Kitchen remodeling involves many elements, so it would be understandable putting the choice of kitchen sink on the back burner. You might think that it does not make that much of a difference. You would be wrong.
The kitchen sink is an integral and functional part of your kitchen, and you need to give it more attention. Your choice of sink can have a profound effect on the way your kitchen looks and works. Here is some of the different sink types for kitchen remodeling you should know.
Rimmed sinks
Sometimes called a top mounted or drop-in sink, the rimmed sink is the one you are most likely to find in many kitchens. It is the most affordable type of sink of its kind, and easy to install if the area in which it will go has been measured and prepared properly beforehand. All you need to do is drop it in (which is why it is called a drop-in sink) and the rim keeps it from falling through. In most cases, silicone around the rim secures it in place.
Preparing the plumbing and hole for the sink is the hardest part of the installation, but it is doable for most people provided the countertop is easy to cut, such as laminate or solid surface. However, if you have a granite or quartz countertop, you will want the cutouts done by a professional fabricator.
The one thing that makes a rimmed sink undesirable is the same thing that makes it easy to install the rim. This goes over the countertop edges, which means it sits higher than the countertop. Water, food debris, and other types of dirt can and do accumulate around the rim, so it is harder to keep the countertop clean. You need to make a point of excavating and cleaning the rim edges regularly to keep dirt from collecting and rotting there.
Undermounted sinks
Another type of sink you are likely to find in newer homes is the undermounted sink, especially if you have granite or quartz countertops. These are sinks that attach under the counter instead of over them, and installers usually secure it using special clips.
Undermounted sinks are popular because the profile is sleek. You do not see any projections over the kitchen countertops, so the visual line is uninterrupted. Because there is no obstruction from the countertop to the sink, it is also much easier to clean kitchen countertops.
However, installing undermounted sinks require professional attention. You have to be sure that the construction of the support for the sink is sturdy enough to prevent it from falling under heavy loads.
The cutout for the sink also has to be exact to avoid any appreciable gaps between the sink and the countertop edges, where water and food debris can get through and possibly accumulate. Silicone can help seal any small gaps, but not big ones. You might be able to DIY the installation with some types of countertop materials, but definitely to for quartz and granite.
Double sinks
A double sink is exactly what it says: two sinks in one. This was a popular type of sink when handwashing was normal for many homeowners, as you could have one sink for washing and another for rinsing. Since most people use dishwashers today, however, that is no longer the case. That said, some people still go for uneven double sinks, using the smaller one for food prep and thawing.
The problem with double sinks is space efficiency. Either side of a standard double sink is usually too small to accommodate larger items, so it is not a good use of space. This is particularly true for smaller kitchens, where space is at a premium.
Single sinks
The most popular sink type for modern kitchens is large single sinks deep enough for large pots and pans. One example of a large and deep single sink is the farmhouse sink, which most people find easy to use. You definitely want something like this if you regularly cook large meals or entertain frequently.
The one drawback to single sinks is the lack of a drying spot. Of course, you can get around this by putting in a drying rack or cabinet, or opting for a drainboard sink.
Drainboard sinks
Drainboard sink incorporates a drying area or drainboard with the sink, often proportional to the size of sink you choose. For example, if you choose a small sink, the drainboard is also small. This is to maximize the efficiency of the available space. You should know that most drainboard sinks have a tendency to be smaller than you might want, so that can be a problem if you need a large sink.
You need to tell your countertop fabricator if you choose a drainboard sink, because it will affect the size of the cutout. Drainboard sinks are typically rimmed sinks, so you can DIY installing it if your countertops allow it. However, since they are rimmed sinks, you have the same problem with cleaning.
Conclusion
These are the basic sink types you are likely to encounter in kitchen remodeling. You will find a considerable amount of variation on the theme, so take your time choosing the one that works for your design. Cabinet Land Kitchen and Beyond offers free consultation services and quotes, so you get some help with your sink selection and remodeling choices right off the bat.
We are a local remodeling company with a showroom located in Schaumburg, Illinois. We service Schaumburg, Arlington Heights. Des Plaines, Hoffman Estate, Elk Grove Village, and other parts of Chicago land.
We work only with the best brands of sinks a vanity at the best prices compared to our competitors such as Advance Cabinets and Handsome Cabinets. Also we have the expertise and resources to provide you with the products you need – ON TIME and ON BUDGET with top quality craftsmanship that will exceed your expectations.
Call or visit us today to get started on selecting your kitchen sink and anything else you need for kitchen remodeling.
