About Kitchen Sinks | www.picassorenovations.com

Kitchen sinks consist of one or multiple bowls with a faucet, drain with a strainer and convenient accessories like sprayers and soap dispensers. Besides serving as a heavily used fixture for washing hands,preparing meals and cleaning up afterwards, kitchen sinks are a prominent focal point in your kitchen. From gleaming stainless steel to colorful sinks made of durable composite materials, kitchen sinks now come in more shapes, sizes, depths and materials than ever before. This buying guide explains the materials, configuration and mounting options available, so you can feel confident you’re selecting the sink that provides the perfect balance of form and function in your kitchen.

Self-rimming (also known as topmount) sinks drop into a pre-cut hole in the countertop with the edge of the sink resting on the counter. Sinks are easy to install and work with almost any countertop.

Undermount sinks install under the counter and are ideal for use with solid surface and granite. They have a sophisticated look and, because they have no rim between the countertop and sink, clean up is easy—just brush crumbs and spills into the sink.

Integral sinks are built into the counter and constructed of the same material. They are flush-mounted, meaning the surface is even with the countertop.

Tile-In sinks have flat edges and square corners so they can mount evenly with a tiled surface with no visible separation between sink and countertop. This seamless installation makes countertop cleaning easy—brush any dirt or crumbs into the sink.

Specialty (Prep) Sinks provide added convenience in large kitchens or kitchens where there is more than one cook. Round bowls are ideal for prep sinks on a cooking island or as a high-capacity secondary sink for entertaining.

Bar sinks add convenience for basement remodels or rooms away from the kitchen used for

entertaining.

Apron sinks, also known as farmhouse sinks, feature a wide base and deep basin for easier cleaning of large pots and pans. Mostly found in country-style kitchens, these sinks feature an exposed front that drops down in front of the sink instead of stopping at the edge of the counter.

Material

Choosing the material for your sink is a decision that is both practical and

aesthetic. As a prominent fixture in your kitchen, you’ll want a sink that

complements your decor and fixtures. At the same time, your sink will

experience a lot of heavy usage so you’ll want one with a sturdy surface that

maintains its appearance over a long period of time. Below are

descriptions of some of the most popular kitchen sink materials to consider.

Stainless Steel offers an excellent balance of cost, usability, durability and ease of cleaning. Higher quality stainless steel sinks are made of 18 to 16 gauge steel to help prevent dents and scratches and reduce noise. Look for

Cast Iron sinks with enamel coatings have a layer of porcelain enamel that provides a hard, durable surface with a smooth, glossy finish that tends to hide water spots and streaks. Cast iron sinks retain heat well, making washing dishes easier. While the surface is very hard, if hit hard enough the surface can chip and expose the underlying black surface of the iron. Cast iron sinks are heavy and require a sturdy counter.

Fireclay sinks are fired at an extremely high temperature to produce an exceptionally durable, hard and glossy, non-porous surface that won’t rust, fade or discolor. Resistant to chips, stains and scratches and available in an array of colors and sizes, these low maintenance sinks are highly resistant to bacteria associated with food preparation.

Copper offers a unique blend of beauty and functionality. Copper is a highly durable metal which does not rust or tarnish and requires little maintenance. It’s an extraordinary match for natural surfaces, like wood and stone with a surface that takes on an attractive aged patina over time. Copper sinks are handcrafted and each is unique. Copper sinks also make living environments safer with strong anti-microbial properties that kill bacteria and viruses.

Configuration

Configuration options to consider for your sink include size; the number of bowls, how they are oriented, and the depth and the number of holes your sink requires for your fixtures and accessories.

The interior width of the sink’s cabinet determines the maximum dimensions for your sink. Most base cabinets are 36”–42” high and 25-1/4”-26” wide. A typical 33” by 22” sink will fill a 36” base cabinet.

If you use your sink primarily for washing hands, light rinsing and garbage disposal, you may need a large sink. If you cook frequently and use the sink for cleaning vegetables or washing dishes by hand, you may need a wider sink deep enough to accommodate odd sized pots and pans.

• If you are replacing a sink, select a sink that fits the existing sink cutout. If the cabinet allows, you may be able to install a larger sink by expanding the cutout.
• If you are creating a new kitchen, the only limitations are the location and size of the cabinet in which the sink will be installed.

Number of Bowls

Deciding how many bowls you need is best determined by the size of your kitchen and your typical activities in it. Double-bowls of equal size can be an ideal solution if there are often multiple cooks in the kitchen. If one cook focuses on prep work, a 1-1/2 or 1-3/4 bowl design may be the best solution. For smaller kitchens, a large single bowl sink can fulfill most functions. While the most common sinks are double bowls of equal size, double and triple bowls offer their own unique advantages.

Single Bowl sinks offer plenty of space for large-diameter dishes and oversized pots. Single-bowl designs take up less space than other bowls. They can be as wide as 33”.

Double Bowl sinks provide room for separate tasks such as washing and rinsing dishes, food preparation and clean up. They can be as wide as 48”.

Triple Bowl sinks feature a small third bowl for use as a prep sink. They can be as wide as 60”.