When remodeling your kitchen, you may be tempted to upgrade your cabinets and major appliances. But the last thing you’ll want to forget is the kitchen sink!
Having a deep, easy-to-clean, sturdy kitchen sink could make a significant difference in your life. Whether you need a sink for making the perfect pasta or a shallow basin for gentle handwashing, there’s an option for you!
How to Choose the Perfect Kitchen Sink
Upgrading your current kitchen sink to an improved model could make a significant difference in your everyday life. But selecting the ideal option can be challenging if you’re not familiar with your options.
To choose the perfect kitchen sink for your home, you’ll want to follow five simple steps:
- Dream Big
- Pick a Style
- Consider the Bowls
- Choose a Material
- Measure Your Space
Picking the best possible sink shouldn’t be a frustrating process. By sticking to this sequence, you can ensure that you end up with the best sink for your kitchen.
Let’s delve a little deeper into each step to help clarify any questions or concerns about investing in a new sink. To kick things off, we’ll touch on design inspiration and utility.
Dream Big
When you picture your new kitchen sink, what do you see? Is it a compact stainless steel option or a multi-bowl granite model? And, more importantly, how you see yourself using your new kitchen sink?
Taking the time to imagine what your new sink will look like—and how you’ll use it—could help inspire you toward specific options. However, if you haven’t browsed sinks recently, you might struggle to imagine one.
If you try and picture a new kitchen sink but can’t quite seem to think of anything, it may be helpful to seek inspiration. Browsing your local home improvement store is an excellent idea if you’re not sure of what to get.
You’ll be able to browse sink styles, bowls, and materials and find out what models appeal to you by browsing in-store or online. Naturally, one of the first things you’ll want to do is choose a sink style.
Pick a Style
When choosing a sink style, it’s crucial to remember that there are two primary kitchen sink styles:
- Drop-In
- Undermount
The best type for your kitchen depends on your preferences, budget, and current sink type. In most cases, the most affordable way to replace an old sink is to choose the same type of sink as the current model.
However, if you’re ready to renovate and upgrade your current kitchen counter setup, you could choose an alternate style. Let’s take a quick look at these types to ensure you choose the right one for your kitchen.
Drop-In
Drop-in sinks are the most common type of kitchen sink. These are designed to ‘drop’ into a pre-cut space in your kitchen countertops. They often feature a sturdy metal lip that adheres to the counter.
Additionally, this type of sink tends to be more affordable than other types. Unlike more complex options, a drop-in sink requires a straightforward installation. These sinks are also easier to clean than other styles.
Undermount
Many people confuse drop-in sinks with undermount sinks. However, these types have a few key differences.
For one, undermount sinks don’t have noticeable ledges that need wiping down. This equates to a few extra inches of counter space. Additionally, homes with an undermount kitchen sink tend to have a slightly higher value.
Consider the Bowls
When choosing sink bowls, the most vital thing to consider is usage. If you’re not planning on using your new kitchen sink for washing dishes and preparing large meals, you may want a single-bowl option.
However, if you’re determined to use a dish disposal system with your kitchen sink, a two-bowl model is a must. And if you’re serious about maximizing your sink space, a three-bowl option could be the best choice.
Always consider your bowl number before exploring material types. After all, it’s smart to have a rough idea of your sink size before you begin comparing materials.
Choose a Material
Sinks are made of a wide variety of materials. The best material for your new kitchen sink depends on your preferences. The most common material types for sinks:
- Stainless Steel
- Granite
- Clay
Choosing the best kitchen sink materials is easy if there’s a specific material that catches your eye. However, if you’re not familiar with these materials, here are a few tips.
Stainless steel typically doesn’t rust, and it has an attractive metallic appearance that may suit modern kitchens.
Measure Your Space
After choosing your preferred sink material, you’ll need to measure your space. Whether you’re choosing a large or a small sink, it’s crucial to know how much space you have to work with.
Be sure to write down your measurements on a piece of paper or a trustworthy smartphone app. That way, when you’re browsing for your final option, you can be sure to pick one that fits your current counter setup.
Alternatively, you could also choose a sink that’s slightly larger or small than your current space. However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that you will likely need to remove your current counters and replace them.
Essentially, if your new sink is a different size than your last one, expect to pay more. But remember, to get the kitchen sink of your dreams, you sometimes need to invest. Still, a new sink could add value to your home!
Pick the Best Kitchen Sinks Today
You can easily choose a new kitchen sink by gathering inspiration, picking a style, considering the bowl number, and choosing materials. Naturally, measuring your space is also a crucial step.
No matter what you select, it’s crucial to consider your intended use. Larger sinks are often the better option when dealing with larger projects, and smaller sinks can be great eco-friendly handwashing stations.
If you’re curious to learn more about home improvement, be sure to check out our related articles today!