When it comes to your home renovation, you may have everything but the kitchen sink! However, knowing how to choose a kitchen sink for your home is more complex than you might realize.
The sink is often the most-used part of the kitchen, and we depend on it for drinking, cleaning, and cooking. That means you want to think carefully about which kitchen sink is right for your home.
If you’re working on a kitchen renovation project or are just in the market for a new sink, keep reading to find everything you need to consider when installing a new sink for your home.
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Wondering How to Choose a Kitchen Sink? First, Know Your Options
Let’s make this clear—there are many more types of kitchen sinks than you might realize! When choosing a kitchen sink, the first step is to familiarize yourself with the main options.
Here are some of the most common types of sinks for homeowners to consider.
Farmhouse
Ready to take your kitchen to the next level? If so, a new farmhouse sink might be just what you need.
These sinks are also known as apron-front sinks. They eliminate the need for a kitchen counter in front of the sink, as they stick out right to the edge.
This makes it easier to access and reach the sink for doing dishes or washing, but it does mean that you may need to modify your existing countertops to install.
The farmhouse sink is one of the most popular styles, due to its classic and traditional look, along with its convenience.
Drop-In
Another top choice is the drop-in sink. These tend to be the most common types of sinks, as they are the easiest to install.
As the name drop-in implies, these sinks drop in from above, so they couldn’t be easier to install in your kitchen. They’re a simple DIY project that most homeowners can take on.
Under Mount
The under mount is installed in the opposite way from the drop-in—it’s installed from underneath. Because of this, the sink is usually flush with your countertops.
Many homeowners like this look, since this style of design is stylish and also easy to clean.
Bar Sink
If you’re renovating your kitchen, you may also want to add a bar sink. This is usually a small sink, separate from the main sink, that you can use for food prep or making drinks.
Think About Materials
In addition to thinking about the style of sink, you also want to give some consideration to the right sink materials.
The most common, and usually the most affordable, is stainless steel. They tend to be lightweight, long-lasting, and easy to clean.
For a more unusual look, some homeowners are considered a copper sink. It can be a gorgeous focal point for your kitchen, and the nature of copper means it won’t rust over time—plus, copper naturally has antimicrobial properties.
Other popular kitchen sink materials include granite, acrylic, porcelain, and cast iron. Before making a decision, it’s a good idea to visit homewares stores to check out the look and feel of each material in real-life.
Consider Your Budget
It’s no secret that a kitchen renovation can be a big investment, so you need to think about how much of your total budget can be allocated for a new sink and faucet.
Including labor costs, a new sink can cost anywhere, on average, from $390 up to $2,000, depending on the style.
While the sink itself may seem affordable, keep in mind that the actual purchase price is only the tip of the iceberg. You’ll also want to budget for a new faucet, installation costs, and any modification that will need to be done to your existing countertops.
If you’re moving the location of your sink, there may be plumbing costs to think about as well.
The Size of Your Sink Matters
What size kitchen sink do you want? This is a big factor, as if you select a sink that’s too deep or wide, it may not fit within your current countertops.
It’s a good idea to measure several times, ensuring you know exactly what size sink you need.
Another consideration is the functionality of your sink. Will you be frequently using it to rinse and wash bakeware or large pots and pans?
If so, make sure the new sink you’ve selected is large enough to accommodate your cookware—otherwise, it may not fit under your new faucet! You may even want to take your largest pot or pan with you while shopping, so you can test that it fits the new sink.
Look for a Kitchen Sink That Matches Your Style
The last thing to think about is aesthetics. We spend a lot of time in our kitchen, cooking, socializing, and entertaining, so you want to be sure you’re happy with the look and style of your sink.
Look for a sink that fits in nicely with the current look of your kitchen, so that it doesn’t appear out of place.
Find Your Ideal Sink Today
Now that you know how to choose a kitchen sink, it’s time to start shopping! Use the considerations above to work out which type of sink is best for your needs and budget, then head out to home renovation stores to find the perfect sink for your needs.
For most sinks, installation should be able to occur within a day, so you’ll be enjoying your beautiful new sink in no time at all! Get started today and create the kitchen you’ve always wanted.
Did you find this article helpful? If so, please keep reading for more home inspiration and ideas.
