| The sink is the busiest spot in your kitchen. Nearly | | | | composite materials present a quiet, easy to clean |
| every task begins or ends in its embrace, so | | | | surface that is stain and scratch resistant. Solid |
| choosing the right one for the way you will use it | | | | surface sinks also allow for either surface or |
| and the way it will look may be one of the most | | | | undermount applications and can be fabricated to |
| important decisions you will make when planning | | | | create a completely smooth transition from a |
| your kitchen. You may not feel you really need | | | | solid surface top with no discernable ridge or line |
| the new one that 'cooks', but you do want a sink | | | | where they are joined. Computerized cutting |
| that will serve you well and look terrific, while not | | | | allows fabricators to create custom designs for |
| requiring too much time to maintain.The newest | | | | both decorative and functional choices.Porcelain - |
| looks in sinks are those that compliment the | | | | Still the number one choice for many consumers, |
| latest trends in kitchen design; namely the | | | | there is nothing to compare with the gleaming |
| 'commercial' or 'professional' look and the | | | | surface of a quality porcelain sink. Surprisingly |
| traditional Old World styling, two design trends | | | | durable, porcelain on cast iron sinks are available in |
| that continue to run parallel to one another, | | | | bolder colors and more shades than any other |
| closely followed by the nostalgia of 'country' .After | | | | material. Available in either undermount or surface |
| you choose the look you want to enhance your | | | | mount styles, porcelain sinks are available in every |
| kitchen's personality, there is still plenty to decide. | | | | imaginable style and with a wide variety of |
| Will you use stainless steel, porcelain, enamel or | | | | functional options and features.Enamel - A less |
| solid surface material? How about copper or | | | | expensive alternative than others, except the |
| brass? For more on sinks, go to Estimating | | | | most inexpensive stainless steel, enamel sinks are |
| Costs.Stainless Steel - More popular than ever, | | | | also less durable. Available in several colors and |
| the stainless steel sink is the perfect compliment | | | | configurations enamel sinks do require more |
| to the 'professional' kitchen that boasts stainless | | | | careful maintenance. But, top mounted models |
| steel appliances. Easy care is a big plus. The quality | | | | may be changed out with relatively little trouble, |
| of a stainless steel sink is measured by its gauge | | | | so enamel sink may be a better way to cut |
| (the higher the number, the lower the quality), the | | | | costs than with some more permanent choices |
| amount of chromium and nickel it contains (the | | | | for your kitchen like the cabinets. A good quality |
| more, the better) and the sound control | | | | enamel sink may be expected to last for several |
| employed ( the more padding or coating the | | | | years with a little loving care. Be sure not to |
| quieter. Tile and solid surface counters allow | | | | scour with abrasive cleaners.Other materials seen |
| undermount installation for easy clean up - just | | | | on today's sink scene are Soapstone - a natural |
| push the wet and the mess right in with no lip or | | | | mineral substance, it is easy to care for, available |
| edge to collect debris or dampness. Laser | | | | in several color ranges (no two are alike) and in |
| embossing is available from some manufacturers | | | | some of the most 'now' styles like extra deep |
| to relieve the 'too commercial' look for use in | | | | farm sinks with wide apron fronts.Copper or |
| more traditional settings, too.Solid Surface - First | | | | Brass - usually familiar as bar or 'veggie' sinks, |
| used for easier care custom counter tops, sinks | | | | these metals are sometimes chosen for kitchens |
| of solid surface materials have attained a close | | | | planned in the Old World mode or for a 'gourmet' |
| second in preference among consumers for | | | | appearance. |
| upscale kitchens. These wonderful man-made | | | | |