Kitchen sink material: an overview of tips for the right choice
Everyone who has been involved in the repair knows how difficult it is to choose one or another material, and how long it takes to find arguments «behind» and «against». To make the right decision, you need to arm yourself with knowledge about the price, functionality and aesthetics of the material. We offer an overview of tips to help you make the right choice.
Stainless steel sink
Choosing the right material for your kitchen sink is not an easy task. An inexpensive stainless steel sink seems to be good, but it’s worth considering how quickly it will scratch and how quickly it will stain. The white porcelain sinks are beautiful, the same can be said of the enamelled cast iron sinks, but it will take a lot of work to keep them clean. Integrated quartz sinks are becoming very popular today, but they are expensive. The choice is definitely not easy.
Stainless steel
Kitchen interior by Mal Corboy Design
Stainless steel sink
Stainless steel sinks are durable and temperature resistant, and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, types and styles. It is worth opting for sinks not with a glossy, but with a matte surface, so that scratches and stains will not be noticeable on them longer. It is also better to choose a sink with a sound-absorbing function, as the dishes will rattle in the iron bowl. The pricing policy is different, it all depends on the type, quality of steel, but it is quite possible to choose an inexpensive and good sink.
Composite Granite
Kitchen interior by Jennifer Ott Design
Composite Granite Sink
One of the best options for a kitchen is a composite granite sink. They not only look beautiful, but are also durable and resistant to scratches and stains. Composite granite is a material available mainly in colors such as dark gray, brown and black, which is good, because the dirt will be less noticeable, and you do not need to wash the sink often and very thoroughly. This is a durable material, but there are times when the car washes can be damaged during transportation. Before buying and installing everything you need to inspect carefully.
Cost: $ 300-600
Ceramics
Kitchen interior by Kingston Design Remodeling
Ceramic sink
These sinks are made from clay that is processed at high temperatures. They are resistant to scratches and stains. It is not difficult to care for such sinks – detergent and washcloth. If you want to install a white sink, then it is better to opt for just this.
Cost: $ 400-1000
Sink made of cast iron with enamel finish
Kitchen interior by Kohler
Enamelled sink
Enamelled sinks are not a bad option. They can be purchased in a variety of colors, although odd and offensive colors should be avoided, as the sink is not installed for a short time and problems can arise when changing decor. It is also worth remembering that these are rather heavy sinks, so the tabletop and cabinet for them must be made of durable materials..
Cost: $ 300-900
A natural stone
Natural stone sink
Natural stone sink
If the plans include the installation of a countertop made of natural stone, for example, soapite, then you should think about installing an appropriate sink. Some stones are prone to staining, but you can take samples of the materials and test them. Steatite is resistant to staining, but it is a soft stone in structure, so you need to be careful with it.
Cost: depends on the stone
Quartz
Kitchen interior by Tim Clarke Design
Quartz sink
If you are going to install a quartz countertop, it is better to make a sink from quartz, but remember that on a quartz surface of dark shades, scratches are more noticeable, unlike light quartz.
Hard synthetic materials
Kitchen interior from Leicht Küchen AG
Kitchen sink
Like natural stones or quartz, hard synthetic materials are ideal for smooth, sleek modern countertops and are easy to clean. Although, if possible, it is better to test the material from which it is planned to install the sink for a tendency to stains, scratches, etc..
Cost: Worktops made of solid synthetic materials cost from $ 50 per 1m2, do not forget about the manufacture and installation of an integrated sink.
Copper
Kitchen interior by Cindy Smetana Interiors
Copper sink
If you want something supernatural and unusual, then install a copper sink. Not only does it look charming, it is also damage-resistant and anti-microbial. You need to choose high quality copper, at least 99% pure copper, zinc may be added for strength. Do not use chemical cleaners, plain soap is best..
Cost: $ 500 – $ 1200, it all depends on individual characteristics.
And yet, before deciding on some material for a kitchen sink, you must certainly understand the advantages and disadvantages of its main varieties, determine the number and shape of the bowls, and then you can proceed to the next stage..
