THE 7 MOST COMMON MATERIALS FOR KITCHEN SINKS
Contributing writer: Krik Lester
Modern kitchen sinks come in a range of materials. You are not limited to enamel or stainless steel. Additionally, even the color choices are beyond glossy white finishes. When looking for a kitchen sink, expect to find them in various sizes, colors, and styles. Keep in mind that a kitchen sink is more than a functional feature. The perfect kitchen sink is beautiful in design and efficient in functionality.
How to select material for your kitchen sink
The first step to selecting material for your ideal kitchen sink is its intended purpose. This considers your habits and family practices. Kitchen sinks are primarily used for washing dishes and cooking. A sink expected to undergo regular use requires material like granite composite or stainless steel. Avoid porcelain enamel sink when planning to handle heavy cookware in the sink. Fragile materials like porcelain are prevalent to chips and scratches when exposed to force or heavy items.
Common types of materials for kitchen sinks
Stone
This luxurious material comes in options including 100% marble, 100% granite, cultured marble, and composite granite with 85% quartz granite and 15% resin. Stone sinks are relatively heavy and safe installation requires a special cabinet. Marble and solid granite sinks are available in a farmhouse or apron-front design.
When choosing a granite sink you should have a variety of faces to choose from including apron front, square front and slotted apron front. Invest in a granite sink with a smooth front surface with matching interior for an elegant look. Solid granite and marble kitchen sinks are more costly than regular sinks due to their exceptional durability. However, granite composite sinks have similar features and are more cost-effective.
VIGO Matte Stone™ Solid Composite
A great modern alternative to stone, VIGO Matte Stone™ kitchen sinks are seamless and non-porous with a solid composite construction that is made from a combination of minerals which can be attributed to all the stone features. A small portion of its unique composition is polymer which makes it more durable and flexible. Versatile, durable, and easily repairable, Matte Stone™ material is scratch, stain, and chip-resistant, keeping it smooth to the touch for years to come.
VIGO Matte Stone™ Solid Composite
Expertly designed to look and feel like polished stone, this material is better with shaping, so there are plenty of different designs available. Matte Stone™ works well in any modern, traditional, transitional, or contemporary kitchen. The combination of solid materials makes the sink less prone to chips, and it is easy to sand or polish out any scratches. This sink is resilient, easy to clean, and withstands high temperatures.
Stainless Steel
The durability, cost-effectiveness, and exceptional longevity of stainless steel sinks make them the most popular with homeowners. These sinks are rated according to gauge ranging from 16 to 22. The thickness and quality increase with a lower gauge number. However, a stainless steel sink with 18 gauge or lower has a better quality to cover the extra cost.
VIGO Stainless Steel Kitchen Sinks are undercoated and padded with SoundAbsorb™ technology to minimize the echoes of water flow, the 16-gauge, 304 series with satin finish is ideal for your modern kitchen. Durable and long-lasting, these spacious sinks are perfect for accommodating large pots and pans, and dual bowls for added functionality. VIGO Sinks come as complete sets with two protective sink grids and two drain strainers. The VIGO Oxford Workstation sinks come with a sleek black plastic cutting board, silicone roll-up drying rack, round drain cover, kitchen sink strainer, and stainless-steel bottom grid.
Maintaining the shiny look of stainless steel sinks requires regular cleaning. Prevent spots on this sink by limiting the use of hard water. Additionally, avoid using abrasive materials and cleansers to limit scratches on your sink. Regular wiping is necessary to avoid the chances of developing stains. Stainless steel sinks are a popular choice for homeowners for their versatile look that seamlessly blends with any existing kitchen decor.
Porcelain enamel
This comes with a glossy finish and a wide range of colors. Porcelain enamel sinks need special care and maintenance. This is necessary to protect the sink from stains, etches, and scratches. Avoid using abrasive cleansers to prevent scratching the sink surface. Additionally, using strong acids on the sink might cause etching. Porcelain enamel is prone to chipping, making it hard to use the sink when cleaning heavier cookware. Throwing dishes and utensils in this sink makes it more prone to damage.
Porcelain enamel and Fireclay materials
Fireclay
This material looks like porcelain enamel but fireclay is a combination of clay and minerals fired at extreme temperatures. Fireclay sinks are prone to chipping when exposed to force and excess weight. Avoid using the garbage disposal with a fireclay sink. Vibrations from the disposal might make this sink crack and break.
Acrylic
Acrylic material is made from a combination of plastic, fiberglass, and resin, making it attractive and cost-effective. Acrylic comes in various designs and colors. Acrylic sinks are lightweight, making them ideal for any countertop material. Additionally, acrylic sinks are a great choice for retrofits. The composition of solid material allows for sanding and polishing to remove scratches. The sink is also resistant to stains. Unfortunately, acrylic doesn’t tolerate heat but some manufacturers have addressed this problem.
Copper
A copper sink is an expensive but beautiful addition to your kitchen. Copper never rusts and has exceptional antimicrobial properties with an EPA guarantee. Bacteria can’t survive in a copper sink for more than a few hours. However, copper is highly reactive and turns blue or green over time. You can keep the sink polished to maintain its look, but this compromises its anti-microbial properties.
Wrapping up
A kitchen is the most used room in a home. This means fitting it with appropriate accessories and appliances is vital including a sink. Choose a sink that is made from the appropriate material to withstand expected functionality and to match your room décor.