Popham Construction
Kitchen Sinks
TO HELP OUR CLIENTS…
There are many choices of kitchen sinks available. Our list features pros and cons to help you make an educated decision. We’ve included a few brand websites for you to explore. Popham does not endorse these resources, but only supplies them as a convenient source of information. Popham also encourages you to view samples at local businesses such as Ferguson Enterprises, Winnelson, Kight’s Kitchen Interiors, and Lensing Home Consultants.
SINK TYPES
TOP-MOUNT (DROP-IN, SELF-RIMMING)
Best for a tight budget. It sits directly on top of the counter. Top-mounts work with any countertop material and are the simplest to install. But grime builds up around the lip of the sink. Top-mounts can detract from the look of fancy countertops.
UNDER-MOUNT
Best for a sleek look and easy cleanup. Spills and crumbs from counters can be wiped directly into the sink. Faucets are installed into the counter or mounted on a wall. Some models can’t be used with laminate or wood countertops.
FARMHOUSE (APRON-FRONT)
Best for traditional or country kitchens, but stainless steel versions work well with modern designs. It’s usually a deep single bowl with the faucet installed in the countertop or wall. It requires a special cabinet. Water can drip on the cabinet, causing damage.
THINK ABOUT FUNCTIONALITY
MEASURE FIRST – Double-bowl sinks let you perform two tasks at once, such as soaking and rinsing. But if the bowls are too narrow, it will be hard to fit large pots or roasters. If your space is tight, a single bowl is better. Take a large pot with you to the store to check size. Sinks that are rectangular shaped are standard, but D-bowls have a curved back and offer more space, front to back.
ALSO THINK ABOUT DEPTH — Bowls are 6 to 12 inches deep. The deeper ones reduce splashes, but a sink that’s too deep can require lots of ending and make it difficult for short adults to reach the bottom. Remember that under-mounted sinks will be up to 1 ½ inches lower than a drop-in.
SINK MATERIALS
- ACRYLIC
- PROS: Acrylic sinks are non-porous, meaning that liquids do not seep in, causing stains. Scratches can be sanded and buffed. These sinks are available in undermount designs that can be paired with laminate countertops.
- CONS: Acrylic sinks cannot withstand very high temperatures; some sinks may even be damaged by boiling water or
a hot pan or pot, as the acrylic may melt.
- STAINLESS
- PROS: More people buy stainless steel kitchen sinks than any other type. The lower the gauge, the thicker the steel. From thin to thick, most models are resistant to dents, stains, scratches, and heat, and noise from water flow.
- CONS: Prone to water and soap spotting. Need polishing.
- ENAMEL
- PROS: These sinks, sold in two versions (enamel-on cast iron or lighter, less expensive enamel-on-steel), are available in many colors. They are the easiest to keep clean. They are heat- and scratch-resistant.
- CONS: Dropping a heavy pot can dent, crack, or chip the sink. Enamel-on-cast iron can chip when a sharp, light object similar to a knife on is dropped in the sink. Damaged enamel can cause the metal underneath to rust.
- SOLID SURFACE
- PROS: These sinks can be paired with counters made of the same material for a sleek, seamless look. Though solid-surface sinks scratch easily, the damage can be sanded away with abrasive products.
- CONS: Some sinks can crack when a heavy pot is dropped.