3 Things to Consider When Choosing a Kitchen Sink

If you’re trying to pick a new kitchen sink as part of your Scottsdale area kitchen remodel, you’ll be surprised. For something so simple, there’s a lot to think about — and plenty of resources giving you many more things than you ever wanted to think about. Rather than a top fifteen list (thanks, Martha Stewart), ArDan Construction is going to distill this to the three most essential things you need to think about.

 

Form and Function

You’d think that would be two things, but they’re so closely related that we’re grouping them as a single consideration. After all, whether you think function follows form or you insist that form follows function, there’s no denying they’re inseparable.

 

The most common question here is whether to choose a single-well or double-well sink. Double-well sinks are popular because you can use half of the sink to stage and soak, and the other half to rinse. They also have limits. If you have a dishwasher and you’re using the sink for large items like stock pots and serving dishes that are an awkward fit in the dishwasher, you’re likely to find one or both of the wells too small. Space limitations come into play too, since a double-well sink capable of fitting into a compact space may just have two wells that are too small to be much good for anything. Think about how — and how often — you’re using your sink.

 

Material

There are a number of different materials available for sinks these days, which helps when you want something that complements new kitchen cabinets. Metal sinks are popular for their durability and low maintenance, but some of them — like those made of copper — requires special care. A traditional enamel basin is strong and can be purchased in a variety of colors. It’s also heavier and more expensive, and if you choose a color you may tire of, you’re looking at a complex replacement later on. Other sinks are made of composite materials similar to those used on countertops. These can even be of a single piece with the countertops, making for easy installation. Their maintenance and cleaning may be more complex, however. 

 

Cost

Sink costs are highly variable. You can get a single-basin metal sink for as little as $200. Different configurations and material choices can push your price as high as four digits, with other add-ons (necessities like fixtures, or relative luxuries like a garbage disposal or on-demand water heater) pushing the price higher still.

 

It’s important to think about how you use your kitchen, and how the sink fits into the grand scheme of things. For many Phoenix homeowners, the kitchen is the centerpiece of their home; it’s a gathering space and the start of many a dinner party or intimate meal with friends. If that’s you, your needs are going to be much different than they’d be for a condo owner who lives alone and eats out more often than not. The thinking and planning are just as important — in fact, perhaps even more so — than the purchase itself.

 

If you’re still stuck after reading this brief explainer, contact ArDan Construction. We’ve served homeowners, property managers, and businesses in the Scottsdale area for more than a decade. Our remodeling design consultation helps you choose the right design and fixtures, while we also provide you with quality work, and even keep you on budget.