Kitchen Sink Options
It’s probably something you’ve never thought about until embarking on a kitchen renovation, however its an important consideration nonetheless.
When it comes to selecting the right sink for your new kitchen, there are several factors which will impact the design and functionality of your prep space.
Here we compare the different kitchen sinks available to you:
TOP MOUNT SINK
The most affordable option, these sinks allow for easy installation on top of the benchtop and can be used with any benchtop surface. During installation, a top mounted kitchen sink is dropped into a hole in your countertop and rests on a rim, taking up slightly more space and making a strong statement. One of the disadvantages of this style of sink is the ‘lip’ it creates on top of the benchtop, meaning you won’t be able to wipe directly into the sink. They can also trap crumbs around the edges.
UNDER MOUNT SINK
An undermount sink is installed under the counter, rather than being placed into a pre-cut hole in the countertop. The benefit of this style is that you don’t have to deal with a lip on the rim of the sink, which can gather dirt and bacteria. Aside from sanitation purposes, they also tend to look more sophisticated and sleek, while saving you valuable counter space. Consideration should be taken to choose the right benchtop material so pots and heavy dishes do not chip the edges of the overhanging stone. Here at Retreat Design, this would have to be our most popular selection of sink for the kitchen.
FLUSH MOUNT SINK
The next price bracket up would be the flush mount sink which gives a high-end, seamless look with an inset bowl cut into the edges of the stone to sit flush with the countertop. This option requires the use of a high quality sink with specialist install to make sure it sits just perfectly. Flush mount sinks feature a single thickness edge, allowing a slim-fit to the benchtop which can be recessed, resulting in a flush fit with the surface. This option is clean and streamlined, eliminating the risk of the stone chipping, however it is at the pricey end of the scale.
WELDED SINK
A welded sink refers to a stainless steel or Corian sink which is welded at the joins for a completely seamless look. The benchtop runs straight in to the sink with an invisible join making this option exceptionally clean and hygienic. For previous projects we have supplied welded stainless steel sinks to match the stainless steel benchtop as well as moulded Corian sinks which look high end, smooth and streamlined. This option can be expensive and requires manufacture & installation by experts.
INTEGRATED BUILT-IN SINK
Becoming ever more popular in high end kitchen design, the integrated sink looks amazing with its mitred side panels which provide a continuation of the kitchen benchtop. The seamless aesthetic of this sink makes it popular with architects and designers and can be manufactured using stone, porcelain, Fenix NTM etc. This option is very expensive and requires manufacture & installation by expert stone masons.
BUTLERS / FARMHOUSE SINK
For a more traditional look a butlers or farmhouse sink is another undermount option. Often suited to shaker-style kitchens, this sink is made of ceramic and often has one or two deep bowls for large pots and pans. These sinks are generally hard wearing and cabinetry can be designed to fit in around them.
As you can see it really depends on your taste and budget to find the right sink for your kitchen design. Weighing up the pro’s and con’s for each style will give you a sense for which type of sink to select. We are here to a assist you with your decision and have a multitude of different options available for you to consider. Scroll down below to see all of the sink options we have outlined above.
To book in a design consultation, feel free to give us a call on (08) 6101 1190.
