The sink is among the major points considered when drafting an efficient kitchen remodeling layout. Aside from the functionality that sinks add to kitchens, it also pays to make the most frequented area of your home as visually attractive as possible. When it comes to shopping options, stainless steel sinks are becoming a favorite. And this article discusses the essentials to choosing stainless sinks for kitchen remodeling. First off, why is stainless steel sinks a popular choice for many homeowners? Here are various reasons why it would be a great addition to your kitchen remodeling project:
- Wide availability- can easily be found and bought online or at your local home improvement shop.
- Affordable.
- Does not cheap or break and is durable enough to withstand many practical years of use and abuse.
- Come in different depths and sizes to match different renovation requirements.
- Versatility- complements well with a wide range of kitchen designs and color schemes.
The Basics Various elements have been combined or alloyed to manufacture stainless steel sinks with nickel and chromium as the two important ingredients that enhance their quality. The higher the concentration of these two, the more durable the manufactured sink will be. And because of the rugged nature of their functions, prone to banging and always exposed to dirt, stain, and water; quality should be ensured to prevent corrosion and unexpected replacements. When shopping for the right sink for your kitchen remodeling, here are factors to consider:
- Mount
There are two types of stainless steel sinks that are characterized by the way they are mounted- in top mount or under mount designs. A top mount sink (also called drop-in or self-rimming sinks) has a visible rim that anchors the sink around the hole in the counter. This style not only creates a visually interesting touch to the décor but also adds stability, holding the feature in place. An under mount sink, on the other hand, has a rim that goes under the counter seamlessly. This design allows for a cleaner look and prevents food particles and dirt from getting in between the counter and sink.
- Gauge
The gauges that stainless steel sinks come in refer to the thickness of the material and as a rule of thumb, the thicker the better. Gauges range from 16 to 22 gauge, with 16 as the thickest. Aside from being more resistant to dents, a sink with better gauge is less noisy and offers better insulation.
- Sink Basin
Stainless steel sinks are engineered differently to meet specific kitchen remodeling requirements. There are single and double basins that feature different depth, sizes and styles. For homeowners working on smaller kitchens, a one-basin sink that is deep would suffice. For families who have enough room and cook often, a two-basin sink would be a more ideal choice.These also come in various finishes so if you think stainless steel is too industrial looking, you can choose satin or other textured finishes.