Our huge kitchen sink, bar sink, and laundry sink selections are designed to withstand the heavy everyday use of these areas of the home and make your tasks easier, all the while looking decorative and beautiful. Our sink selection is practically endless so that you have endless possibilities for the size, layout, and décor of your kitchen. Whether you are making a traditional kitchen, transitional kitchen or modern/contemporary kitchen, you can choose a sink that will make your decorator rejoice. The following is an explanation of the major kitchen and utility sinks subcategories so that you can make your wisest decision:
Usage:
Kitchen sinks is the largest category, featuring sinks that are ideal for the primary sink or two in your kitchen. Stainless steel kitchen sinks are relatively wide and are designed to withstand heavy use with heat, grease, banging dishes, scrubbing and all. Though there are a wide variety of decor-conscious kitchen sinks available, they tend to have a simpler, utilitarian look.
Bar sinks are perfect for secondary use in the kitchen, such as washing hands, handling drinks, washing fruit and the like. A bar sink is also perfect to be used in a bar area, or other small food or drink area. Bar/prep sinks are smaller than kitchen sinks. They are more likely to be featured in materials and designs that prioritize uniqueness over utility.
Laundry sinks are designed to be used in a laundry room/closet or other area where utility takes great precedence over design. A Laundry sink is attractive and comes in various materials and colors, but they are overwhelmingly simply designed and stand out most due to their great depth.
Installation:
Apron sinks are designed to have the front of the sink be fully exposed and stick out, oftentimes with decorative curving and/or embedded designs. An apron sink offers a bold look. An apron front sink is more likely to be made of heavy material, such as a fireclay sink, a copper sink, and a stone sink.
Drop-In sinks offer the simplest, timeless installation. You install drop-in sinks into a precut hole in the counter that fits the dimensions of the sink. A narrow portion of the sink rim rests atop the counter surface. You can install the faucet on the rim of the sink, as they have traditionally been installed.
Undermount sinks are placed fully under the countertop, with their rims covered; only the inside of the bowl is exposed. An undermount kitchen sink is a very popular decorative trend, which makes for a sleek look. The counter surface remains straight; no sink rim protrudes and gets dirt and grime stuck. However, installing undermount sinks is a more complex job and they work optimally only with stronger, more expensive countertop materials, such as granite. You will also need to install your faucet onto the countertop or wall.
Material:
Stainless sinks are the most commonly used kitchen sinks. Stainless steel kitchen sinks are practical, glistening, affordable and fit into any décor. The quality of the stainless steel kitchen sink material is measured in “gauge.” The lower the gauge, the higher the quality; an 18 gauge stainless steel apron sink is high quality and the most common, and a 16 gauge stainless steel laundry sink is the highest quality available. Many stainless steel sinks come with a variety of useful features, such as noise reducing insulation and workstations/colanders.
Copper sinks are for the gutsiest amongst us. A copper sink has a deep, natural rustic look and, often, bulky build. Copper kitchen sinks make an instant impression and are typically most suited for more traditional, dark colored kitchens.
Fireclay sinks are another popular option, which most often comes in the apron/farmhouse sink style. Fireclay is a strong clay material that is finished at extremely high temperatures. Fireclay sinks are bold and solid looking, and highly resistant to scratches and chips. Although fireclay sinks evoke a more traditional country look, they can look beautiful in transitional and contemporary/modern kitchens too. Most farmhouse fireclay sinks come in white or biscuit (off white), but check out your options in a variety of colors if you’re the more daring type.
Stone sinks, most often granite kitchens sinks,are very unique looking. Stone vessel sinks come in a variety of color options, ranging from white to dark - adding a creative twist to the kitchen décor. Granite kitchen sinks also have a great feeling soft stone texture, and are designed to handle heavy everyday kitchen use. The cherry on the top, if you will, is that these unique kitchen sinks are very affordable.
Width:
The average kitchen sinks run in the mid 20” to 30” width range, which is ideally suited for most kitchen sizes. Narrower sinks are suited for small kitchens and/or bar/prep sinks. Wider sinks are best for large kitchens and/or double bowl sinks.