Remodeling can sometimes be a stressful event. This is especially true if you’re not well prepared. All the choices to be made can leave you feeling overwhelmed. That’s why it’s a good idea to educate yourself about your various options before actually getting into a project. For the purpose of this post, we’re going to cover kitchen sinks. Specifically, choosing a material for your kitchen sink. When you’re looking at your options, it’s not only about the look of the sink. It’s also about the cost and durability of the material. You don’t want to have a sink that looks good in the beginning but then gets scuffed up easily. Or one that fades in color when you had no idea it would do so. This overview of these kitchen sink materials will help give you an idea of the cost, look, and durability of the sink you’re looking at.
Stainless Steel
$200+ Depending on size, style, and gauge.
First of all, let’s take a look at stainless steel sinks. These are probably the cheapest option in this group, as well as the most popular. They are perfect for those who are on a tight budget. Stainless steel is a durable material that doesn’t doesn’t easily stain, scratch, or chip. The durability partially depends on the gauge of steel that you get, though. The higher the gauge number, the more durable your sink will be.
One of the cons of this type of sink is the noise. Stainless steel can be loud when using it because of the material. To reduce this, you can use a higher gauge steel, noise absorbing spray, or find a sink with a sound absorbing pad underneath it. The sound absorbing pad is considered the most effective method.
Cast Iron
$300+
Cast iron sinks are very heavy. Be sure that your cabinets are strong enough to hold the weight of your sink before buying one. The last thing that you want is to get a sink that is not able to be supported by your cabinets. This material is durable, but also prone to chips. Some recommend putting a sink protector on the bottom of the sink to help avoid chipping and staining. Also, when choosing a color, white is recommended. Although it comes in colors different from white, those colors are more prone to fading. In addition to all this, cast Iron also retains heat very well. It’s something to consider when picking out your sink.
Quartz
$300+
If you already have or plan on getting a Quartz countertop, you might want to consider getting a quartz sink as well. Like copper sinks, it is recommend to rinse these sinks clean after every use to get rid of built up dirt and to then wipe them down afterward to avoid water spots. Even though they need to be cleaned often, they are very durable and have a beautiful look to them.
Fireclay
$400+
Although they can be pricey, Fireclay sinks are definitely worth considering. They are very durable; resistant to scratching, chipping, and staining. They are also easy to clean; all that’s needed is some dish soap on a paper towel in most cases. However, these sinks, like all others, are not without their cons. They are costly, come in limited sizes and colors, and can be unforgiving to dishes.
Copper
$400+
There’s no doubt that copper sinks are unique. You won’t find one of these in any old home. Their beauty is just one of the things they have going for them. They also have antibacterial properties that most sinks don’t have. In a tradition sink, bacteria can survive for weeks, but in a copper one, they tend to die off after only a few hours. This makes them great for people who like to soak foods in the sink. There’s less of a chance of harmful bacteria getting on their food. Plus, copper sinks do not rust.
It’s not all positives for these sinks, though. There are some drawbacks. Copper tends to stain pretty easily and can darken over time. This is especially true if a lot of acidic liquids or harsh chemicals are put in the sink. These sinks are also time consuming to properly clean. It is recommended to dry out your sink with a towel after every use to avoid water spots. In addition, copper can warp or dent if a low gauge of the metal is used. We would not recommend these sinks to everyone, but there are some that find copper to be the perfect material for them.
We hope you’ve enjoyed part 1 of our series on kitchen sink materials. With so many to choose from, it can be overwhelming. Hopefully this post gave you some ideas for your kitchen. Check back soon for Part 2!