The most functional part of any kitchen are the faucets & sinks. Choosing the right fixture can be tough. At Countertops and Cabinetry by Design, we have a variety of top quality products that will look beautiful and stand up to the everyday wear and tear.
Oftentimes, when deciding on the fixtures of your kitchen product, there are endless possibilities. This can both be a blessing and at the same time leave you overwhelmed and having a hard time determining where to start, which is why we’re here to help.
What Things Should I Consider Before Choosing My Kitchen Sink?
Often, the first thing you will begin with when considering a kitchen remodel is your kitchen sink. You will need to think about things like the type of sink, the material of the sink, and the faucet fittings for the sink you choose. If you are simply replacing an old sink, you will probably choose something that meshes well with your current kitchen design. On the other hand, if you are creating your dream kitchen from scratch, you have a little more latitude in choosing a very customized sink and faucet that matches perfectly with what you’re looking for. Our design and installation professionals work by your side so that you receive the kitchen faucet and sink remodel that not only matches your vision, but also is quick and simple to install.
There are so many important things to consider when making decisions about your kitchen sink and faucet, like:
Budget
Budget is always an important aspect to consider, if not the most important. It’s also important to consider how long you will live in the home. If you’re planning on moving sometime soon, consider purchasing a sink that has a lower cost so that you can see a return on your investment. So determine your sink and faucet budget, and work within that budget to choose your perfect kitchen complements.
Function
It is important to know how you will use your sink and faucet. While that may sound like an obvious question, ask yourself how often you entertain, how much cooking you do, what you will use the sink for most, whether easy cleanup is important, whether you wash a lot of dishes, and whether the surface you have chosen allows you to place a hot item directly in the sink. To take this even further, do you have young children who clean up frequently in the sink, or do you bathe your pets in the kitchen sink? The answers to questions like these can help you choose the best sink for your lifestyle.
Types
You may decide on a top mount, or drop-in sink which is installed from the top and held in place with the lip or rim of the sink. Minimal installation and service are hallmarks of the top-mount sink, which requires only a single hole in the countertop. The downside is that the rim of the sink can make it difficult to “sweep” dirt and debris from the countertop into the sink. If you prefer to have your sink level with the countertop, you might choose an undermount sink which is installed from below the countertop. Undermount sinks give a kitchen a sleek, polished look. A farmhouse, or apron kitchen sink works well in a country style kitchen, offering extra space for the avid baker. Integrated sinks are not nearly as common, as they are made of the same material as the kitchen counter. An integrated sink is easy to clean, stain-free and offers a seamless counter flow. As you might expect, integrated sinks are also fairly expensive.
Materials
Once you have chosen your sink style, you will choose the material you prefer. Stainless steel is perhaps the industry standard, being the most popular, common material for kitchen sinks. Stainless steel sinks withstand scratches and dents, and the newer stainless-steel sinks also offer noise-absorption technology. Stainless steel sinks are relatively inexpensive, and come in top mount, undermount, single and double-basin styles. Composite sinks are constructed of granite or quartz. Some composite sinks integrate a resin filler, making this type of sink the hardest, most temperature-resistant material. Composite sinks are also incredibly easy to maintain. You may also choose your sink material from natural stone, porcelain, cast iron, fireclay or copper (although copper sinks are extremely expensive). Granite and quartz sinks are engineered using a mix of granite or quartz stone dust and acrylic resins which are then molded into a sink. Granite and quartz composite sinks are durable, non-porous and resistant to heat, stains, scratches, and chips. Unlike natural granite, used for countertops, no sealing is required on a composite granite or quartz sink.
Size
Kitchen sinks come in standard sizes and custom sizes. The functionality of a kitchen sink is essentially based on its depth. If your kitchen sink is the “wrong” depth for you, you could end up with an aching back and neck, as well as fatigue. When you are standing directly in front of your kitchen sink, you want to ensure you are not leaning uncomfortably toward the sink to reach the bottom of the sink. The “ideal” sink depth is between 6 and 12 inches, although the style of your kitchen sink could make a difference on the depth of the sink.
