Tips for Choosing the Right Kitchen Sink and Faucet

Probably the most important kitchen choices are the sink and the faucet because once it is there, it may be difficult to move it and may affect your daily life for many years to come. Moreover, it helps you in many different tasks wherein a functional and durable pick is important. Hence, here are some important factors to consider in selecting the best kitchen sinks and faucets for you.

Things to Consider in Choosing a Sink

1. Sink material

• Stainless steel - A versatile type of kitchen sink installation that compliments with the different style of kitchen, from traditional to modern. It can scratch, but you can buff it out with a stainless steel brush. Highly recommended for people who tends to throw everything in their sink. However, for areas that have hard water, stainless can show water spots.
  
• Porcelain - Available in wide variety of colors and goes well with vintage style kitchens. However, sharp objects and heavy use can chip it and leave a permanent black mark.
  
• Granite Composite - Mixture of granite particles and polymers. It can withstand scratches and chips as well as water spots even in hard water. However, lighter-colored granite is susceptible to stain and requires special cleaning.
  
• Natural stone - Creates a smooth area that can match your countertop material. But some of its downsides are it can chip and scratch as well as expensive.

2. Number of sinks

• Large single sink - Wherein you can easily wash baking sheets, large pots, and pans. However, it is not simple to rinse vegetables while soaking a used casserole. Sink add-ons can solve its shortcomings such as rinse baskets.
• Two sinks of equal sizes - It allows for two separate tasks with symmetry in design still considered. However, the long-handled pan may still end up in counter.
• A combination of differing sizes - Usually, a 60/40 division of a larger sink and a smaller one but it is varying depending on the preference of the owner. It offers much flexibility in doing two separate tasks.
• Three basins - It has two large sinks and a separate garbage disposal at the middle. However, it occupies large space. But it is useful for doing multiple tasks and convenient disposal.

Things to Consider in Picking a Faucet

1. Materials and finishes - There are three main finishes which are bronze, chrome, and nickel. However, take note that it may differ depending on the manufacturer. But in choosing what type of finish for your faucet, pick the one that goes well with other finishes in the space such as your sink, cabinet hardware, and lighting.
2. Mounting style

• Sink-mounted - It has to be compatible with the sink as some of it only has one hole while most new faucets need two to three hole varieties. But installation is easy as you would not need to create holes in the wall or the countertop.
  
• Deck-mounted - Provides a seamless as the faucet mounts directly on the countertop. However, there may be a space between the wall and the faucet to make room for cleaning as water, grime, and dirt is most likely to accumulate.
  
• Wall-mounted - It makes the cleaning of the countertop easy. However, installation should be careful. The distance between the wall and the sink is vital. Tendencies are the faucet could be short or will not reach the entire sink.

3. Handle options - A single-handled faucet can regulate temperature and flow. However, double-handled provides more precise temperature adjustment but requires more hole for installation. The downside is, it can be a hassle to change temperature when your both hands are dirty. Lastly, a hands-free faucet that uses a touch sensor to turn it on and off with a tap on any part of the faucet. However, temperature and flow still need a handle for adjustment.

It is best to inquire at a professional plumbing contractor for the kitchen sink drain assembly. Kitchen sink plumbing varies, and some installations may not be suitable for all.