Finding a sink can be a daunting task for any home owner. Overstock.com has home improvement ideas to ease the difficulty in selecting the right look for your kitchen or bathroom. Let this sinks buying guide from Overstock.com help you identify the many choices you have while clearing up the questions that always arise.
Sinks come in many different styles, materials, sizes and colors. Finding a functional yet beautiful sink may be a challenge, but at Overstock.com, it won't be expensive.
Kitchen sinks are the most used fixture in the home. More than any other sink, the kitchen sink gets quite a beating and needs to stand up to the use.
The standard kitchen sink is 22 by 30 inches with two side-by-side equal-sized bowls that are about eight inches deep. You can find other sinks that fit your needs; there are sinks with nine or 10 inch deep bowls to accommodate large pots; shallow, high-set bowls that go between the basins for peeling vegetables; oversized single basins; unequally sized basins and basins that fit into tight corners. Kitchen sinks generally have four holes used for mounting faucets, handles and sprayers. Some also have dispensers for liquid soap, extra hot water and purified water. You can find all types of faucets and bath hardware on Overstock.com.
Each product description on Overstock.com will give details concerning faucet types and disposals. Be sure to read the manufacturers' information upon receiving your new kitchen sink.
There are two mounting choices to consider when selecting your kitchen sink: self-rimming sinks and undermount kitchen sinks. Both have their benefits, and the choice is really just a matter of taste and function; you'll want to determine which one will work best for you.
Self-Rimming Sinks
Self-rimming sinks have a finished edge and are installed onto the countertop. These are the easiest sinks to install, and they are easy to replace; however, they can also collect dirt at the seams. There are no restrictions on the counter-top material when you use self-rimming sinks.
Undermount Kitchen Sinks
Also known as recessed sinks, undermount kitchen sinks attach to the underside of the counter, creating a seamless look. They are easier to clean than self-rimming sinks but are also more difficult to seat. Undermount kitchen sinks can only be used with counters made out of solid material, such as concrete or granite; they will not work with laminate counter tops.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel kitchen sinks are made to last. Stainless kitchen sinks are the most used home kitchen sinks and commercial sinks because they offer quality, durability, a low price and ease of cleaning. Stainless steel kitchen sinks won't be damaged by hot or cold objects and resist damage caused by impacts.
One disadvantage of a stainless steel kitchen sink is that they tend to be noisier than most other sink materials due to the stainless steel being thin (although better sinks apply a heavy coating of vibration-damping material to the underside of the sink).
Most stainless steel kitchen sinks are made with a die. A sheet of stainless steel is drawn over the die then pressed. (Some very deep sinks are fabricated by welding.) Look for the highest-grade stainless, which is known as Type 302, or 18/8. This grade of steel contains 18-percent chromium and 8-percent nickel for a durable, rust-resistant finish. Also, look at the gauge, or thickness, of the stainless steel kitchen sink. With stainless steel sinks, the heavier the gauge, the better; the lower the gauge number, the thicker the steel. A thicker sink is less likely to dent and it won't be as noisy as a thinner stainless kitchen sink. Most sinks come in 18 to 20 gauge; sinks in 14 and 16 gauge steel are available on the high end as well as 24 gauge steel on the lower end.
Porcelain or Enamel over Cast Iron
Porcelain or enamel over cast iron is a popular material for kitchen sinks. Not only are they heavy and durable, these kitchen sinks can also be very stylish, since they are manufactured in a very wide range of shapes and colors. They are resistant to hot or cold objects, just like stainless steel, however, porcelain can be damaged by sharp impacts. Cleaning aggressively will dull the surface, leading to more dirt accumulation.
Enamel over cast iron is similar to the porcelain. However, these sinks are a far less rugged and less costly alternative. Easy-clean enameled cast iron does provide the most color choices and a hard finish.
Integral Solid Surface
Integral solid surface kitchen sinks form part of a solid-surface countertop. The beauty of an integral solid surface kitchen sink is that it's seamlessly joined to the solid surface countertop, forming one seamless piece. This means no little crevices for moisture and grime to build up. What does this mean to you? Easy cleanup and low maintenance!
Composite
Composite sinks are often made from quartz or granite mixed with an acrylic binder. These sinks are fairly hard, scratch-resistant and a good value for the money.
