Purchasing a brand-new kitchen sink is an important home update that could boost your home’s value on top of giving your kitchen a whole new look and vibe. Plus, it adds to the efficiency of your kitchen space.
Know how to pick the perfect kitchen sink with these tips.
Consider the way you cook and clean
Before heading out to buy a kitchen sink, first, consider the following:
- Kitchen size
- Counter space
- Frequency of cooking
- How much cleaning you can commit to
- Family size
These factors should take priority over design and style as they can have a substantial impact on your budget and the level of maintenance of your kitchen sink.
Not all kitchen sinks are created equal
Kitchen sinks come in a variety of materials and styles. Here are some of the more common materials used for home kitchen sinks, as well as their advantages and disadvantages:
Porcelain
Pro: Classic and low maintenance
Con: May not withstand heavy use
Stainless steel
Pro: Low-cost and will not stain nor rust
Con: Prone to dents and scratches
Stone
Pro: Durable
Con: Needs yearly re-sealing
Fireclay
Pro: Low maintenance
Con: Fewer styles available
Quartz
Pro: Cheaper than fireclay
Con: Has a plastic feel and not too many available styles
Granite
Pro: Durable and affordable
Con: Has a plastic feel
Bamboo
Pro: Eco-friendly
Con: High maintenance and prone to leakage
Concrete
Pro: Durable and gives a raw industrial look
Con: Few styles available
The great kitchen sink debate: drop-in or undermount?
Another factor to think about when selecting a kitchen sink is whether to get a drop-in sink or an undermount sink. A drop-in sink drops right into the kitchen counter with its lip resting on the surface while an undermount sink’s lip is hidden underneath the kitchen counter.
Drop-in sinks are easier to install and more affordable. But they require a little more work to keep clean. If you’re planning on DIY-ing a kitchen island with an installed sink, this could be your best bet.
On the other hand, undermount sinks have hidden rims attached under the kitchen counter to give it a more seamless look. It can slightly increase kitchen counter space and makes cleaning much easier. While considered more high-end than the drop-in sink, you will definitely need the services of a professional to have it installed. Otherwise, you might end up with a constantly leaking kitchen sink.
Everything and the kitchen sink!
Remember not to leave out the kitchen sink when coming up with update ideas for your kitchen! It may not be the first thing you will think of when considering kitchen renovations but it’s an important detail that makes a powerful design statement in your space.
Whether you’re redecorating or updating your home or looking to fix it up for resale, our team at Pagnotta Homes is ready to help you. We’ve been helping home sellers and buyers in the various communities of Somerset County to make informed decisions in their real estate transactions. Contact us at 908.436.7947 or via email at info(at)pagnottahomes(dotted)com to get you started.