The kitchen is one of the most critical rooms in a home. It’s where we cook, clean, and eat. It’s where our food comes from; where our family gathers to bond over meals; it’s an extension of the heart of the home. No matter how lovely your kitchen cabinets are or what kind of faucet you have, your kitchen sink is what gets the most use. When remodeling your kitchen, one of the decisions you’ll have to make is what kind of sink to put in.
Why Should I Care About Picking the Perfect Kitchen Sink for My Granite/Marble Countertop?
Choosing the right kitchen sink can be an essential part of your new kitchen renovation. Not only because it’s what you’ll be putting your dishes into, but also because it can make or break how well that granite countertop goes with your decor.
Kitchen sinks come in various materials, such as stainless steel and porcelain enamel, but one of the most popular choices these days is stone — mainly granite and marble. Granite and marble are not only beautiful materials, but they’re also durable, stain-resistant, long-lasting, and easy to maintain.
Steps to Installing the Most Beautiful Kitchen Sink
As with any cabinet or countertop installation, the first step is to measure what you’ll need and where you’ll be putting it.
You can measure all over again after you’ve picked out your material and style of sink. These measurements will let us know if we can install a new one in place of the old one or plan to move around anything else, such as big appliances like ovens or dishwashers.
Once it’s figured out and written down on paper with dimensions that mean something to someone other than yourself (and perhaps an engineer). You’re ready to start looking at the variety of different kinds of kitchen sinks out there.
Here are some of the more common options for your consideration:
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Stainless Steel
This is pretty much the standard for a kitchen sink these days and comes in many different sizes. If you’re worried about a stainless-steel sink not matching the marble/granite countertop, then you can always go with a less shiny version that has more of a brushed finish to it.
These generally come in a double bowl style only, instead of having one smaller side and one larger side, which saves on space nicely if you’re looking at putting two separate ones into your new layout.
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Enameled Cast Iron
There’s something about old-timey kitchens that people love nowadays. It might be because there’s such a wide variety of styles that could fit into this category, ranging from the rustic farmhouse look to that of a sleek and modern design.
Even if you want it to look like anything else, an enameled cast iron sink will be ideal for you! It’s resistant to chips and cracks and will keep its color well over time.
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Fireclay
This style is quickly becoming very popular among homeowners looking for a more modern feel, and with so many different colors and styles to choose from, it’s not hard to see why.
Offering an extremely durable surface with the same stone look that marble and granite offer, you can’t go wrong by choosing a fireclay sink instead.
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Glass
If you’re looking for something that stands out in your new kitchen, then glass might be just what you’re looking for. It looks good no matter what kind of design style you’ve chosen to go with (traditional, modern, rustic), and since it can come as either under-mounted or drop-in, we’ll be able to install it exactly where we need to for you.
The only downside is that they tend to show water stains easily, but that’s something you can clean up with a bit of stainless-steel cleaner every once in a while.
What Are the Characteristics of Granite/Marble?
Granite is a naturally occurring stone made up of interlocking mineral crystals, while marble is limestone that has been metamorphosed by heat and pressure. This means they both have the same properties:
- Granite/marble sinks can handle temperature changes.
- Solid surfaces are non-porous, which makes them surprisingly easy to clean.
- They resist mold and mildew growth.
- Granite/marble sinks are very durable and long-lasting.
What Makes Granite A Unique Kitchen Countertop?
Kitchen sinks made of granite have the same crystalline structure as stone, making them hard to chip or crack. Granite is naturally anti-microbial – it has germicidal properties that prevent things from growing inside the cracks and nooks of the stone. It’s also highly heat resistant, so it won’t crack when exposed to extreme temperature changes, such as when you boil water or wash a pan in boiling water.
Designers can sculpt granite into custom shapes and sizes, making it possible for sinks to fit any kitchen countertop design. Just make sure you get one big enough for your needs.
What Are the Characteristics of Marble Designs?
Carrara, Calacatta, Gold Vein, White Nova, Black Galaxy.
Did you notice all those different patterns? That’s what makes marble unique. Each slab is unique in design and color. No two pieces are the same, and no two sinks made from marble will look exactly alike.
Fossilized remains of seashells give marble its signature white or cream color; tiny black flecks known as “spider web” make it gray. The only downside to the natural patterns in marble is that they can be challenging to clean if you have a sink full of nooks and crannies.
What Makes Marble a Unique Kitchen Countertop?
Marble is easier to clean than granite — it’s still non-porous, but the smooth surface doesn’t absorb liquid as porous stone does. Just make sure you use only mild soap and water and avoid acidic and abrasive cleaners (like chlorine bleach) since they can cause permanent damage to some marble slabs.
What Is the Best Material for A Kitchen Sink?
It’s a matter of personal preference: while granite sinks are more heat-resistant and durable, marbles offer a wide variety of unique patterns that add flair to your kitchen design. It all depends on what you care about most.
No kitchen is complete without a sink, and no granite or marble countertop is complete without its companion sink. Make sure you pick the perfect one for your kitchen’s needs and style! Explore our Stone Countertop gallery to discover our latest designs. You can also contact us for more information from our professionals.