Types of Sinks and Applications
Are you looking to enhance the aesthetic appeal and functionality of your kitchen? One of the best ways to do so is by upgrading your sink.
From topmount sinks to farmhouse sinks, there are a wide variety of sink styles to choose from. In our latest blog article below, we will help you select the right style and material for your sink to ensure that it fits the design of your home.
Top Mount
As the name suggests, a top-mount sink, also known as a self-rimming or drop-in sink, is placed on top of a cut-out hole in your favorite countertop. Rather than an integrated sink or farm sink, the sink itself is placed over the countertop. It makes it a great choice for both installation and replacement. Replacing the sink can simply be removed from the cut-out without damaging your countertops.
Integrated
Unlike a top-mount sink, which is placed on top of the countertop, an integrated sink is built directly into the countertop. The sink is molded into the countertop, where it creates a sleek and modern appearance and maximizes countertop space.
Farm / Apron Sink
A farm sink is a deep sink that has an exposed front, which gives the appearance of an apron and serves as one, too. It provides a nice country farmhouse feel, but the design can be complemented with modern kitchen design styles. It provides the perfect balance of character and modernity. Farmhouse sinks provide a large amount of space, allowing for variations in their design, including laundry and drainboard styles.
Common Types of Sink Materials
You may be wondering about the types of materials you can use to complement the style of your sink. There are many different materials you can use to help create the aesthetic that makes your kitchen complete. Let’s begin with porcelain sinks.
Porcelain
Porcelain sinks are a great option if you’re looking to achieve a clean look in your kitchen. They are commonly used across drop-ins, integrated, and farmhouse sinks. They are known to give off a nice glossy look with an enamel coating that protects them from scratches, blemishes, and stains. This makes porcelain sinks very easy to clean and maintain.
Because of its natural properties, porcelain is easier to chip. If you use heavy pots and pans, do note that chipping can happen. Additionally, any strong chemicals and acids can also wear down the natural properties of porcelain and cause stains.
Stainless Steel
Known for its durability and timeless aesthetic, stainless steel is one of the most popular sink materials. It is light and easy to install, and it is resistant to heat, stains, and chipping.
Plus, its versatility in style matching makes it a homeowner's favorite. It is suitable for any style of kitchen and countertop, and it's something that never goes out of style. It can be used in a variety of sink styles, including drop-in, undermount, and farmhouse.
Cast Iron
Cast iron sinks are a highly durable yet stylish piece to add to your kitchen. They're typically coated with porcelain enamel, which creates a smooth, glossy finish.
In addition, cast iron sinks are low maintenance and are less prone to cracks and dents. However, if you drop heavy items or use abrasive cleaners, the porcelain enamel can scratch or chip, making it susceptible to rust. Because of the nature of cast iron, it is also quite heavy and may require reinforced cabinets.
Bronze / Brass / Fine Metals
Bronze sinks add character to any kitchen. They create a warm contrast against typical stainless steel appliances and white countertops. Bronze develops a natural patina over time, darkening and becoming more elegant as it ages.
These sinks are durable and dent-resistant like stainless steel. But bronze can discolor if exposed to acids or strong cleaners, so you'll need to be careful with maintenance.
Granite Composite
Granite composite sinks combine crushed granite with resin to create a durable, non-porous surface. They resist heat, scratches, and stains better than natural stone while offering the look of granite at a lower cost.
These sinks come in various colors and can match granite countertops perfectly. They're quieter than stainless steel when washing dishes and won't show water spots or fingerprints easily. However, the main drawback is weight—similar to cast iron, you may need reinforced cabinets. They can also be more expensive than stainless steel options and may require special cleaners to maintain their appearance.
Concrete
Concrete sinks are incredibly durable, heat-resistant, and offer complete customization for your kitchen. They can be shaped, sized, and colored to match any design vision.
Another major benefit of concrete is that it develops character over time, which gives it enhanced aesthetic appeal. Also, you can integrate features like drainboards or decorative edges directly into the design.
It's important to note that concrete demands strong cabinet support due to its weight. Plus, it requires regular sealing to help resist stains, cracks, and water damage. This also helps to make it less susceptible to acidic substances like lemon juice or vinegar.
Schedule a Design Consultation with Hermitage Kitchen Gallery
That covers the main sink types and materials available for your kitchen renovation. As you can see, there are many options to fit different styles and budgets.
You'll want to select the best sink based on your specific needs and consider factors like durability, maintenance requirements, installation complexity, and how well it matches your overall design vision.
Whether you prefer the timeless appeal of stainless steel, the character of farmhouse sinks, or the customization of concrete, the right choice depends on how you use your space and what look you want to achieve.
Hermitage Kitchen Gallery has helped Nashville homeowners create dream spaces. We understand that choosing the right sink is just one part of your renovation journey.
Contact us today to discuss your plans and find the perfect sink for your home.