Kitchen Sinks

A farmhouse style sink, also known as an apron sink, extends over the edge of your counter. This type of sink is most commonly used in a traditional or rustic farmhouse style kitchen and can be designed with a single bowl or double bowl. These sinks are gaining popularity with the resurgence of rustic and farmhouse interior design. They typically come as fireclay or cast iron and are incredibly durable and easy to clean because of their nonporous material.

An undermount sink is installed directly under the counter, creating a seamless look from countertop to sink. This type of sink is versatile and works with most kitchen layouts. Not only do these sinks look sleek, but they also make for easy clean up because debris can be pushed straight into the sink without catching on a lip or rim.

Granite composite sinks are constructed by gluing crushed granite together with a resin filler. This type of sink is incredibly durable and stain resistant while also providing a cutting-edge and modern aesthetic to any kitchen. Granite composite has an inherent sound absorbing effect due to its density. If you’re considering a granite composite sink, they are heavier than stainless steel sinks, so you may want to consider adding structural support to accommodate for the extra weight.

Corner sinks are double-basin sinks installed on a corner of your counter. The two basins are set apart from each other, in a catty-corner manner. This is a relatively unique design that can be useful if you are looking to maximize your counter space. Corner sinks can be expensive and difficult to install. Since most counters are seamed at the corner, custom cuts in the counter will add to the total cost of installing this type of sink.

Bar sinks are installed in a home wet bar and are generally smaller and more shallow than your average kitchen sink, making them a secondary option. They are typically a single bowl design used for prep work, drink-making and convenient cleanup. If you have a large family or group of friends, a bar sink is great for entertaining in your home bar, patio or terrace.

Stainless steel sinks are light and easy to install, making them a functional and popular option. Stainless steel sinks are categorized by sheeting thickness, or gauge. A thicker gauge means the sink will typically be heavier and cheaper, while a thinner gauge will mean the sink is lighter and often more expensive. Stainless steel sinks tend to be noisier than other sink materials and they can dent, but they offer great heat and stain resistance.

Cast iron sinks are sprayed with a porcelain coating that gives them a glossy white finish, which appeals to many homeowners looking for a sink to complement their vintage, farmhouse or country style kitchen. Cast iron sinks tend to be heavier and more durable than other sinks, but the porcelain can chip easily. These sinks are not meant to be cleaned with abrasive cleaners as they will wear down the enamel coating. You’ll also need to use caution when washing dishes since the hardness of this sink can easily chip your dishware.

Kitchen islands are becoming increasingly popular and with that, so are kitchen island sinks. These sinks can be used as a primary or prep sink, depending on your needs. Kitchen island sinks are a great way to compliment your workflow and save you space on your main counter. They can also turn your kitchen island into a complete workspace. They look beautiful on a wood, granite or stainless steel island, so your options are endless in terms of design. If you are thinking about adding a sink to your kitchen island, be sure to consider the extra costs of installing plumbing to your kitchen island.

For aesthetic reasons, mitred edge joins are generally better as the join line is less noticeable, being positioned right through the corner edge of the stone.

Layered joins offer greater corner strength but they are more noticeable than mitred edge joins, positioned in the middle of the flat surface.

NOTE: Layered joins work best on colours with a consistent, fine grain. i.e. The larger the detail, the more noticeable a layered join will be.

Fireclay sinks are made from clay and glaze fusing together at very high temperatures, upwards of 1600 degrees Fahrenheit. Fireclay sinks are almost identical to cast iron sinks but tend to be slightly more durable. They won’t chip, etch or stain and you can use abrasive cleaners unlike on a cast iron sink. Fireclay sinks are usually more expensive than cast iron due to the more extensive fabrication process.

Single bowl kitchen sinks are great for small kitchens with limited counter space. Single bowl sinks make cleaning large cookware much easier because you can lay them flat at the bottom and not have to worry about debris splashing onto your counter. Single bowl sinks aren’t great for multitasking like cleaning and cooking at the same time, so they’re recommended for smaller households or single individuals.

A top mount kitchen sink, also known as a drop-in sink, drops in to the counter which creates a lip or rim around the sink. This is a versatile option because it’s easy to install and provides extra support meaning that you can use almost any material, no matter how heavy. One factor to consider is that grime and debris can get caught on the lip and can make the cleanup more difficult.