Points to consider when choosing your kitchen sink

Are you renovating and designing a new kitchen? There are a lot of things to take into consideration, besides the design and kitchen style.

You may not give a lot of thought to the kitchen sink, but it's definitely one part of your kitchen renovation that needs to be considered, after all, it's a kitchen necessity. There are so many different kitchen sink designs and ideas, to consider and choosing the right one will undoubtedly complete your kitchen. So let's not just think of a kitchen sink as the area where you just wash dishes, prepare vegetables and have access to water, a kitchen sink is so much more. ‘A kitchen is not complete without a kitchen sink’.

Factors to consider when selecting a sink

Before choosing a kitchen sink, it's important to consider how it will fit into your particular circumstances.

• Will the sink fit the overall kitchen design?
• What is the best position for sink and kitchen functionality?
• What is the best position aesthetically?
• Is the bowl deep enough for larger kitchen pots, pans etc?
• Is there enough room for the dishes?
• Position of the sink - is it close to the dishwasher for easy rinsing and stacking?
• Position in the kitchen - does it have a good aspect, eg, view to a garden or dining room, etc

There are a wide variety of kitchen sink materials to choose from, below are five of the most common.

Kitchen sink materials - pros and cons

Stainless steel

• Style - Modern and traditional
• Pros - Stainless sinks are easy to clean and maintain
• Cons - Can be noisy, show water spot

Acrylic sink

• Style - Farmhouse, minimalist
• Pros - Versatile, affordable, easy to clean
• Cons - Susceptible to scratches, dings and heat damage.

Stone sink

• Style - Modern and traditional
• Pros - Heat resistant, long lifespan, adds value to your home
• Cons - Very heavy, needs extra reinforcement, proper sealing required.

Porcelain

• Style - Traditional, minimalist
• Pros - Easy to maintain, stain, heat and scratch resistant
• Cons - Can be chipped by heavy objects

Granite Composite

• Style - Transitional
• Pros - Easy to clean, scratch, heat, stain and chip resistant
• Cons - Heavy and may require cabinet reinforcements

Modern-look kitchen sink designs

• Undermount sink

Under the bench, under the counter, or under-mount. This sink design is aesthetically pleasing, as it is out of sight out of mind, and declutters bench tops. This design allows you to enjoy valuable benchtop space. You might think this will be an expensive option, however, under-mount sinks are more cost-effective than other sink options.

• Square sink

A square sink is the most popular option if you are aiming for a very modern, contemporary look and feel. Generally larger than their round counterparts, giving you more bowl space to work with. They give a sleek and stylish edge to any kitchen.

• Brushed stainless steel finish

Stainless steel is fast becoming a kitchen sink of choice. Stainless steel looks amazing and is very durable and practical. It’s important to make sure your new sink features a brushed stainless steel finish, rather than a polished one. Brushed stainless will hide any scratches, and add an ultra-modern look to any kitchen.

Kitchen sink mounting options

Four of the most likely installation options to choose from.

• Topmount

Topmount is the most common choice for kitchen sink installation. As the name suggests, these sinks are installed on the top of the bench. As the sink rests on the kitchen bench, this is largely how the sink is supported. Top mounts are very easy to install, making this a more budget-friendly alternative.

• Undermount

Undermount sinks are positioned below the bench surface and have gained popularity in recent years. This is widely due to the sleek, streamlined look a well-installed undermount sink offers. To install undermounts a hole needs to be cut precisely in the bench to accommodate the exact dimensions of the sink. It will then be perfectly sealed to ensure it remains watertight.

• Flushmount

Flushmount sinks are where the sink and benchtop form one complete unit. These are extremely neat and visually appealing. Installation is the same process as with the under-mount style sink.

• Butlers or farmhouse sink

Butler's sinks are predominantly ceramic with a rounded rim which is set into the benchtop and cabinetry. They are also known by other names such as farmhouse, french, apron or skirted sinks. The distinctive apron front gives this sink a beautiful vintage look. These sinks tend to be tougher, more scratch-resistant than other options and easier to clean. You may require specific cabinetry to accommodate the size and weight of the sink, which in turn can add to your overall budget.

We have no doubt, there is a kitchen sink design to suit your style, practical needs and budget. If you are finding it hard to make a choice for your Brisbane kitchen renovation, Haddon's Kitchen and Cabinets can help you by providing personalised and expert renovation advice.