Kitchen Sinks

Remodeling your kitchen can be a lot of fun. But in between picking backsplash designs and deciding on cabinetry colors, it’s easy to overlook a very important part of your kitchen: the sink. There are many more types of kitchen sinks than you may have realized — there’s one for every taste.

Types of Kitchen Sinks

Kitchen sinks generally fit into three categories: drop-in, undermount, and farmhouse.

Drop-In 

A drop-in kitchen sink is the simplest type to install. The sink itself has a lip around it, and when you drop it into a pre-cut hole in the countertop, the lip holds it up. 

Drop-in sinks are great if you need an affordable sink that does the job. However, if you’re looking for something a little more aesthetically pleasing, you might prefer an undermount or farmhouse sink.

Undermount

If you want your countertop to flow seamlessly into the edge of your sink, an undermount might be for you. Many people consider these sinks to be more elegant than drop-ins, so they’re ideal for luxury kitchens. Undermount sinks look especially nice with marble or granite countertops.

Farmhouse

Farmhouse sinks were developed before the dawn of running water, so they can hold a good bit of water at one time. These deep, wide sinks are ideal if you often find yourself having to clean larger pans or other dishes that may not fit in a regular sink.

Another feature sets farmhouse sinks apart: the side of the sink extends beyond the countertop. Depending on the sink material you choose, this exposed “apron” can be quite a striking addition to your kitchen decor.

Finishes and Materials 

You put a lot of thought into your choices of backsplashes and countertops. Make sure you put that same effort into choosing your sink finish and material! Below are three of the best materials for kitchen sinks.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is probably the most popular material for modern kitchen sinks. After all, it’s easy to clean, resists scratches, and doesn’t stain easily. It also looks nice!

The fact that stainless steel is commonplace doesn’t mean it can’t be a distinctive part of your kitchen decor. When you coordinate it with stainless steel appliances, you’ll have a kitchen with a wonderfully sleek, modern look.

Brushed Brass 

In most cases, “brushed brass” sinks are not made of actual brass — they’re stainless steel with a brass finish. These kitchen sinks aren’t too common, so they’re a great way to make your kitchen stand out. Their glowing, gold-like finish also makes them a great choice for opulent, high-end kitchens.

Fireclay White

Fireclay is a beautiful, strong material that’s often used to make farmhouse sinks. Fireclay looks like porcelain and ceramic at first glance. But unlike ceramic and porcelain, it’s very hard to crack or chip!

As you might have gathered from the name, fireclay is a mix of clay and glaze that has been fired at extremely high temperatures. As a result of that process, it’s extremely durable. Like steel, fireclay resists staining. However, it is somewhat prone to surface scratches if a pan, dish, or other object hits it hard enough.

Other Important Considerations

The right kitchen sink makes life a lot easier, so it’s worth thinking carefully about before you choose yours. Here are some things to consider before you make a purchase.

Do You Want a Single or Double-Basin Sink?

Neither one of these sinks is necessarily better than the other. It all comes down to your preferences. If you frequently wash large pots and pans, a single-basin kitchen sink may give you the space you need to do so.

However, if you need a place to dry your dishes after washing, a double-basin kitchen sink is probably the better choice. That way, you can place dishes on a drying rack in one basin without worrying about getting water on your counters.

What Faucet Type Will Complete Your Sink Design?

The design of your sink is certainly important. But to give your whole kitchen a cohesive aesthetic, it’s important to choose the right faucet. Make sure you coordinate both the style and finish with the rest of your kitchen.

Aesthetics aren’t the only important thing when it comes to selecting a faucet, however. Depending on the type of cooking you do, you might prefer one or more of these features:

• Side Sprayers: These are the separate spray nozzles you often see next to kitchen sink faucets
• Spring Faucets: These faucets have a bendable spring that lets you pull the nozzle further down
• Two-Function Sprayers: These nozzles can dispense water like a traditional faucet or more like a showerhead

If you’re ready to complete your kitchen remodel with the perfect faucet, check out our selection of kitchen sink faucets!

Find Your New Sink at Seconds & Surplus

Seconds & Surplus has a wide variety of kitchen sinks and accessories that will give your kitchen the unique look you’re dreaming of. Check out our selection today!