Kitchen Renovations: Options for Installing Kitchen Sinks

Your kitchen renovation project will most likely include a new sink. When this is included in your renovation plans, you should have a pretty good idea about how much you are prepared to invest in a sink and where it will be placed. There are, however, other things to consider, like the type of sink and the installation method.  Here are some tips about the different options available for installing a new kitchen sink

Trough

Yes, it sure sounds like something a pig will eat out of but it is far more than that. This type of sink is shaped like a trough; long and narrow, similar to the meal receptacle of pigs. But there is where the similarity ends. As a kitchen sink, the through is much more attractive.  Sizes can range anywhere from between eight and fourteen inches wide to fifty inches in length. These are more suitable for multiple cooks, bars, and restaurant style food preparation.  

Undermount

This is a popular type of sink choice, presenting a uniform appearance in the countertop. One main advantage is that it is easy to clean and take care of.  They are well suited for stone type countertops or more solid ones. The sink is mounted so that its edges are under the counter top presenting an overall sleek and continuous flow.   To achieve this flush look, you will need to ensure that your countertop is designed with this type of installation in mind.   

Integral

The integral sink is similar to the undermount, except that it offers an even smoother transition between the sink and the countertop. The sink and the countertop  are actually one piece, and unlike the undermount, they work with any kind of surface.

Top-Mount

This is a budget friendly version that sits right on top of your kitchen counter. Apart from budget considerations, there is little else that you may find aesthetically pleasing.  The top-mount is also referred to as “self-rimming” or “drop-in”. Installation of the top-mount is not a difficult process, easy on your pocket book and works with any type of countertop.  However, you will have to sacrifice ease of cleaning for the lower price tag.

Farmhouse

Also called “apron-front”, this sink type is similar to what you would have in your laundry room. It is usually just one deep bowl and commonly associated with farmhouses, hence the name. These are becoming quite fashionable and not only for farmhouses as modern materials and styles are utilized today. The sink is fitted in a custom built cabinet with the faucet on the wall or in the counter.  

Single Bowl

The single bowl or the single basin is no longer reserved for the small kitchen. Today they are made in a variety of sizes and shapes including ovals and circles. They are also much deeper and wider allowing for greater capacity in a larger kitchen. The single bowl can also be installed to compliment other types of sink in your kitchen; they can be installed in an island or for special purpose usage.

Double and Triple Bowls

These are a common type of sinks found in kitchens today. Both bowls can be the same size or the sizes can vary; one large one small or one deep and the other shallow. In some cases, one basin doubles for garbage disposal while the larger one is used for most everything else.  This is especially found in the triple bowl sink where the center basin is used for garbage disposal and the two outer ones for regular usage.

These are some of the main types of installation options available to you.  Whether your preference is an undermount, top mount or trough, you will need to assess its utility and how it fits in with your overall  kitchen design.