Kitchen sink design has surged forward in recent years and now includes differences in basic material, shape, and function. Experts at Lowe's give this rundown on features to consider.
Material
Stainless steel sinks are easy to clean, and install. They maintain their appearance over time. Check the gauge of the material. A lower gauge means thicker material that is less likely to dent if something heavy is dropped on it. It will be quieter, especially if it has an undercoating that muffles sound.
Acrylic sinks resist stains but aren't as resistant to heat as other materials.
Composites are popular and come in a variety of colors. They can mimic granite or stone and are heat-resistant.
Mountings
A top-mounted sink has a lip that rests on the surface of the countertop. It is easier and faster to install than an under-mounted sink.
Under-mounted sinks are used with stone or composite countertops. They can't be used with laminate.
Bowl selection, drain location
Sink bowls can be the same size or different sizes. They can be the same depth or different depths. Sinks come with one, two, or three bowls.
A sink drain located farther back than the center position frees up space underneath by pushing pipes closer to the back of the cabinet.
You must decide how many holes you need in the flat part of the sink behind the bowls. You need one to three holes, depending on the faucet. More holes are needed to accommodate sprays and soap dispensers. It's almost impossible to drill additional holes into a sink.
Gabe Sanders and Susan Maxwell
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