At Apuzzo Kitchens, we know how much your kitchen sink selection affects both the aesthetic & functionality of your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping statement sink, one that is both functional & durable, or anything in-between, your sink material is an important decision in the kitchen design process. Not sure which material is best for your needs? Listed below are some of the most commonly used sink materials and their benefits/shortcomings.
What to Know About Stainless Steel Sinks
Stainless steel has remained the most commonly used kitchen sink material over the years, and for good reason! Stainless steel requires minimal maintenance, is one of the most affordable sink materials, and is stain & heat resistant. However, water marks can happen if the material is not properly cared for and it can be scratched or dented. It’s important to look for the thickness of the sink you are purchasing (also known as the stainless steel gauge). The lower the gauge, the thicker the steel. That thicker steel comes with a higher price point, but it’s worth it if you want a more durable sink that holds up better over time.
If you have your heart set on a farmhouse sink, but want the durability of stainless steel, then you might be happy to find out that there are stainless steel farmhouse sinks out there! They have a more industrial / modern look to them than your typical white farmhouse sink, but it will definitely be a unique statement that you don’t see in every kitchen!
We highly recommend a stainless steel workstation sink (shown in the photo above) to anyone who wants a functional sink that is also modern & sleek. Workstation sinks come with accessories, the two most common being a cutting board and drying rack that can sit on the outer edge in the top of the sink. This helps prevent clutter & gives you more counter space. Many of our previous customers have used this type of sink and have loved it!
How to Take Care of a Stainless Steel Sink
List of Dos
Be sure to follow the care & maintenance tips provided by the sink manufacturer
Rinse the sink to remove all debris & wipe down the sink after each use with a microfiber cloth to prevent water marks
Clean the sink at least once a week with soap or a stainless steel cleaner that the sink manufacturer recommends
It is recommended to use a stainless steel sink grid at the bottom of your sink to prevent dents & scratches
List of Don'ts
Do not use abrasive cleaning pads on the sink since this can harm the finish
Be sure not to use any knives directly on the sink surface
Bleach is not a recommended cleaner to use in stainless steel sinks since they can corrode the steel
Is Fireclay Right for My Kitchen?
If you are looking for a classic white farmhouse sink in your kitchen, look no further than a fireclay sink. Many of the classic white farmhouse / apron front sinks you see in our kitchen projects are made of fireclay as opposed to cast iron or porcelain that used to reign supreme. Fireclay is very heavy & dense which allows it to be durable and stain, chip & scratch resistant. However, it’s important to note that it is not scratch & chip proof, so it is still possible for chips & scratches to occur. Fireclay is considered more durable than cast iron & porcelain. It is also less expensive, lighter, and easier to install than cast iron, which we consider a win-win!
How to Take Care of a Fireclay Sink
Just like stainless steel sinks, be sure to follow the care & maintenance tips provided by the sink manufacturer. Fireclay sinks should be rinsed to remove all debris & wiped down after each use with a microfiber cloth to prevent water marks. Gently clean the sink at least once a week with dish soap, you can also use diluted bleach to make the sink feel as shiny & new as the first day it was installed. The most important thing to remember is to clean fireclay sinks as gently as possible, DO NOT use abrasive cleaning pads on the sink. They are non-porous, so they should not require frequent scrubbing.
What to Know About Granite Composite Sinks & How to Care for Them
Granite composite sinks have been on the rise in popularity over the past few years and we are loving these in our kitchen projects! Granite composite is durable & stain / heat resistant like stainless steel, but offers a versatility of color options that stainless steel cannot. It is also malleable, which allows granite composite sinks to have integrated drainboards. Lastly, granite composite is more lightweight than natural stone sinks & more affordable. Granite composite allows you to have a similar look of a natural stone sink without the natural stone price point.
It is always best practice to follow the care & maintenance tips provided by the sink manufacturer. Granite composite sinks are low maintenance and have a lot of the same maintenance requirements as stainless steel sinks such as: rinsing the sink & wiping it down with a microfiber cloth after each use as well as using mild soaps for weekly cleaning. It is not recommended to use harsh cleaners since they may damage the finish.
Sinks Made of Living Materials (such as Copper or Brass)
If you want your sink to make a statement in your kitchen, then using a living material such as copper or brass may catch your eye. It is very important to know that as beautiful as these materials are, their beauty comes with a price, both in monetary value and the amount of maintenance required. Links to the care & maintenance tips from two of our trusted copper sink vendors are here: Thompson Traders & World Coppersmith.
One of the most important things to keep in mind for copper sinks is that they will patina. Patina is the film (typically either green or brown in color) that forms over living metals such as copper from oxidation over a period of time. The patina works as a protective coating. For some people, the patina process is one of the main reasons they are drawn to copper. They think that this shows character & unique beauty that you don’t see in other sink materials. For others, they wish their sink would stay looking just like it did the day they installed it and do not want it to change. If you are leaning towards the latter, copper sinks may not be right for you.
In Summary
The sink material you choose for your kitchen depends on the aesthetic you want as well as the level of maintenance you want to have. If you are looking for modern & sleek with low maintenance, an undermount stainless steel sink is probably the right choice for you. If you want your sink to make a statement and you’re not afraid of a high maintenance material, then an antiqued hammered copper apron front sink may be the right choice for you. At Apuzzo Kitchens, we are here to help steer you in the right direction! If you are interested in making an appointment with a kitchen designer at our showroom, call us today!