What Sink Material Is Right For You?
Stainless Steel
(kitchen only) Stainless steel sinks are affordable, durable, and easy to clean, making them a popular choice for busy kitchens. They resist heat and stains but can show water spots and scratches over time.
Quartz Composite Sinks
Quartz composite sinks are made from a blend of quartz particles and resin, creating a durable, nonporous surface that resists scratches, stains, and heat. They come in a variety of colors for a modern look and are heavier than stainless steel.
Solid Surface Sinks
(bathroom only) Solid surface sinks offer a smooth, nonporous finish that is easy to clean. Minor scratches can often be repaired, but these sinks are more susceptible to heat damage and scratching than some other sink materials.
What Shape Do You Want?
Single or Double Bowl
Single bowl sinks offer one large, uninterrupted space, making it easier to wash oversized pots, pans, and baking sheets. Double bowl sinks provide two separate areas for multitasking, such as washing dishes on one side while rinsing or drying on the other, but each basin offers less room for larger items. There are also options with unequal double bowls where one side is larger than the other to make the best of both worlds.. or the worst depending on who you ask!
Rounded or Square Corners
The shape of your sink's inside corners affects both its appearance and how easy it is to clean. Rounded corners offer a softer, more traditional look and are easier to wipe clean, while square corners provide a sleek, modern appearance and maximize usable basin space but can be more difficult to clean where the sides meet.
What Sink Mount Is Right for You?
Top-Mount (Drop-In) Sinks
Top-mount sinks are installed into a cutout in the countertop, with the rim resting on top. They are typically the most affordable and easiest to install or replace, but the exposed rim can collect dirt and make countertop cleaning more difficult.
There are many accessories available with top mount sinks.
Undermount Sinks
Undermount sinks are installed beneath the countertop, creating a clean, seamless-looking edge that makes wiping crumbs and water into the sink easy. They typically cost more to install and require a countertop material that can support this installation, such as quartz, granite, or solid surface.
Apron Front or "Farmhouse" Sink
Farmhouse sinks feature a deep basin with an exposed front that extends to the edge of the cabinetry, creating a classic, timeless look. They typically require a special sink base cabinet, additional support, and more involved installation.
Integrated Sinks
If you are getting a bathroom top, you may be interested in an integrated sink. Integrated sinks are made from the same material as the countertop, creating a continuous surface with no visible seams. They offer a sleek appearance and are easy to clean, but they are generally more expensive and can be difficult to repair or replace without affecting the countertop.
Vessel Sinks
Vessel sinks sit on top of the countertop rather than being recessed into it, creating a unique, decorative focal point in the bathroom. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, but may require taller faucets and can be more difficult to clean around the base.