Choosing the Right Kitchen Sink Material for Your Home

Kitchen sink trends change often.  Some homeowners love to incorporate the latest trend inter home and others want to invest in timeless classics.  Whatever your personal style preference is, there are many different types of kitchen material from which to choose.  The type of sink material you choose to install may depend on various factors such as upkeep and maintenance, durability, the style of your kitchen, and more.  Below are common kitchen sink materials and how to choose which one is best for your home.

Kitchen Sink Materials:

• Stainless Steel
  • Stainless steel sinks are very common and come in a wide array of price points to match any budget. Stainless steel is resistant to stains, as the name states, but it can get scratched.  Stainless steel sinks have the ability to be undermounted which appeals to many homeowners.  Stainless steel sinks are some of the lowest maintenance sinks available and are ideal for homes in which the sink may see a lot of heavy/hard wear and tear.
• Composite Granite
  • Composite granite sinks are a manmade material made to look like natural granite and are a beautiful and durable sink choice.  They do not show water marks, unlike stainless steel, come in a variety of colors, and are priced somewhere in the mid-range for sinks which makes them an affordable luxury for many homeowners.  Composite granite sinks also have good heat and chip resistance.
• Porcelain or Enamel Over Cast Iron
  • If you are in the market for a beautiful white sink then you will probably be considering a porcelain or enamel over cast iron sink. Overstock elaborates on this particular type of kitchen sink material, “Porcelain or enamel over a cast-iron sink is a popular material for kitchen sinks. Not only are they heavy and durable, these kitchen sinks can also be very stylish, since they are manufactured in a very wide range of shapes and colors. They are resistant to hot or cold objects, just like stainless steel; however, porcelain can be damaged by sharp impacts. Cleaning aggressively will dull the surface, leading to more dirt accumulation. Enamel-over-cast iron is similar to the porcelain, but these sinks are a less rugged and less expensive alternative. Easy-to-clean enameled cast-iron sinks do provide the most color choices and a hard finish.”
• Soapstone
  • Soapstone is commonly used in laboratories because the natural properties of the stone are resistant to staining and resist bacterial growth. It is a high-end, beautiful sink material with a price point to match. But, because soapstone is a softer natural stone it does require some care when using.  Be careful with it and it will look beautiful for many years, slowly developing its own natural patina over time.