Maybe you haven’t thought much about it because it works so well. Or, maybe it’s something that bothers you every day. The renovation process includes hundreds of small decisions that have to be made so that the whole project comes together into your dream home. Most people don’t realize how important their sink selection is but a sink is a vital, working element of your home. Beyond the kitchen sink, sinks in bathrooms, laundry rooms, mudrooms, entertainment spaces and even garages make life easier, cleaner and more efficient. Consider function, design, maintenance and cost when selecting a sink for each area of your home. Below is some information and sample photographs to help you make smart choices:

Composite Sinks

• Composite sinks are made from granite or quartz that is blended with resins. They are highly durable and the granite-based composite makes the most durable sink. There are both top or under mount varieties. They are so durable that they can withstand heavy use.
• These sinks look stylish and upscale and they stay looking great for decades. Composite sinks come in a variety of colors and configurations to meet your design and function needs for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry or other household or commercial places. You will be able to order a sink to accommodate water filters and any type of faucets or sprayers you choose.
• Composite sinks clean well with a general household product and warm water. However, if the finish becomes dull, or some event makes it extremely dirty, you can revitalize it with an inexpensive, specialized cleaning product purchased at your local home improvement store. This is a cream cleaner that is rubbed on the surface, rinsed off and then buffed dry to a shine using a paper towel. This is only needed about once per month in a heavily used kitchen sink.
  

  Under-mount composite sink, black and divided into two tubs with tall faucet.

  

  Under-mount, composite sink divided into to tubs with faucet and sprayer.

  

  Black composite sink, under-mount with large, single tub. Shown with faucet and sprayer.

Stainless Steel Sinks

• This is a popular type of sink that works well for low to moderate use. Heavy, cast iron pans have the potential of denting this product but it stands up well to normal, household use. These sinks come in such a variety that you should be able to find quality products that function well in whatever price range you have budgeted. Keep in mind that as you look at more specialized features the price will increase.
• Many people love the look of these sinks, especially with the way they complement stainless appliances. Stainless steel sinks come in every imaginable shape, size and configuration so if you are looking for a specialized function then you’re likely to find what you need in stainless steel. This product can be purchased with options from commercial-sized down to tiny wet-bar; apron-front, triple-bowl, and even with a seamless drain board connected. They work for under-mount or top-mount designs and give you many options for creating just the right look. Another bonus is that these sinks look great with many styles of faucet’s and because there is such a variety you can easily find configurations to house all the gadget’s, sprayer’s and soap dispenser’s your heart desires.
• Stainless steel sinks are relatively easy to care for. Keep them wiped and dry when not in use. Do not use steel wool pads as these can scratch the sink and cause rust. Instead, use a gentle cleanser designed for stainless steel and clean with a sponge or cloth. After cleaning, rinse well and then dry with a paper towel (because leaving it to dry can cause water spots). If your sink becomes dull looking and needs some extra cleaning and shine, use baking soda to scrub it and then rinse and towel dry.
  

  Unequally divided sink with drain board in stainless steel.

  

  Triple bowl stainless steel sink.

  

  Divided tub, stainless steel sink

  

  Smaller, shallow tub with large tub stainless steel sink.

Solid Surface Sinks

• This type of sink is created with molded acrylic and polyester. High heat can damage the surface and replacing the entire, solid piece can be expensive but your manufacturer can repair most types of damage that could occur with normal use.
• The seamless look of having the counter-top and sink as one, solid piece is appealing to the eye and makes cleaning easy. Solid surface sinks come in an unimaginable variety of colors and can mimic the look of stone and other natural materials so it is a material that is easy to incorporate into whatever style you choose for your kitchen design.
• There aren’t any lips, seams or caulking so these sinks can easily be wiped down without food or dirt getting caught where the counter-top and sink meet. They are durable, nonporous and can easily be cleaned with a scrub pad and household cleaner. Because liquid cannot penetrate the surface, bacteria doesn’t grow as easily as with other sinks or counter-tops.
  

  Duel tub, solid surface sink with modern faucet.

  

  Curved basin, solid surface sink.

  

  Large tub with shallow small tub and draining board in solid surface.

Cast Iron Sinks

• Cast iron sinks have been the normal, go-to sinks for many decades. They are made of cast iron with a porcelain enamel. They are very durable for normal use, taking heat and not denting or staining, but they can chip and then rust if hit hard with a heavy object.
• People love the glossy look of these sinks. Cast iron sinks come in every color so they look beautiful with whatever decor you choose. They are usually top mounted because of how heavy the sinks are but they can be under-mounted if proper supports are utilized.
• These sinks clean well with a mild detergent and even scratches can be removed this way. In fact, they are one of the easiest sink types to maintain as long as you avoid using steel wool or anything that could be a catalyst for rust.
  

  Retro, cast iron sink with faucet and sideboards.

  

  Under-mount, cast iron sink with duel faucets.

  

  Long, cast iron sink with three faucets.

Stone Sinks

• Stone sinks are extraordinarily beautiful because they are made from natural materials like granite, marble, limestone and onyx. If taken care of properly, they will last a lifetime but they are more expensive than other types of sinks.
• Their classic appeal is timeless. They are heavily polished so they shine. They are seamless and can be shaped to fit whatever design you choose.
• The polished surface is easy to wipe and keep clean. However, because they are porous, these sinks require daily upkeep and a sealant is required. Check the sealant every few months to make sure your stone is protected from moisture. If water is allowed to compromise the stone then it becomes susceptible to cracking.
  

  Contemporary, stone sink with multi-level basin.

  

  Circular, stone sinks with wall-mounted faucets.

  

  Deep tub, stone sink with apron top mounted.

  

  Angled stone sink in light color.

  

  Stone basin sink, top-mounted in bathroom.

Deep tub, stainless steel sink.

These are just a few of the options you have in selecting the perfect sink for your project. A professional designer can help you strike a balance between function, beauty, shape, material and budget to find what works best for you. Selecting a sink is just one decision of many in the renovation process but professional help with selections is always included with your remodel when you hire Perry Newman Design. Give us a call at 801.971.0868  or fill out our contact form online and we’ll walk you through the process, starting with a complementary, in-home consultation.