What to consider when selecting a kitchen sink
The humble sink isn’t really just a sink. It’s the most used kitchen appliance, whether you have a dishwasher or not! The good news is, you can make your kitchen sink a feature that is a delight to look at and to use. So when it’s time to splash out and buy a sink, it’s worth considering all the options to find the perfect style and fit for you.
Kitchen sink installation types
Topmount
Easy to install and therefore the most popular style. Topmount sinks are installed on top of the bench with the rim sitting on the benchtop to hold it in place. If you’re choosing a laminate benchtop, this is your only sink installation option.
Undermount
These are installed directly under the counter, which creates a more streamlined look. Undermount sinks are used with stone or solid surface bench tops with durable and moisture resistant cut edges. This is key as the bench top is cut to the exact size of the sink and clips are used under the sink to hold it in place. This is a contemporary style and is great for maximising bench space.
Flushmount
This is a compromise between topmount and undermount. The sink is installed from the top and slots into a precise cavity so a rim is not required. Like the undermount, it has a more streamlined look but can only be achieved with a stone or solid surface benchtop.
Farmhouse or Butler’s Sink
This style is set into the benchtop at the front so there is no bench space separating it from the user. This is more comfortable to use for longer periods. This style of sink is typically a lot deeper, making it perfect for washing large pots or trays.
Material
304 Stainless Steel
Most common and regarded as one of the best grades for stainless steel sinks for durability and optimal hygiene. This grade means that the steel is an 18/10 stainless steel and made up of 18% chromium and 10% nickel.
Size
Consider where the sink is going. Is there a dishwasher and how much cabinet space you have, as even a single bowl sink may vary between 360-480mm in size from front to back.
How many bowls do you need, and do you want a drainer?
This will depend on how much space you have as well as personal taste. Sinks range from two full bowls, 1 & ¾ bowl, and single bowl, with or without drainer. If you have a dishwasher you may opt for a smaller sink as you’ll need less washing up space.
Sink types
Handmade sinks are formed in separate pieces, bowls and drainers are later welded together. Unlike drawn sinks hand made sinks can achieve tighter radius corners and have flat bases. To aid drainage handmade sinks have characteristic drainage creases from waste to bowl corners.
Drawn sinks are mould from a single sheet of stainless steel which is “drawn” or “pressed” onto shaped mould to create bowl and drainer design. To accommodate this process and maintain corner strength drawn sinks are generally made from thicker stainless steel than handmade sinks.
Consider your tapware when selecting a sink
Kitchen tapware
Mixers
Whilst kitchen tapware still comes in the traditional three-piece style, mixers are by far the more favoured design for kitchens. Singlehandle mixers can be turned on without using hands – just push with your arm if your hands are full - and they don’t require as much force to turn on and off.
Pull-out/pull-down spray and Detachable spray
Perfect for the master chef in the home, pull-out/pull-down sprays are an extendable hose that you can pull out from the spout to increase the tap’s reach. perfect for filling pots as well.
Much the same as pullouts detachable sprays allow you to angle the spray, making it perfect for cleaning pots and pans as well as the sink.
Goose-neck spout
If you’re after a more classic, elegant look, the goose-neck spout with its long, curved design exudes sophistication.
Right angle spout
For kitchens with a contemporary, edgy design, right-angle spouts are the perfect fit. They create a bold statement.
Tips for pairing your sink and tap
Tapware
Nothing sets off your sink and benchtop like beautiful tapware. With countless spout styles, heights, mixer options and finishes on offer, try drawing style cues from the style of your space. If you’re looking at creating an on-trend, modern kitchen, or laundry, consider a matte black finish, but for timeless appeal, you can’t go past a chrome mixer tap.
Size and shape
When selecting the size and shape of your tapware, think about how you use your sink. A deep and wide sink, big enough to immerse your largest pots and pans may mean you can opt for a low lying tap as you don’t need the extra space underneath. However, if you have a smaller sink, a gooseneck design might be perfect for that extra height to fit a bucket underneath the tap spout.
Functionality
Functionality is not to be forgotten. A professional-looking sink mixer with a pull-out handle can make a great statement, particularly on an island bench. Plus, the tall, adjustable head allows for extra reach when filling vases, makes washing large pots easy and the directional sprays ideal for rinsing veggies.
