Kitchen remodeling is a great way to breathe new life into your home. It’s also a good investment. According to a report by Remodeling Magazine, you can recoup 71 percent of the kitchen remodel costs when you sell your house.

While painting the cabinets in a sparkling color will make for a striking statement, most of the action happens at the sink. To help you in your quest for the best sink, this article will look at two aspects of sink types: installation and style.

Installation

The installation of a sink is mainly determined by how you want it to look. Do you want the sink to stand out or to blend in with the rest of the kitchen? Some installation types lend themselves better to certain types of material.

1. Top-Mount

Also known as drop-in or overmount, top-mount sinks are the most common type. They are easy to install and work with almost any material. You simply drop the sink into a pre-cut hole in the counter, and the rim will hold it in place. Heavier sinks are screwed on or attached with clips for extra stability.

Top mounts are generally cheaper than other sinks. Hiring a plumber won’t cost as much due to the easy installation. Some homeowners may not like the rim sticking out because dirt can get stuck in it, making cleaning harder.

2. Undermount

These sinks are installed under the countertop and secured with special brackets. They provide a sleek and seamless look and are easy to clean. You can wipe water and debris from the counter directly into the sink.

You should hire a plumber to install undermount sinks, as the process can be complicated. Additionally, some counter materials cannot support these sinks.

3. Flush-Mount

These sinks are a combination of top and undermounts. Flush-mount sinks have a rim but sit flush with the counter. The installation requires excellent precision, and homeowners shouldn’t DIY this.

4. Farmhouse

A farmhouse sink fits nicely into a vintage or country-style kitchen. These large, heavy sinks are set on top of a cabinet or solid surface with their front exposed. They are great for washing pots, pans, and baking sheets.

The heavyweight and superior material make apron-front sinks the more expensive choice. A plumber may have to make some adjustments during installation, which can add to the cost.

5. Integrated

You could opt for integrated sinks if you do not want your sink to stand out. They are made from the same material as the countertop, often in one piece. The seamless design makes cleaning easy, with no rim or seam to collect dirt.

Integrated sinks are often custom-designed by the countertop manufacturer. In case of damage, the sink cannot be replaced and needs to be repaired.

Style

With so many options available, you may need help deciding on a particular sink style. Each style has pros and cons, and what may suit one person may not work for another.

6. Single Basin

As the name implies, this sink consists of a single basin. They do great in smaller kitchens with limited space but are large enough to accommodate pans and pots. They are also less costly than other styles.

If you multitask in your kitchen, single basins may restrict your work. Hand-washing dishes can be complicated, with no extra basin to rinse or dry.

7. Double Basin

Most homeowners prefer double-basin sinks because of the flexibility they offer. You can soak dishes in one basin while using the other for meal prep or washup. If you need garbage disposal, a plumber can install it in the smaller basin.

Double-basin sinks are losing their popularity to dishwashers. Even though they are larger than single basins, the individual basins are smaller and can’t hold large cookware.

8. Bar/Prep Sink

Often found in kitchen islands and home bars, prep sinks are small sinks used for cleanup, food prep, or drink making. A bar sink can also make hosting large gatherings easier.

These sinks are smaller and shallower than standard ones and may use valuable counter space. The additional plumbing and installation may unnecessarily strain your budget.

9. Drainboard

In this design, a single or double-basin sink comes with a drainboard on the side. The drainboard provides a place to drain dishes without messing up the countertop. These sinks are great in small kitchens because they eliminate the need for a drying rack.

Drainboard sinks tend to have shallow basins and can be pricey. They use a lot of space and may not be necessary for a kitchen with a dishwasher.

10. Corner

Corner sinks are a great way to make use of wasted counter space. These sinks consist of two basins set at an angle and may contain a drainboard in the middle.

The installation includes cutting the countertop, which could compromise its strength. You will need to hire a plumber to install corner sinks.

Need Help with Your Remodel?

Whether you have issues with your plumbing or want to create your dream kitchen, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Prescott is the expert you need.

Our plumbers are licensed and insured and have years of combined experience dealing with various residential plumbing problems. When you hire us, you can rest assured that your home is in good hands. Give us a call today to immediately get in touch with one of our plumbers.

Some Other Things You Should Consider

You’ll also need to choose from different materials besides installation and style. Common materials include stainless steel, granite composite, enamel, and fireclay.

A sink, of course, is not complete without a matching faucet. Your plumber can help you find a fixture that not only looks good but can help you save 25% to 60% of your water consumption.

To ensure your sink will serve you for a long time, hire an experienced plumber to help you find the best fit and mount it for you. Sinks must withstand a lot of pressure and weight and should only be installed by a professional.

For reliable plumbing services, contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Prescott today.

See our most recent blog on this topic here.

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