How To Choose The Right Sink For Your Home and Kitchen

Buying A Sink

If you're in the market for a new sink, it's easy to get overwhelmed by all the possibilities. Consider this the ultimate buyer's guide to finding, selecting and installing the sink of your dreams.

Getting Started

How large is your kitchen? How wide are your cabinets? These simple questions can have a big impact on the type of sink most suitable for your home. Your first step when buying a basin should focus on sizing and dimension requirements.

• Square footage. If your kitchen is less than 150 square feet, don't buy a sink over the traditional 22x24 inches. These are the generally accepted measurements from the National Kitchen and Bath Association.
• Cabinet size. Take a measuring tape to the cabinet under your sink. Most of them clock in around 20-30 inches from front to back, but if you have an older home, these sizes may vary. Whatever numbers you come up with, make sure that your sink will fit inside them. You'll also want to have a few inches of "wiggle room" for mounting purposes.
• Backsplash. The backsplash is the tile behind your faucet that protects the wall from water damage. If you're installing a new sink, you'll probably want a new backsplash as well, and their measurements can run from 1/4 to 1 1/2-inch thick. Make sure you include these figures in your final number crunch.

Types

The standard sink comes with one bowl under a single faucet. If you do a lot of cooking, however, you might be more comfortable with a multi-bowl or multi-basin sink. Here are a few things to consider about multiple basins:

• Pipelines. Are you pipes equipped for more than one basin? If not, how much will it cost to remodel inside the wall?
• Size. Think about height, width and depth. Think about splash prevention; think about how far you want to reach into sudsy water to fish out that fork.
• Shape. Most multi-basin sinks are square; it's a shape that's easy to install. They can, however, come in ovals, rectangles or even trenches for the industrial-sized kitchen.

Materials

Sinks are available in everything from stainless steel to fireclay. But which material types are the best for your home?

• Steel. Resistant to both heat and sound, stainless steel is one of the most popular choices for sink construction. It's also one of the least expensive when weighed against its long-term benefits.
• Cast iron. Iron is extremely strong, so if your kitchen sees a lot of action, you might want to invest in something that can handle the heat. Just beware that it's also a heavy material best suited for older or reinforced kitchens.
• Composite granite. If you're worried about cracks and stains, composite granite is the answer. Not only is it durable enough to last 10+ years, but its dark color means that it never looks dirty or damaged.
• Fireclay. Like the name implies, fireclay is forged in the heat of a flame. This tough treatment makes it almost impervious to all the dints and scratches that accumulate on "regular" sinks.
• Soapstone. Soapstone is most famous as a material for countertops, but it can also be shaped into sinks. It will offer a beautiful modern aesthetic to any kitchen as well as a strong countenance.

Features

Mounts

Sink mounts come in several different varieties, including:

• Overmount
• Undermount
• Self-rimming
• Integral

Each mount has its own pros and cons, so do your research before deciding on a type. Keep in mind, too, that some mounts aren't compatible with all material types.

Sprouts

Sprouts can turn a boring basin into a multipurpose hub. You'll need to establish a few things, however, before splurging on these extras:

• How many bowls do you have? You can install one sprout for each bowl or a single sprout that stretches.
• How much do your sprouts need to swivel? If your bowls are particularly large or deep, you'll need a sprout that can maneuver 180° or more.

Finishes

A good finish will protect your sink from damage in addition to adding a little flair. It, too, is available in many types, including:

• Chrome
• Ceramic
• Polished brass
• Satin nickel
• Physical vapor deposition (PVD)

Finishes go hand-in-hand with mounts and material types, so don't start picking out the former until you've decided on the latter.

These are just a few things to consider when shopping for your next sink. Good luck!