Comparison of Kitchen Sink Materials
The kitchen sink may be the hardest-working part of the busiest room in your home. Not only does it play host to the washing of an endless parade of dishes, pots and pans, but also to much of the hands-on washing and prepping of foods. Installing a sink that can stand up to the frequent use required and meet the aesthetic standards of the homeowner takes a little research. Fortunately, the variety of materials available today gives the homeowner or designer lots of options. Does this Spark an idea?
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Stainless Steel
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Stainless steel is a favorite choice in kitchen sinks for a number of reasons. Stainless steel sinks are generally an affordable option and coordinate well with the stainless steel appliances found in many homes today. Pay attention to the gauge or thickness of the steel of sinks on the market. Lower-gauge steel is thicker and higher quality, resisting dents and damage. You may also want to look for stainless sinks with some type of insulation underneath to dampen sound as uninsulated stainless can be noisy -- particularly with an attached garbage disposal.
Enameled Cast Iron
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Offering traditional good looks and easy cleanup, enameled cast iron sinks are a favorite choice. The finish on these sinks is very durable and available in a wide variety of colors. If you're installing the sink yourself, it should be noted that enameled cast iron is very heavy, requiring that your countertops be strong and stable. This type of sink can be found in self-rimming (top-mount) or undermount models. Prices for enameled cast iron vary considerably based upon quality and color choice.
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Engineered Materials
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New composite materials have become available in recent years, allowing consumers to purchase sinks integrated into their kitchen countertops. These materials are often sold under brand names like Corian. Sinks made of solid surface materials do sometimes scratch, but the scratches can be buffed out. They also need protection from hot pots and pans. Solid surface sinks are made in a wide variety of colors. Other engineered materials include composite stone, which is made from natural stone combined with acrylic. These sinks are attractive and very scratch resistant, but color choices are typically limited to neutral shades like almond, gray and white.
Copper and Brass
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Metal sinks are a pretty, if expensive, option for those who like the vintage appeal they offer. Copper is one of the more common metal sinks due to its warm tone and low maintenance. Over time, a copper sink will acquire a deep patina, much like an old penny. When purchasing a copper sink, look for one with welded, rather than soldered, joints and seams. Soldered joints will turn black and diminish the appearance of the sink as it ages.
Fireclay
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Many farmhouse-style or apron sinks are made of fireclay, which has a glossy, smooth surface. Fireclay is similar to vitreous china but contains more quartz and feldspar for added durability. These sinks are tough and almost impervious to stains but tend to carry a higher price tag. However, they are long lasting, with many retaining their looks for 25 to 30 years or more.
Acrylic
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Acrylic sinks give you the glossy look of enameled cast iron but at a lower price point. The drawback is that acrylic is much less durable and scratches easily.
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References
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