The sink is one of the most important elements that make your kitchen a kitchen. And as it’s one of the most used fixtures in the entire home, be sure to choose the best sink that’ll fit your style and needs whether cast iron kitchen sinks or undermount kitchen sinks.
Signs That Undermount Kitchen Sinks or Cast Iron Kitchen Sinks Need to be Replaced
If you’re planning to remodel your kitchen, seriously consider replacing your sink if any of these apply:
- It keeps leaking even though you keep fixing it.
- It’s over 15 years old.
- You’re seeing signs of corrosion and rust.
- You can see mineral deposits.
Do any of these describe the condition of your sink? If so, have it checked over by a professional, who will probably confirm that you need a replacement.
Once you’ve decided that you need a new sink, you face your next big decision. With so many kinds of sinks on the market, how do you choose the best one in the bunch?
So here’s a helpful guide to choosing the best sink:
1. Choose Based on the Material Used for Top-Mount or Undermount Kitchen Sinks: Stainless Steel, Enamel, Stone, Fireclay, or Cast Iron Kitchen Sinks
These days, manufacturers make kitchen sinks from various materials to fit certain types of kitchens depending on the purpose, style, and preference. Here are some of the most common and highest quality materials worth considering:
a. Stainless Steel
Stainless steel kitchen sinks are perfect for most home kitchens. Professional kitchens also prefer stainless steel, as this material is the easiest to maintain.
Be sure to choose your stainless steel with a thickness of at least 16 gauge. And don’t forget to check the sink’s series number. We recommend the “300 series,” which isn’t magnetic.
b. Enamel or Cast Iron Kitchen Sinks
For a traditional-style kitchen, enamel or cast iron sinks are a good choice. This type of kitchen sink can add a lot of value to your home. If you know how to care for them, they will last longer than a stainless steel sink.
Enamel or cast iron kitchen sinks require more maintenance and they’re more expensive. The base of this sink is cast iron which makes it both heavy and sturdy. But the outer layer is a glass glaze which, while pretty, makes it susceptible to chipping and staining.
c. Stone
This is a thing of beauty, especially when paired with countertops made from wood or natural stone.
If you’re surprised by how heavy cast iron kitchen sinks can be, then you’ll be amazed at the weight of a stone kitchen sink. Since they usually make these from marble and granite, you can expect them to be extra heavy.
Stone sinks are very sturdy and will last a long time. They’re also heat resistant. But the price tag on this kind of sink is as heavy as its weight. It’s also a porous material. Be careful: a poorly made stone sink can absorb the chemical cleaners you’ll use on it.
d. Fireclay
Fireclay is usually used to make apron or farmhouse kitchen sinks. A sink made from fireclay creates a material similar to cast iron sinks. But it’s more durable and stain-resistant. It’s also scratch-resistant.
This material is quite expensive and heavy like cast iron and stone sinks. Fireclay sinks also require professional installation, so you’ll need to add on that cost.
2. Match the Best Kitchen Sink to go with Your Countertop: Stainless Steel, Enamel, Stone, Fireclay, or Cast Iron Kitchen Sinks
The sink should match the countertop that is up alongside it. The right match depends on the color, style, and materials used for both sinks and countertops.
Stainless Steel Sinks
These go well with quartz and granite kitchen countertops. But they’re quite versatile so they go well with almost any kind of countertop material.
Enamel or Cast Iron Kitchen Sinks
These are best with granite or tiled concrete countertops because of the classic look that they add to your kitchen.
Stone sinks
These sinks go well with wooden and natural stone countertops. The combination of colors and tones can give any kitchen a rustic feel.
Fireclay sinks
These go well with modern and farmhouse-style kitchens. Countertops that’ll match these sinks include marble, wood, and quartz.
3. Decide the Configuration: Undermount Kitchen Sinks or Top-Mount
There are two kinds of sink configurations that you can choose from — under-mount or top-mount.
Undermount Kitchen Sinks
Undermount sinks are more fashionable and in demand as the lips of the sink are not in plain sight. This creates a smooth flow from the countertop to the sink.
But the overall cost of obtaining this kind of sink is high, as you’ll need to have it professionally installed.
Top-Mount Sinks
A top-mount sink is more cost-friendly than an under-mount sink. You won’t have to hire an installation service for this if you’re on a budget. You can find some DIY tips online on how to install this type of sink.
4. Know the Size of Your Kitchen
It’s easy to be impulsive when you find a sink that seems to the right color and style that you’re looking for, but consider the size of your kitchen when buying a sink.
If you have a lot of space with large and long countertops, you’ll have room to play around with the size of your sinks. You can also place more than one sink in the room, depending on your kitchen design.
The problem comes with smaller kitchens. Small spaces will leave you with fewer choices. Remember that a sink is there for everyday use. When you’re remodeling your kitchen, keep in mind your available space and resources.
Don’t Let Your Money Go Down the Drain
Whether you’re renovating or remodeling your kitchen, seek expert advice before you start buying all sorts of kitchen fixtures you find online. Or you may find some DIY tips on low-cost renovations.
However, you may end up just wasting a lot of money if you buy the wrong materials or try out a job yourself that needs more expertise.
Find a licensed contractor that knows new trends in kitchen remodeling. They can help you avoid making mistakes like buying a sink that won’t fit in your kitchen or ordering a ton load of tiles that you won’t need.
Remember that the kitchen is where you make the food you serve your family and friends. It’s worth some love, attention, and a bigger budget!
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