Master the Art of Choosing the Right Sink for Your Next Project

by Tony Calvert, Karran Kitchen Sinks & Faucets

With such a wide array of kitchen sinks in today’s marketplace, it’s sometimes hard to decide which color works best and what materials are most suitable for your customers’ style, size and design considerations. The sink is regarded as the kitchen’s focal point and is one of the most frequently used fixtures in the home. They come in a variety of materials and styles. Master the art of choosing the right sink for your kitchen projects by understanding the options on the market that reflect your clients’ tastes and needs.

What’s in a Sink?

The most popular kitchen sink materials include stainless steel, composite (granite or quartz), cast iron and fireclay. Each material has its own characteristics, and this should help in the decision-making process.

Stainless steel is sturdy yet lightweight, stain-resistant and easy to maintain. However, it can be prone to scratching or denting. Some stainless steel sinks have scratch-resistant properties and come in different gauge thicknesses. Some could even have a textured surface finish to increase the lifetime of the sink.

Composite and resin-based sinks are available in the largest range of colors, shapes and finishes. They are generally heat-, scratch- and shock-resistant and easy to maintain. Some of the more popular high-end materials for stone composite sinks include granite and quartz, the better ones of which have an 80/20 stone-to-resin ratio, giving the sink an alluring look and enduring finish.

Fireclay and cast iron sinks have high thermal, scratch and stain resistance. They are popular for their durability and are used in many traditional kitchen designs. They are heavier and less shock-absorbent than other sink materials, and the finish on these sinks can chip.

Choosing the Right Installation

There are several different types of sink installations, and this could determine which sink your customer chooses. Without going into much detail about how to install sinks, here’s an encapsulation of what you need to know about each type of available installation.

Overmount, top mount, or drop-in sinks are the most common type of sink. These are inset into a cut-out hole, overlapping the countertop. Undermount sinks are fitted underneath the countertop. This can save counter space and allow for easier cleaning of the surface, but they require the countertop cut-out holes to be carefully measured and pre-finished to align with the sink.

Apron-front sinks, also known as farmhouse sinks, sit on top of a cabinet base underneath the countertop, with the front exposed. They are often large and deep and are an extremely popular choice in traditional kitchens. When working with apron-front sinks, make sure the dimensions of the base cabinet are suitable for the chosen sink.

Choosing the Number of Bowls

The number of bowls chosen will depend on the countertop space available. How the sink will be used is also a significant factor: Larger cookware may require a deeper and larger bowl than standard dishes, pots and pans. How often and the amount of use also need to be considered. Larger bowl options are more suited to more frequent use.

Double sinks come in many shapes and sizes, including bowls of equal size, one large and one small, completely separated or with a low-level divider. These low-level divider sinks can provide more flexibility when washing and cleaning larger dishes or kitchen cookware. Two large bowls may be a more convenient option for larger kitchens that may have multiple people using the kitchen simultaneously. If space is limited, double sinks with one large and one small sink are a favorable choice.

Single-bowl sinks come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Small single-bowl sinks may be favored by people with limited kitchen space or who don’t cook that often. Larger single-bowl sinks may be preferred over divided versions as they can facilitate quicker cleaning when using larger cookware or equipment.

Workstation sinks are becoming popular as they provide an array of accessories and come in various materials, including stainless steel, quartz and fireclay. Workstation sinks maximize a kitchen’s workspace by allowing you to use the area directly over your sink for prep work, chopping, slicing, drying dishes, draining produce and many other tasks. Depending on the model, the accessories can turn the sink into a temporary countertop or a more productive cleaning area.

Choosing the Shape

The shape of a kitchen sink can help expedite kitchen chores, and the design and structure of the kitchen, along with the countertop, may lead one to choose a specific sink.

Rectangular sinks seem to be the most favored shape and are available in many sizes and configurations, such as with two bowls or ones that include a draining board.

Corner sinks take advantage of what would typically be unused space, especially in L- and U-shaped kitchens, which frees up counter space.

Round and square prep sinks have one basin without a drainboard and are appropriate for food prep tasks. While round basin bowls may be more arduous for washing, their smooth curves are usually easier to clean than square-shaped sinks.

There are many things to consider when choosing the right kitchen sink. It may just boil down to personal style and what one finds the most functional for the individual purpose in the new or remodeled kitchen. Listen to your customer’s needs, understand the space and structure of the room and cabinetry, and be aware of all the options on the market so you can offer the best solution.