Compare Materials for Kitchen Sinks
- Stainless steel is a cost-effective option that has been a mainstay in many kitchens for years. The higher the gauge number with stainless sinks, the thinner the material. Thinner gauges are higher maintenance as they are more likely to show scratches and water spots and are more likely to dent. Look for thicker, stronger 16- or 18-gauge rather than 22-gauge stainless steel if durability is a priority for you. Thicker gauges with a higher nickel content and custom shapes will cost you more.
- Kitchen sinks also come in other metals such as nickel, copper and brass. Used for centuries, a metal sink may be just the thing for an old-world kitchen design. Copper sinks are ideally made of pure copper and welded not soldered. Soldered joints blacken with age and mar the aged patina of the copper itself. Hammered nickel or brass is harder and stronger than copper and therefore more durable in an active household. All of these metals cost more than stainless steel.
- A cast-iron sink covered with porcelain enamel requires a sturdy foundation due to its considerable weight. If you seek a traditional look for a country kitchen, this type of sink may be a good option. The sink is made by applying melted ground glass to hot cast iron. These sinks are available in white and a number of custom colors and styles and can easily last from 25 to 30 years. Glasses or other breakables dropped in this sink are highly likely to break. Using a rubberized sink protector is advised.
- Solid surface sinks may be integrated with the countertop to eliminate bacteria-collecting seams and joints. This material is easy to clean but also easy to stain, scratch or burn. The manufacturer advises that mars be eliminated by sanding with steel wool. There are many colors from which to choose to enhance your kitchen decor. Installation is best done by a professional and can increase the overall cost of using solid surface sinks.
- Acrylic sinks scratch easily but when combined with quartz, granite or slate to form a composite, they produce a hard, durable surface that is pleasantly warm to the touch. Colors include dark gray, almond and white and are available in a wide range of sizes and shapes. Composite sinks are less expensive than pure slate or granite and are less likely to cause glass and dish breakage than their solid-stone counterparts.
- Fireclay sinks are made of vitreous porcelain enhanced with quartz and feldspar to make it more durable. Fireclay repels stains, is scratch-resistant and lasts 25-30 years. Fireclay is made in Europe and can be expensive to fabricate and import. Soapstone is a heavy, dense, stainproof material mined in the northeastern United States. Shipping costs and the necessity of providing a reinforced substructure, combined with the cost of the material itself, makes soapstone an expensive but impressive and long-lasting choice.