How to Choose a Kitchen Sink

Kitchen sinks are one of the most used features in our homes today. While a sink may not be the first thing we notice in a kitchen, we couldn’t have a functional kitchen without them! When choosing a sink, a homeowner will need to decide how it is mounted, the material it will be made of, and whether or not the bowl should be divided.

Whether prepping food, cleaning up, or just getting the pets some water in their bowl, most kitchen sinks are used every day and multiple times per day. In addition to being central to the use of the kitchen, a sink also helps build the overall character of your kitchen. So when it’s time for kitchen refacing, don’t forget (to consider) the kitchen sink!

Kitchen Sinks: Over or Under

Sinks require considerations such as size, depth, dividers, and materials; it can be overwhelming! One of the biggest decisions in purchasing your sink is about where and how your sink meets the countertop. 

•  An overmount sink is placed into a hole in your countertop, with a rim around the edge that holds it to your counters.
• An undermount sink is affixed underneath the hole in your countertop, leaving the edges of your counter materials exposed.

The choice between overmount and undermount is often decided by the type of counter you have or will have.

Whether you are getting new countertops, or refacing your kitchen while leaving your countertops in place, your countertop materials will likely dictate your sink choice. If your kitchen will have wood or laminate countertops, you will almost certainly require an overmount, or a self-rimmed, drop-in sink. This style protects the countertop material from moisture damage.  Stone, granite, composite, or other water-resistant materials can be paired with undermount sinks, which also gives a little more depth due to the lower mounting point.

A third option is an integrated or composite sink, where the sink and countertop are all made from a single slab of material, but they tend to be less common.

Kitchen Sinks: Materials

Another choice to make about your sink is of what material your sink will be made. Apart from looks, care and maintenance should also be taken into account. Stainless steel is simple to keep clean and won’t crack from rough use. Other materials can’t withstand quite as much abuse as and may be more challenging to keep clean. If you’re looking for a certain shape, composite materials can be molded into versatile and personal options.

A Sink Divided

Double bowl sinks can be the same on each side or varied in size.  Some sink designs include drop-in colanders or strainers, removable bins, and sliding cutting boards. Some sink dividers can be changeable in size and can be as tall as the rest of the sink or lowered to allow for overflow and larger pots with handles.  

Sinks are a basic element of any kitchen’s function and style. With so many options, you can go wild and explore your possibilities!