Projix sinks
Modern designed sinks with soft curves complimented by bold lines to match any kitchen design.
Projix Single Bowl Kitchen Sink
Product code LH Bowl: 182109 | RH Bowl: 182110
Configuration Single bowl with drainer
Installation type Top mount
Design 25mm radius corners, square
Tap Hole 1 Tap hole
Finish Satin
304 grade 18/10 stainless
Construction Drawn 25mm radius
Sink Size 860
350
Thickness
500
400
Projix 1 & 3/4 Bowl Kitchen Sink
Product code LH Bowls: 182111 | RH Bowls: 182112
Configuration 1 & 3/4 bowls with drainer
Installation type Top mount
Design 25mm radius corners, square line
Tap Hole 1 Tap hole
Finish Satin Material 304 grade 18/10 stainless steel
Construction Drawn 25mm radius corners, sound
Sink Size 1160 x 500 x 215mm
Bowl Size
350 x 400
300 x 350
Thickness 0.8mm
Included
Spare
182478
182476
200
180
19L
182475
What to think about when selecting a laundry sink
Time to bring your laundry to life!
Laundry tubs & tapware
Topmount
The topmount tub is installed so the rim sits on top of the counter. It is an inexpensive alternative.
The right tub and tapware will inject convenience and a little sparkle into your daily chores.
Undermount
Undermount tubs are installed underneath the counter, which creates a modern look and maximises bench space. You’ll need a cut-out in your bench of exactly the right shape and size. This can only be achieved with a stone benchtop.
Tub & cabinet floor-standing unit
An all-in-one is a great and inexpensive way to incorporate a tub and storage in your laundry, particularly for small spaces.
Material
Laundry tubs come in a variety of materials including, acrylic, cast iron, stainless steel and ceramic. Some are moulded from polymer and others have polymer coatings, which is an effective way to make metal even more durable. Stainless steel – polished stainless steel in 304 grade is still the most common, with brushed stainless steel becoming more and more popular for its smooth, contemporary look.
Style
You don’t have to limit yourself to searching for laundry products. Broader bathroom and kitchen tapware ranges and kitchen sink ranges are also suitable for your laundry room. There’s no reason your laundry room can’t have the same stunning matte black fittings as your bathroom, or the same copper sink as your kitchen. Keep in mind that the laundry may be more prone to scratching and abrasion, especially if you wash pets or sporting equipment there.
What’s the difference between a laundry sink and a kitchen sink?
The laundry sink is usually deeper and wider. They are typically 45L, or 70L for a large one. This is because laundry tubs are more multifunctional.
What is a bypass hole and do I need it?
A sink with a bypass is one that has a hole in one or both back corners. This is for your washing machine drain hose. It passes through the whole and connects to PVC pipe under your sink. Whether you need it depends on your set up. Most people prefer to feed the hose through the side of the cabinet, out of site if possible.
You probably spend more time than you want in your laundry, so why not make it a beautiful space that you can enjoy?
Consider your tapware when selecting a sink
Laundry tapware
Washing machine stops
The taps connected to your washing machine – often on the wall above your machine in older laundries. These are now available in many colours and styles, including chrome, brass, black, lever handle and traditional cross-head.
Sink Mixers
Mixers, rather than three-piece tapware, are a smart choice for laundries – this includes mixers from kitchen tapware ranges as well, depending on the plumbing. High spouts with pull down mixers look great and also make washing large items easier.
Wall spouts
These can save you space. Choose a swivel arm for the best functionality.
Laundry sinks
A stylish square line drainer teamed with easy clean radiused bowls.
Projix 45L Single Bowl Laundry Sink
Product code 182430
Configuration Single bowl
Installation type Top mount
10mm radius
Tap Hole 1 Tap hole
Finish Satin
304 grade 18/10
Construction Handmade 10mm
Sink
Thickness
Spare
tap
Projix 35L Single Bowl Laundry Sink
Product code 182431
Configuration Single bowl with tap landing
Installation type Top mount
Design 10mm radius corners
Tap Hole 1 Tap hole
Finish Satin
Material 304 grade 18/10 stainless steel
Construction Handmade 10mm radius corners, sound
Sink
510 x 510
210
Thickness
Included
Spare
Laundry cabinets
Projix
Projix
Product
Configuration
Thickness
120mm
Spare