When building or remodeling a kitchen, you have a lot of decisions to make, and one of those is what kind of sink you want to include in your designs. A sink is an essential part of the kitchen, but you have to decide what unit will be best for your space. We’re not talking about the faucet or other hardware here. You’ve got a lot of options when choosing the sink itself.

Ask yourself a few questions as you navigate through the different kinds of sinks, and consider load volume. How many dishes do you usually do at once? Do you cook a lot? Will a large number of people be using the sink? Do you have a dishwasher? Do you have a baby that will be bathed in the sink? Keep these things in mind as you review a few of the basic sink distinctions.

Mounting

When choosing the kind of sink you prefer, take your countertops into careful consideration. Installation will depend on how you mount your sink, and not all countertops are up to the challenge.

Drop-In 

Drop-in sinks rest on top of the countertop and are the easiest to install because they are compatible with any type of countertop. They are also called top-mounted kitchen sinks or self-rimming sinks. Because drop-in sinks sit on top of the countertop, they have a lip around the perimeter of the unit. The sink is not flush with the counters.

Undermount

If you need to be really thorough in your kitchen scouring or just like easy cleanup, you’ll be pleased to know that undermount sinks connect seamlessly to the countertop. Crumbs and spills can be swept right into the sink without worrying about a lip. This gives them a discrete design that is minimalistic and streamlined.

Undermount sinks are usually slightly more expensive than drop-ins, and their biggest challenge is that they cannot be mounted to all kinds of counters. Marble, granite, and quartz countertops are strong enough to hold up the weight of the unit.

Farmhouse Sinks 

The farmhouse sink design is defined by a deep sink with an exposed front-facing side. This exceptionally large kind of sink comes with a bigger price tag but allows for excellent functionality and a breezy and, yes, farmhouse appearance. If you like the craft look and need a lot of elbow room in the sink, consider a farmhouse unit.

Integrated Sinks

Integrated sinks are the most expensive choice with the most involved installation. These units are built into the countertop at installation. This makes them rimless and very easy to clean with a luxurious and streamlined appearance. They are usually made of metal or stone since the countertop is made of the same material.

Number of Bowls

A sink doesn’t have to be a glorified hole in the countertop. The number of bowls you choose should be compatible with your kitchen habits, and the kind of sink you choose may not keep you from splitting things up a bit.

Single Bowl

Having a single bowl sink is certainly the most straightforward option. It means that your sink is one uninterrupted space. These can be as large as the sink will allow. Farmhouse sinks, as we mentioned, are defined by being large and having only one bowl, but the choice is also good for small spaces. If you don’t have a lot of room to work with, consider keeping it simple. This kind of sink is easy to clean and can be as deep as the cabinetry will allow.

Double Bowl

Having two sections in your sink is a good strategy for multitasking. It can help segment washed from unwashed dishes or produce. The bowls can be of equal or unequal height. The length and breadth of each side can be different as well. Be aware that, in general, double bowl sinks take up more space than a sink with a single bowl

Drainboard Included

If you want to split up your sink for functionality, it doesn’t have to be with another bowl. You could opt to incorporate a drainboard into the design. The surface of a drainboard slopes so it drains directly into the sink. The feature is good for draining produce or drying dishes.

Material

The kind of sink you incorporate into your kitchen design is as much about material as it is about shape. Here are a few common sink materials.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a common and budget-friendly sink material. It is easy to clean and holds up well under heavy use.

Stone

Marble or granite are common stone choices for making sinks. They look very elegant, but if they are not properly maintained, stone sinks can chip, stain, or even slime over.

Copper

Copper sinks look chic but can make washing the dishes a noisy job.

Enamel

Enamel coating for stainless steel sinks is made by fusing the enamel with glass to give it a shiny appearance. This kind of sink is very customizable, and the smooth surface makes them easy to clean.