It doesn't matter if you're doing a full remodel of the kitchen or just replacing the old sink, choosing the new one is very important. The material it's made of can have a big impact on its functionality, longevity and of course, the overall aesthetic of the kitchen. This is a long-term investment so don't try to save a couple of dollars and compromise on quality. Every material has its pros and cons and which one you choose depends on personal preference, maintenance time and your budget.
Granite
Granite is probably one of the trendiest and most beautiful sink materials. This is a material that comes in so many colours, shades, patterns and finishes. You can find it in light tones like cream, pink or green, which can bring softness to any space. They'll be a great finish to any kitchen interior.
Darker tones like black and dark grey exude elegance and luxury. They look sophisticated and can elevate the look of any kitchen. There's a plethora of gorgeous, high-quality granite sinks you can choose from. They can be mounted in numerous ways depending on your needs and preferences.
Granite is an incredibly strong material that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Hot pans, pots and trays won’t be a problem if you place them on the sink straight from the oven. It's a tough material that there isn’t anything you can drop that can damage it. This is especially important for clumsy people. You might break the pot or the glass, but never the sink.
This material is so durable that It’s scratch and stain-resistant. This doesn’t mean you can leave stains for weeks and then expect them to disappear with just one swipe. In general, you should clean your sink at least once a day and granite is not an exception. Wiping it with a damp cloth is enough, and a proper cleaning once a week will do.
Granite often has a lengthy guarantee, which means your sink will be covered in case an accident happens. With all of these advantages, granite has only a few disadvantages. The biggest one is considered its price. It's an expensive material that not all people can afford. The second is its weight. You should have a firm and strong base if you’re mounting it on the counter or on the wall.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is the most popular material for kitchen sinks. It's very well known for its durability, scratch resistance and water resistance. It also has antimicrobial properties and superior rust resistance. It's a material that will look good in any kitchen no matter the interior design or decor.
The finish it has looks great when you combine it with similar appliances and a few stainless-steel details around the room. It's also easy to clean and heat resistant which are important properties for any kitchen sink. But just as any other material stainless steel has its disadvantages.
The first one is the noise it creates when you drop a plate, pot or utensil inside. Some people find this sound annoying and avoid stainless steel. The other disadvantage is water stains. If you don’t clean it properly, you’ll notice water spots after a while.
Copper
Copper might not be the first material that comes to mind when you think of kitchen sinks. Despite this, copper is a great material if you want to keep the home clean. This is also an attractive material that can transform the sink into a nice focal point. In looks, copper can pair granite sinks with its beauty and statement-making.
If you decide to go for a copper sink, keep in mind that it will be on the more expensive side. It’s also not a very durable material. Even a small drip of the heavy pot can damage it and make a scratch and a dent. So, if you live in a busy home with a lot of kids, copper may not be the best material for your sink.
Enamelled Cast Iron
Enamelled cast iron is a highly durable material that is a great choice for a kitchen sink. Even though cast iron is a sturdy material that won't bend or rust, it's still crucial to make sure the cabinets can support the sink's weight without bending or distorting. Thanks to the enamelled coating over the cast iron, the sink becomes stain-resistant and protected from rust, corrosion and water.
These sinks come in many styles and designs. However, keep in mind that the protecting layer is also vulnerable to scratching and chipping, especially when it comes to heavy pots and pans. The chips and peels will retain water and make the sink rust. So be careful when you leave the pots inside. Also, use a mild detergent when you want to clean it.
Fireclay
The best feature of a fireclay sink is its durability. Just like a granite kitchen sink, it can withstand the test of time and not be replaced for years. Fireclay is a durable, scratch and stain-resistant material. Depending on how much you use it, it may need a reglaze after a while. It's also quite heavy and doesn’t come in many colour choices. If you decide to get a fireclay sink, hire professionals to install it. It's heavy and requires some knowledge of how to handle it.
Acrylic Resin
This is a material that creates a sink with a very solid surface. Even though it looks beautiful, acrylic resin is very prone to damage. Because of its hard, solid surface, it’s sensitive to heat, will get easily scratched and will have a shorter lifespan compared to other materials. So, if you’re looking for a temporary sink solution, acrylic resin may do just fine.
Quartz
A quartz composite kitchen sink is a fantastic choice if the disadvantages of acrylic resin or enamelled kitchen sinks bother you. It's made by mixing natural stone and acrylic resin. Manufacturers do this to mimic the look of the true natural stone and sell the sinks at a lower price. Besides being very durable, quartz is also easy to clean.
Brass
Brass has a very attractive appearance. It has a natural patina and antimicrobial properties which makes it very popular. However, brass is expensive and not as durable as other materials. It can easily get damaged, scratched and dented.
Porcelain
Porcelain is a traditional material that’s been used for many centuries. People made sinks, toilets, baths and dishware with porcelain. It's a reasonably priced, easy-to-clean material that has limited resistance to heat, stains, and scratches. With all of those different materials to choose from, choose the one that suits your lifestyle the most.
