If you are planning a kitchen remodel (or building your custom home), one of the items you’ll consider is what type of kitchen sink you want. Believe it or not, the kitchen sink will speak volumes to the look and feel that you are trying to create and play a significant role in the overall functionality of the room.

Here are some kitchen sink basics you need to know when making this selection.

Sink Materials

Sinks are made from different materials: stainless steel, cast iron, fireclay and composite. Let’s take a look at each one.

Most of the sinks that you will find in stores are going to be made of stainless steel. When considering a stainless steel sink, remember the lower the gauge (16 gauge is thicker than 20 gauge), the more resistant it will be to heat and dents.

Cast iron sinks are extremely durable and are not prone to staining; however, you will find that these kitchen sinks will be more expensive to purchase and install (because they are so heavy).

For those who want to create a classic kitchen look, a fireclay sink may be a top contender. It is created when clay and glaze are fused together after being fired at an extremely high temperature. The result is a very hard and extremely durable material. It resists chips, heat, acid and discoloration, so it will withstand heavy use over time.

Another possibility is a composite sink. These come in a variety of colors so you can match your sink to the other elements of your kitchen. These sinks are durable and easy to take care of.

Selecting Your Sink Style

Before you select your kitchen sink based on looks, consider what you will be doing with the sink first. This should greatly help you determine which style is the best for you.

The single-bowl sink is a wonderful option if you do not have a lot of space. It can also be a great choice if you have large pots and pans to clean. For those who love to cook, the double-bowl sink may be the right style because it affords you different bowls for multi-tasking, and you can select the size and depth of each bowl.

If you want a sink that makes a statement, take a look at a farmhouse sink – where the sink front actually replaces part of the countertop. It is a great look for cottage- or country-style homes, like those here in Lancaster, but because of its unique look, it is often found in modern-style kitchens, too.

There are two ways that sinks can be mounted – under or top. An under-mounted sink gives that area of your kitchen a cleaner and finished look, but it is a bit more expensive than a top-mount, or self-rimming, that sets into the countertop from above.

As you can see, there are a few factors to take into consideration when selecting a kitchen sink, but if you take your time and think through how you cook, how durable you need your sink to be and what look you want for your kitchen, you’ll be prepared to make a selection that you’ll be happy with for years to come.