Bowl Sink

Bowl Sink

Choosing a Kitchen Sink

The process of choosing a kitchen sink can be complicated because there are several, different things to consider but the basis if choosing the best sink will be determined by the fit, material, type of installation, the faucet holes and the features. Read the tips below to help you find the kitchen sink that will meet your requirements.

When choosing a kitchen sink you have to be certain that it fits. Remember the kitchen sink is limited by the size of your counter top and cabinet. To determine the size of your cabinet start measuring from under the existing sink or measure where your new sink will be designated, measure beginning from left to right from the outside edge up to the other outside edge. After finding out your cabinet size, give an allowance of two to three inches on both sides. These extra inches are meant for the mounting hardware.

Next, consider the material. Manufacturers use varied material to make kitchen sinks. To name a few, your kitchen sink may be made from copper, cast iron, fireclay, granite, Stainless Steel or vitreous china. From among these materials, the stainless steel has come out as the most popular choice for new kitchen sink installations while cast iron remains the best choice for a colored finish.

After determining the fit of the sink and choosing the material, the installation follows.

There are different ways to install your sink such as; undermount, recessed; self-rimming, drop-in; apron; and tile-in, tile edge. The most traditional style of installation is the self-rimming, drop in type. But for those who prefer a glamorous kitchen sink you should choose the undermount, recessed installation for your sink. The apron sinks are for those who would like to have a traditional farmhouse look on the kitchen while the tile-in or tile-edge is meant to mount flash for a tiled surface. These sinks are also available as a single bowl, two bowl and three bowl models. The bowls can either be deep or shallow depending on your preferences.

The fifth consideration for your sink is the number of faucet holes. The holes in your sink should be dependent on the kind of faucet as well as accessories that you would like to install on your sink.

Lastly, you should also think about the features that are available for your sink. The features that each sink will have will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. For example, a spillway feature is mostly available for two and three bowl sinks. Since the spillway is lower than the sides of the sinks the overflowing water will just go from one bowl to the next. Meanwhile, some kitchen sinks may have clamps which are used to attach the bowl before the sink is placed into the countertop. This feature should give you a trouble-free installation. The other rear drain features give you a bigger storage space in the cabinet below because the pipes are placed further back.

These are just some of the kitchen sink features. There are many more features that you will find with other kitchen sinks. Of course, everything will depend on how you would like your kitchen sink to appear and function.

About the Author

Richard Dinae is an architect, providing information and directories about home improvement, please visit
Kitchen Sink

Elkay Harmony e-granite Double Bowl Sink with Aqua Divide