Kitchen sinks: why choosing the cheapest is not a good idea
Kitchen sinks, what do we know about them? We use and abuse them and they are probably the most used plumbing fixtures in your home. We know that a garbage disposal usually hangs from it in the cabinet. Other than that, you just sit in your kitchen ready to get your assigned chores done no matter how dirty or disgusting. However, after years of service, it is time to remove the sink and get another one. The problem is, there are many materials you can choose from and how do you know which one is right for you? The answer, of course, is to understand what is important to you and how each of the kitchen sink materials compares to your needs.
It’s no secret that we all have little time and having someone else do something for you in your home is expensive. The point is, time is expensive, it doesn’t matter if it’s yours or if you hire someone. With that in mind, remember that if you need to replace your sink every year or two because you bought cheap, the expense is in the labor.
The cheapest sinks today are stainless steel and pressed steel. Lower cost stainless steel and pressed steel are also known as “apartment” grade. They call them that because apartment owners, who are looking for the cheapest prices, tend to use these products. If you’re on a budget and your family doesn’t use the kitchen sink much, these can be an attractive alternative to more expensive materials. However, keep in mind that pressed steel sink generally has a painted surface that is easily scratched and chipped. These sinks will tend to look old and out of date quickly due to the finish used. Stainless steel also scratches easily, but with proper care it will still look acceptable. Cheaper stainless steel sinks tend to be made of a thinner material, which means that water gets into them and the garbage disposal will sound much louder on these less expensive models. These sinks come in rimless and top-mounted models.
A definite upgrade to these products is the cast iron kitchen sink. These sinks are made of cast metal and finished with a porcelain material that gives them a deep, beautiful shine. The finish is long-lasting and with a little occasional waxing, it can look great for years. They come in a variety of colors and can be ordered in undermount or top mount styles. However, these kitchen sinks are heavy and much more difficult to install, so unless you are extremely skilled and experienced with these sinks, you will need an expert for installation.
Another sink material that seems to be gaining popularity is solid surface material. This is a durable material formed in a kitchen sink and tends to have a more matte finish. This type of sink material goes especially well with more natural finishes in your kitchen. Although not as popular as cast iron, these composite kitchen sinks are quickly gaining a large following.
Your kitchen sink is a well-used piece of plumbing that deserves to be built with quality materials. Purchasing by price alone will incur additional expense as you will have to replace the unit much more frequently. So the best solution is to buy quality and have your Uncle Charlie install it for you.