Most people believe that every sink is stainless – but that’s not the case! Sinks come in a large variety of finishes and materials, and it’s not as simple as picking a single or double bowl, and being done! There are a myriad of options to choose from regarding installation type, application, reveal, finish, material, color, number of bowls, accessories, and more! The questions that you want to have answers to when purchasing a new sink are simple: What size is your base cabinet, how do you want it installed, and what material/finish do you want? Sometimes, your base cabinet size can narrow your choices as to whether you can get a single or double bowl, as well.
The most popular sink material is still (and probably always will be) stainless. It’s a very durable material, and if you get the right quality it will never rust or corrode. Stainless sinks can range in price anywhere from free to $3000, depending on brand, size, and gauge. If your sink is free, there’s a good chance you’re getting what you (don’t) pay for! These sinks are generally “quick-stamped” and are called 18 gauge, when really it’s more like 50 gauge once you get around the drain where corrosion is most likely to occur. If you’re offered a sink for free, ask why! The lower the gauge, the thicker the steel! With undermounted sinks being close to 95% of the new build and remodel marketplace, it’s imperative you get a sink that won’t rust – because if it does, a different sink is never going to mount to that same cutout, and you’re stuck getting new countertops! Deciding to save a few hundred dollars and taking the free sink will end up costing you THOUSANDS when you replace your granite or quartz counters far earlier than you anticipated!
Another popular material is composite sinks (also called fragranite, e-granite, quartz, among other things). These sinks are made of multiple materials, ranging from polyurethane to actual quartz! They are durable and tough, and VERY hard to scratch! They’ve become more popular because of the wide range of color choices, and being able to add a new element to the color scheme of a kitchen. These sinks range anywhere from $300-$1200, again depending on brand and size. Designers rant and rave about this material not just because of the design element they offer, but also because they’ll never hear about them again. When working with consumers in a retail atmosphere, the best product is the one that you can sell and never have to deal with after the sale! Customers rant and rave about how easy it is to keep the composite sinks clean, and how hard it is to stain them. Brands like Elkay and Blanco offer extensive lines of composite sinks for just about every kind of application. Stop into our new Don’s WaterSource location in East Liberty and see for yourself!
Fireclay is a material that most consumers don’t know about – it looks eerily similar to cast iron sinks, but the build quality of them far exceeds that of cast. This material is hand-baked in a kiln, and is as close to indestructible as you can get. Fireclay is more expensive than its cast iron counterparts, ranging from $700-$3000, depending on brand and finish. It comes in much more limited finishes than the composite sinks. The most popular fireclay sinks are usually apron-front (or farmhouse), as it gives that rustic feel to the kitchen space with the white or biscuit shine across the front, while still offering the durability of such a strong material. Fireclay sinks like the Shaw’s Lancaster Fireclay apron sink by Rohl (Model RC3018WH – Retail $1,791.00) offer a finishing coat to help wick away standing liquids to avoid staining. This is another gripe with cast iron sinks – that after a few minutes of something sitting on the material, it stains!
A newer material to the marketplace is concrete, with Native Trails paving the way with the Farmhouse NativeStone sink. (Model NSK3018-X – Retail $1,788) This material is very durable, as the outer cement form is held together with a material called jute – a scaled down version of metal rebar. This sink has been extremely popular after Don’s unveiled it at the Pittsburgh Home and Garden show in 2015, and it has no intentions of slowing down! Available in three finishes, the NativeStone can fit into any kind of kitchen. The ash finish brings a true concrete look to the piece, while the slate and pearl finishes bring a pop of black or white while still maintaining the rustic stone feel. The NativeStone is also very versatile, as it can be installed apron front (Farmhouse) or completely hidden (undermounted). There are many bowl variations available in this new and exciting material. NativeTrails is the go-to brand for that wow factor sink customers are asking for more and more often.
One last material that is still popular but is losing steam as technology keeps advancing is the traditional cast iron sink. The gripe with this material is that chipping and staining happen far too easily. Don’t count cast out though - Kohler makes a wonderful sink in the WhiteHaven (Model K-6487-0, Retail $1,199) with endless variations and a lot of color choices! The WhiteHaven is a plumber and contractor favorite, as it is self-trimming and it makes the apron front installation far simpler and more precise in the field. There have been a lot of availability issues surrounding this sink with the unfortunate fire Kohler had in their cast iron factory, but they’ve worked tirelessly and there is absolutely an end in sight! Cast iron is a timeless material, ranging in price from $200-1200, depending on brand and finish.
When it comes to your kitchen sink, consider your future – come to Don’s WaterSource and select a high quality sink that will last longer than your kitchen will! Don’t live with the pain of replacing your countertops too early, or the agony of seeing rust or stains on your new sink!