Kitchen Sink Types

Are you getting tired of your old, ugly sink and want to replace it with a new one as part of your remodeling project? It is more likely that you, like many others, want a sink that is durable with easy maintenance as well as having an elegant and simple design. Deciding on a new kitchen sink takes a few considerations such as location, your kitchen priorities, the use of the sink and how it will be installed. Thousands of different kitchen sink types are available to choose from; among those are sinks made of porcelain enamel over cast iron, stainless steel, nickel, copper or brass, fireclay and soapstone.

Porcelain Enamel Over Cast Iron Sinks

Sinks that are made of porcelain enamel over cast iron are the types of sinks that have been used for more than a hundred years. They often would last for over 30 years and can come in a wide variety of styles and color as well as quality. It is also one of the most durable and widely available sinks. The possible disadvantages of porcelain enamel over cast iron sinks is the possibility of dishes breaking when dropped into it as well as the sink itself not being able to retain heat particularly well.

Stainless Steel Sinks

Stainless steel sinks are among the most popular choice of homeowners because they match the look of contemporary designed kitchens. With the exception of custom fabricated stainless steel, these sinks are also reasonably priced, easy to clean and can last up to 30 years. Note that when you are looking for a stainless steel sink, make sure to look for one with a lower gauge of steel; this will assure it's durabability. It is advisable to look for one with a gauge of 18 or 19 with a type of 304 stainless because it is less susceptible to corrosion due to the extra chromium it has. One of the disadvantages of a stainless steel are the possibilities of the sink being too loud. However, sink manufactures have addressed this problem with sound absorbing techniques.

Nickel Copper Or Brass

A sink that is made of the materials of either nickel, copper or brass are gorgeous in appearance and have been used for generations. Copper sinks have recently become popular; however, the disadvantage is that the copper ages over time and the color will change to one of an old penny. Nickel is stronger and harder than copper and gives a very beautiful finish if hammered. The disadvantage of a sink made of metal is that metal sinks are very pricey.

Fireclay

A fireclay sink requires no special cleaning, is scratch resistant and repels stains. The material fireclay is an enhanced type of vitreous china that contains more quartz and feldspar. With these elements, it is therefore more durable due to it's heavy weight and denseness than regular clay; thus, makes the sink more durable than the ones made of china. Like it's porcelain over cast iron counterpart, the fireclay sink will last for about 30 years. Even though these sinks also come in several varieties, they are also very pricey.

Soapstone

The most attractive of sinks and the most expensive, is the soapstone sink. It materials are mined primarily in the NE United States and the cost of the shipping is very high due to it's weight. However, it will last you for generations and it is durable and impervious to stains as well as it being heavy. Some people might consider it worth the money for it's durability and beautiful appearance. If you are getting a soapstone countertop installed as well, it is easy to match color of the sink with the counter.

Be sure to choose a sink that will match your kitchen's decor. With the variety of materials and finishes, you can find a kitchen sink to match any kitchen decor. Properly cared for, your sink should last for many years.