Décor and Style
Choosing the right color for your kitchen sink is just as important as choosing the right size, material, and style. Your choice of material will determine, to some extent, what colors are available. Be careful when combining colors, styles and the influences of different eras. Variety can be fun but it could result in a kitchen that is unique. Mixing and matching different styles of products, or even models from different manufacturers isn’t always easy. You might fall in love with a sink or faucet, install it, and then be dismayed when it looks out of place. Worse still, fixtures that weren’t designed to work together might not function as well as they should. Please stop in and speak with one of our friendly sales staff members, and let them provide you with all the information you need to feel confident about selecting the product that will suit your needs.
What Things Should I Consider Before Choosing My Kitchen Faucet?
If you are building a kitchen from scratch, then you do not have to worry about existing plumbing, but if you are planning a remodel, then you’re in a whole different ball game. Before you decide on your faucet design, think about the type of sink you have chosen. You need to know how many faucet mounting holes are available in your sink. Kitchen faucets are available in 1, 2, 3 and 4-hole versions, although some faucets may offer multiple options to accommodate different sink configurations. You also need to ensure that the faucet you choose will be compatible with your water supply lines. If you want a bridge faucet or a pull-out faucet with the spout, then that is the style you will need to look for. Finally, you will determine which faucet finish you prefer and whether you want one of the newer sensor faucets which turn on automatically as soon as you place your hands underneath.
Budget
Just as you must set a budget when choosing your sink, you must also do the same when choosing your kitchen faucet. Kitchen faucets can range from $60 all the way to $1,000 for high-end choices.
Function
Before choosing your kitchen faucet, consider how much use it will get—do you wash lots of dishes or do a lot of cleaning? Do you need your faucet to have an extension hose? If you have young children or pets, it may be useful to have a faucet that extends so you can clean the dirt they inevitably track inside.
Types
A pull-down faucet uses a spray wand that pulls down into the sink for cleaning produce or dishes. A pull-out faucet can be pulled directly towards you, with a button on the tap which allows you to adjust the flow of water. A single-handle faucet has one lever which can be positioned from left to right to trigger warm or cool water, while a dual-handle faucet has separate levers for warm and cool water. A commercial-style faucet has a long, flexible design, offering a modern appearance to your kitchen. A separate spray faucet has a separate handle with a trigger to activate the spray. A pot filler faucet has a body which moves outward, swiveling to go over a large item in the sink. Finally, you might choose a motion-detector faucet which allows you to place your hand in front of the sensor to turn it on.
Finishes
Kitchen faucet finishes come in brass, chrome, bronze, polished nickel, brushed nickel, and pewter, as well as some specialty finishes. Brushed or satin nickel finishes have a softer look than stainless steel or chrome. For a warmer tone, you might choose brass, gold, bronze or copper, all of which can come with a brushed or satin finish, depending on whether you want a bright shine or a more muted glow. Non-metallic kitchen faucet finishes include white, black and biscuit, in either epoxy or enamel. Satin nickel appears to be the most popular finish for kitchen faucets, followed by stainless steel and bronze. Nickel stands up to scratches and water spots a bit better than the shinier finishes, although nickel finishes typically cost more than chrome.
Size
The kitchen faucet spout reach is measured from the center of the spout base, horizontally out to the stream of water, while the spout height is measured from the surface of the sink/countertop, vertically up to the highest point. Kitchen faucets are somewhat standardized, with the typical distance between the hot and cold inlets or the mounting hardware for single and double handle faucets being 8”.
What Information Should I Have with Me Before Talking to a Professional About Replacing My Faucets and Sinks?
It will speed the process along if you have a rough idea of what type of sink and faucet you want when you speak to a design professional from Countertops and Cabinetry by Design. Our kitchen planner is available to give you some additional guidance. If you also know the dimensions of your current sink area, whether you will also be replacing your countertops, and your approximate budget, you will be ahead of the game.
How We Can Help You?
When you meet with a greater Cincinnati design and installation professional from Countertops and Cabinetry by Design, we will look over your preliminary information and answer any questions you might have regarding your project. By the end of our meeting, we may be able to provide you with a cost quote as well as an idea of when we can perform the installation. The primary goal of Countertops and Cabinetry by Design is to make the construction of your project as simple and easy as possible. We are innovators in the industry and will use our particular skills and knowledge to help you with your remodel at every turn. If you are considering replacing your kitchen faucet and sink—or any other bathroom or kitchen remodel—give Countertops and Cabinetry by Design a call.