The average cost for a full kitchen remodel comes in around $66,196. This investment includes countertops, cabinets, appliances, flooring, and of course…the kitchen sink.
Whether a new build or renovation project, the sink is an essential element of any kitchen. It combines function and style while complementing your countertops.
Different sink materials can add color, contrast, and texture. They work to complement any style of home while creating a unique focal point for your kitchen.
So, which sink style is best for your home and lifestyle? Read on for which kitchen sinks types to consider for your kitchen project.
Porcelain
This style of sink uses a porcelain coating over a cast iron material. The process results in a porcelain sink kitchen having a classic glossy shine to it.
This style works well for apron-front, top-mount, or under-mount installation sinks. You can also choose from a variety of different colors to match their kitchen design. This makes it easy to complement the kitchen backsplash tiles that you choose.
A porcelain kitchen sink is a heavier and more fragile sink option. The sink itself can chip, stain, or get scratched if not careful. This can allow rusting to occur on the cast iron.
If you drop a glass plate or bowl it can also break against the sink. So be careful not to toss kitchenware and silverware into this type of sink.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a favorite among those looking for a sink that is affordable and durable. This option is long-lasting and easy to clean and care for. Note that lighter gauge steel is more lightweight but will also cost you more.
Steel is resistant to heat, which comes in handy in the kitchen. Yet, it can get dented or scratched as well as show hard water stains. Though it’s best not to use abrasive cleaning products on steel sinks.
This style of sink also allows for easy installation. You can go with a top-mount or drop-in sink. It’s also a popular choice for small prep sinks.
Or use an under-mount installation to not take away from the design of the countertops. This also makes it easier to keep the counters clean. Many homeowners also opt for a deeper sized sink for less splashing.
Acrylic
Acrylic sinks offer a cost-efficient and resilient choice. They are also versatile and lightweight in design. This means it’s easy to match a color palette of any kitchen style.
Acrylic is a less fragile material so be sure to clean with caution. If damaged, it’s simple to sand down scratches.
This sink type can resist most stains, yet is not heat-resistant. This type of sink could also leave you with burn marks if not cared for in a proper way.
Copper
Copper sinks sit at the higher end of the price spectrum. Of all the different types of sinks, copper has it’s own one-of-a-kind characteristics.
Copper sinks create beautiful color, character, and texture for your kitchen. They can feature a unique finish of hammered copper or be smooth in detail.
Over time their finish (patina) will change, leaving your sink a deeper color. This occurs as a natural oxidation process. Yet, special caring instructions can prolong the look.
Copper sinks are also rust-resistant. Getting a thicker gauge of copper will create less noise, and be less likely to dent.
Copper also features natural antimicrobial properties. These help to kill off bacteria growth in the kitchen sink.
Fireclay
Fireclay is a hand-crafted material. It gets made using clay heated at extreme temperatures.
It’s the best kitchen sink material for the trending farmhouse style sink. Fireclay can get made into an apron-front style. You can custom-design intricate details on it or go with a smooth finish.
Fireclay looks timeless in white and is a long-lasting option. It’s fragile like porcelain but provides more durability. This makes fireclay a more expensive sink option.
This style of sink is non-porous and less likely to stain and chip. Fireclay also cannot rust, unlike cast iron. It can also tolerate stronger cleaning products, making it easy to care for.
Fireclay can break under too much pressure, resulting in cracking. For this reason, it’s best not to use a garbage disposal with this type of sink.
Natural Stone
Updating your kitchen ranks as the second-best home improvement project. This is due to kitchen renovations offering a good return on your investment. So, if you’re looking to boost your home value among the luxury market, you may want to consider natural stone.
These sink types include marble, granite, slate, and quartz. The sink gets crafted from a one-of-a-kind slab to create an elegant look in the kitchen. This also complements natural stone countertops well.
Natural stone is more high maintenance and expensive than other options. It also weighs a lot more. So it will need more supportive cabinet installation techniques and special sealing.
Or you can go with quartz or granite composite sink materials. These get made with added fillers. They are resistant to staining and more dense and durable in design.
Composite sinks are also not as tolerant of heat. Yet, they are easier to maintain and don’t need to get sealed.
Soapstone is another choice for sinks. It has antimicrobial properties and is stain-resistant.
Soapstone is also non-reactive to chemical cleaners. It is a softer stone, which means it can get scratched if not careful.
Pairing Kitchen Sinks Types to Your Countertops
When choosing from these kitchen sinks types, be sure to consider a few design elements.
This includes how easy the sink material is to maintain as well as how it holds up to your kitchen prep and cooking needs. Some homeowners can also use a second sink for prep work.
You also want to consider sink placement and how much counter space you have to work with. As well as the flow of traffic through your kitchen workspace. Sinks work well under a large picture window or installed in a kitchen island.
It helps to first select your countertop material. Then you can choose a sink material, mount type, and basin style to complement it. Browse the full collection of countertop materials and colors for more inspiration on your kitchen project.
