Your kitchen sink is more than a place to wash the dishes – it’s also an important design element that can add a sense of style to a home. But with all the types of kitchen sinks available, it is easy to get confused. From undermounted to apron-front, sinks have many big and small differences you need to know about before you start a residential design project.
The Types of Kitchen Sinks Most Commonly Found in Homes
Kitchen design is an art. You will be picking several different fixtures that will need to complement one another. Whether you are interested in a stainless steel, cast iron, copper, or composite sink, your new fixture will most likely fit into one of these five categories.
1) Top Mount (Self-Rimming or Drop-In Sinks)
Top mount is the most common of all types of kitchen sinks. It is simply installed into a pre-cut hole in the countertop. Its wide rim supports it on the countertop. Top mounts are popular, because they are both easy to install and easy to find.
2) Undermount
An undermount is a kitchen sink style that is attached underneath a countertop and supported by the surrounding cabinets. It is popular because it creates a seamless look to the area around the sink and makes cleaning up crumbs and other countertop debris easier. An undermount may be installed under a variety of surfaces including granite, marble, and quartz.
3) Flush Mount
A flush mount blends well into a kitchen layout as an attractive feature because this type of sink has no visible edges or changes in material. Also known as an integrated sink, it is generally custom-ordered along with the countertop. This type of sink is also found on bathroom vanities.
4) Bar or Prep Sink
A bar or prep sink is one of the smallest and shallowest types of kitchen sinks available. This secondary sink is generally used for preparing foods, cleaning produce, or draining pasta. It usually has a smaller faucet and could be placed alongside a larger sink, on a kitchen island, or in a separate bar area.
5) Apron-Front Sink
Also called a “Farm Sink” or “Farmhouse Sink,” this style has recently been trending because of its old-world charm. The front is exposed while the sides and back are typically undermounted. Apron-front sinks are oftentimes deeper than traditional kitchen sinks which is great for washing large pots and pans. They are available in a number of materials including cast iron, stainless steel, copper, fireclay, and quartz.
When it comes to home remodeling, you have many great choices to choose from. Whether you pick an undermount, a flush mount, or an apron-front, the most important thing is to find a fixture that you and your family will be happy with for a long time.
If you are planning to update your kitchen, Green Art Plumbing Supply has all the top-of-line products you could ever want. We have a wide selection of materials from brands like Kohler, Elkay, and Franke in our three Long Island showrooms in Freeport, Huntington Station, and Southampton. Visit us, send us a message, or call (516) 379-0449 to start planning your dream home today!
Personally, I’m a big fan of ceramic sinks with a drainer. It looks delicate, but it’s mega-durable and easy to clean. I’ve had a ceramic sink in my kitchen for the past few years now, and I haven’t had any problems; when it’s cleaned up, it looks as good as new. Granite is a good alternative but looks very modern, so it depends on the style of your kitchen.