Over the years, the number of bathrooms has increased in the average home. With this expansion there has been an increase in bathroom sinks. Sink options now range from tiny wall-hung versions for the smallest of powder rooms to elaborate dual-basin models for luxurious master baths. Many bathroom sinks come with predrilled faucet holes.
Bathroom sinks can mount similarly to kitchen sinks. However, you may find that most bathroom sinks are integrated with the countertops, and they are made from one piece of material. This does not mean that you can't undermount a bathroom sink, or even that you would need to avoid an apron style sink if it's the one you like.
Deck-Mounted
Deck-mounted models can be set into or on top of a vanity or a freestanding frame. This allows for storage, unlike pedestal or wall-mounted sink styles. Integral bowl sinks, like their kitchen counterparts, form part of a countertop and come in many prices, colors and materials.
Wall-Mounted
Wall-mounted sinks are mounted directly to the wall, making wall-mount sinks great for smaller bathrooms. Remember that the piping will show beneath the drain.
Console Sinks
Console sinks sit on furniture-style legs and offer an expanded counter space for your toiletries. They create a stylish and spacious look.
Vessel Sinks
Vessel sinks are known for their beauty and functionality, and vessel sinks are becoming increasingly popular in bathrooms. You often see them at high-end restaurants and hotels. A vessel sink can be installed sitting on the countertop or it can be sunk down up to half of its height. Most vessel sinks are designed to sit at least partially above the countertop.
The materials are the same as those for kitchen sinks, with more decorative choices. Materials include enameled cast iron or vitreous china for traditional baths, and metal (including copper), glass, crystal, stone (granite, marble, travertine, limestone, onyx and sandstone), wood or solid-surface resins for a contemporary style.
Vessel sinks give you several material choices. Stone vessel sinks are crafted from a single block of stone, making them heavy and gorgeous. Most copper sinks are hand hammered or pressed from a single sheet of copper. Wood sinks are crafted from the finest hardwoods and sanded and smoothed before being sealed against water. Glass vessel sinks are available in many colors.
For a powder room with low-traffic, use a delicate sink, such as glass and vitreous china. This gives you a place to really show your style to guests. Choose a more durable sink in high traffic bathrooms, such as a kids' bathroom.
Here are the common words you will run into while shopping for sinks.
Are caustic liquid drain openers harmful to the pipes in my sinks?
Most plumbers will agree that yes, if your drain is completely clogged, caustic liquid drain openers will harm the pipes. However, for minor clogs, they're fine because they don't stay in the pipe. For the drain that is completely clogged the caustic ingredients are trapped in your pipes, and this can severely damage them. Contact a professional to snake your drain if you are unable to snake it yourself. Never use caustic drain openers in a drain that has a garbage disposal.
What shouldn't go down the garbage disposal?
Avoid putting potato peels, corn husks and bones down the disposal. The starch in the potato peels will gum up the disposal. Don't put fats or cooking oils down the drain, either. They solidify in the cold pipes. Always use cold water when running your disposal and avoid overloading it.
Never use your hands to retrieve items from the disposal! Grab a pair of tongs instead. Tongs are far easier to replace than your hands.
How do I keep my disposal from stinking?
First, prevent odors by avoiding disposing of certain foods. Meats, dairy and fats are sure to cause a stink.
Easy de-stinkers are baking soda and lemons. Mix baking soda with water and pour down your drain and pipes, or sprinkle the baking soda right into your disposal then add cold water. Lemons can also eliminate odors. Peel a lemon, chop roughly and dispose with cold water.
Frequently the smell isn't coming from the bottom of the disposal but from the upper area where foods have splashed. Carefully wipe down the rubber rim seal in the sink opening with a sponge and deodorizing cleanser. Make sure the power is off to the disposal before doing this.
Best in show
Let the powder room become a palette of creativity. Find decorative bathroom sinks that normally wouldn't be placed in high traffic areas. Overstock.com has home improvement ideas and bathroom accessories to bring out functionality and beauty. Worldstock has incredible handmade art that would add uniqueness to any room in your home, including your powder room.
Get stocked up
Be sure to have everything you need in your new bathroom and kitchen. Kitchen d?cor accessories, linens, dinnerware, cookware and flatware combine to keep your kitchen stocked with ready items. Your bathroom will impress and serve its purpose with ease with bath accessories from our bath store. Choose solid towels, patterned towels, shower curtains and bath rugs to finish the look of your bathroom. With our selection of sinks we're sure you'll be able to pull together a look that will inspire and function beautifully.
