What to consider when choosing a Kitchen Sink

Choosing a kitchen sink is not always the first thing you think of when updating your kitchen, but it is one of the most highly used areas in your kitchen and deserves careful consideration to ensure you select the correct sink to suit your needs and kitchens style. In this blog we will discuss what to consider when choosing your sink and the different sink mounts available.

SIZE & CONFIGURATION

Sinks come in a variety of sizes and its important that you choose a sink to suit your space & your available cabinet size. Single bowl sinks are great for simplicity and take up less benchtop space which may be an ideal option for smaller kitchens or those wanting to maximise benchtop space. Double bowl sinks offer versatility for multi-tasking and provided you have the space are a functional option.

CHECK YOUR WASHING UP STYLE

Do you prefer to have a drainer added to your sink for functionality to place your drying dishes or would you rarely use one? Whilst drainers are practical, they do take up more bench space and don’t always look as sleek as a single or double bowl sink. If you use your dishwasher everyday, having an in-built drainer might not be a need for you. There are many portable drainers and drying racks that are perfect to be used then stored away when not in use that helps free up that important bench space.

LOCATION

Think about where in your kitchen it is most practical to have a sink in your design. Often this can be limited if you want to avoid additional plumbing costs to move pipeworks but if this isn’t a limitation its best to consider where it would be most functional. Some people prefer them on back walls to look out the window when washing up and meal prepping. For some having it on the island facing out in the room is the perfect spot as they can be washing up/meal prepping and be able to interact with the family. Its good to have your dishwasher near your sink (for kitchen work flow – think rinsing dishes and placing them in the dishwasher) and to have plenty of bench space around your sink for meal preparation.

MATERIAL & DURABILITY

The material of the sink plays a vital role in its durability and maintenance. Common materials include stainless steel, granite & fireclay.

Stainless steel sinks are incredibly durable and resistant to heat, stains and corrosion. For this reason, it is one of the most popular choices for kitchen sinks. It is also the most affordable sink type.

Granite sinks are available in a variety of colours, making them a stylish choice for modern kitchens. They are also very durable and are scratch and heat resistant. They can however be more expensive than stainless steel and can be heavy and may need a re-enforced shelf under them.

Fireclay (ceramic) sinks are durable and molded at high temperatures. They are an excellent choice for Hampton or Farmhouse style kitchens. They are elegant and scratch resistant but can require additional care and are more expensive than stainless steel and granite.

STYLE OF KITCHEN

Often the style of kitchen determines the type of sink to suit the design. For example a butler style sink wouldn’t suit a modern kitchen design. A sleek kitchen with black accessories might have you choosing a black granite sink. Think about how the sink fits into the overall look of your kitchen to ensure your selecting the right type.

BUDGET

Set a budget based on your needs. Stainless steel sinks are generally more affordable, while fireclay and granite composite tend to be more expensive. Don’t forget to include costs for accessores such as sink grids, cutting boards or drain coveres which can add another $50 – $200 to your budget. You will also need to consider the installation as this can also increase costs.

Below we will touch on the sink mount options available. We do have a handy guide on sinks we will send to you when we send you your appliance request form also.

DROP-IN (TOP MOUNT) SINKS

The mount we include as standard is a drop-in install. Any other options are an upgrade cost. Your detailed quote will advise the type of sink mount you have included.

A drop-in sink features a visible rim that rests on the countertop. They are the most common and versatile type of kitchen sink. As the rim of the sink sits on the benchtop, this can help contain spills and catch any water that may splash out during use. This type of sink mount is compatible with all benchtops – laminate, timber & stone.

UNDERMOUNT SINKS

An undermount sink is a type of kitchen sink that is installed beneath the countertop, creating a seamless look. This type of mount requires a stone benchtop. The installation process does cost more and is an upgrade option. An undermount sink is a stylish option however it does require more care. As stone is exposed around the rim of the stone, it can lead to chips in the stone if care is not taken.

BUTLER SINKS

A butler sink, often referred to as a farmhouse sink or an apron sink, is a large, deep sink that is typically mounted beneath a countertop, extending beyond the cabinetry. The cabinet below is reduced in height and provides a shelf for the sink to sit on. Butler sinks are heavy so require proper cabinetry support. It is recommended that the benchtop material is stone, however it can be achieved with laminate but does require modifications to the design to ensure the sink sits above the height of the benchtop.

We hope the above information helps you feel confident in choosing the right sink for your new kitchen. Our team can always assist you in selecting the perfect style.

To start your new kitchen journey, hit the Contact Us button below to book in a complimentary in-home measure.