the space it’s in.
5. Location, Location, Location
Where your kitchen sink is located is just as important as what it’s made out of and how it looks. For example, if you have a dishwasher, the sink should be located within easy reaching distance. This makes for an efficient work space as dishes are rinsed and then placed in the dishwasher for final washing.
Also consider what someone standing at the sink will have to look at. For kitchen sinks installed on outside walls, it’s nice to have a window above the sink so there’s something of interest in view. Similarly, sinks installed in a kitchen island could look out over an adjacent room or dining area.
Professional Kitchen Remodeling in Orange County, CA
Sea Pointe Design & Remodel has been helping Orange County homeowners with kitchen remodels and other home renovations for almost 40 years. With an expert design team and master builders on staff, we have what it takes to transform your kitchen into a space you and your family will love for years to come.
For a closer look at the type of work we do, feel free to browse through our online portfolio of completed kitchen renovations. Or, register for one of our upcoming remodeling webinars where you’ll learn helpful remodeling tips from the pros.
Then, when you’re ready to start planning your own kitchen remodel, simply give us a call at (949) 861-3400 or fill out the form below to schedule your complimentary design consultation.