Planning for a kitchen remodeling project can be daunting. There’s that pressure of picking out the right materials, reaching out to the right people, and thinking of what’s best for your family. You have to find that perfect balance between comfort and function. So it really takes a lot of smart design decisions. Especially when it comes to the little details of your interior such as the sink, for example.
Steel and concrete are some of the traditional materials that a sink is mostly made of. Our options below goes beyond these materials. Each alternative material included in this list has advantages and disadvantages. Understanding what you want from their basic features will narrowed down your choices.
Choose a Sink Made of Soapstone
Soapstone is a natural rock.They are found in deep pits where they are removed from the earth. A rock of this type has experience various natural transformation. Mostly due to heat and pressure. Using soapstone will give your kitchen sink and countertop a dark look.
PROS:
- Material is resistant to damage providing years of usage
- Soapstone is hard and dense
- Less worry when it comes to scratches, heat, and other types of chemicals
- Quite easy to clean even when you use abrasive cleaners
CONS:
- Be careful not to drop heavy glass objects or cast iron pans on it.
- To keep it from turning dull gray, you need to constantly apply oil on it
Choose a Sink Made of Enameled Cast Iron
Enameled cast iron sinks are made of the same materials used in your pots and pans. It’s molded and cooled from a liquefied iron. Then it’s given an enamel treatment to prevent rusting.
PROS:
- Comes in many colors and styles
- Greatly retains heat
- Easy to clean
- Will hardly show water spots
- Will resist fading
- Gives a homely appeal
CONS:
- Prone to chipping
- You will need to secure a sink protector that you will place under the bottom of the sink to protect it from stains and chipping
- Due to its heavy nature, it’s biggest concern is the installation process
Choose a Sink Made of Fire Clay Ceramic
This next material may sound unique, but it’s basically just molded clay and enamel combined into one. When exposed at a very high temperature, it forms a state-of-the-art ceramic material.
PROS:
- Easy to clean; can use abrasive cleaners
- Can withstand heavy use
- Resistant to scratching, staining, chipping, fading and discoloring
- Rust-resistance
CONS:
- Heavy, therefore a suitable cabinet should be use to hold the entire weight of the cast
- Only available in one color
- Has the fewest options when it comes to sizes and shape
- Limited options for faucet installation
Choose a Sink Made of Granite
Granite sinks are fine and smooth and have sealed surfaces. It is made from approximately 80 percent granite and 20 percent acrylic.
PROS:
- Granite is available in a variety of colors
- This makes it easy to blend with any kitchen style
- Highly durable and will last for ages
- Reflects light due to its shiny and smooth finish
- Greatly adds to your home’s value
CONS:
- Needs a reinforced support due to its heavy weight
- The jointed variety will crack or break if you directly drop something heavy to it
- Needs daily maintenance
- Only available in rectangular shape
Choose a Sink Made of Quartz
Quartz are man-made stones. Engineered from a combination of crushed quartz and polymers. This forms a very hard granite-like outside part.
PROS:
- Stain resistant which makes it less maintenance
- Can resist cuts and dents
- Available in various colors
- Some quartz design due to its pattern will hide scratches
- Will provide a smoothly continuous look when sink and countertop have the same material
CONS:
- Possibility of discoloration over time especially when exposed to the rays of the sun
- Needs a reinforced support due to its heavy weight
Sinks have come a long way over the years. They’re no longer just a simple wash basin. There are really no such thing as a bad material. Remember that soapstone, granite and quartz sinks are the most durable. But when mishandled, they will crack. We advise you to make a thorough inspection during delivery. There has been a lot of cases where in the sinks were damaged during transit.
Michael Nash Design Build & Homes is a world class, multi-awarded remodeling company which specializes in Complete Kitchen Remodeling, Complete Bathroom Remodeling, Complete Basement Remodeling, and Complete Home Additions & Extensions. Our expertise also extends to Addition Remodeling as well as Major Renovations, New Custom Homes, Outdoor Living Services, etc. For inquiries and in-home consultations, call us on our mobile number (703) 457-8684. You can also take advantage of our services through these areas: Northern VA | Aldie | Alexandria | Annandale | Arlington County | Arlington|Ashburn | Burke | Centreville | Chantilly | Clifton | Dunn Loring | Fairfax County | Fairfax Station | Fairfax | Falls Church|Gainesville | Great Falls | Haymarket | Herndon | Leesburg | Lorton | Loudoun County | Manassas | McLean | Merrifield| Oakton | Potomac Falls | Prince William County | Purcellville | Reston | Springfield | Sterling | Vienna | Woodbridge, VA
