 SINKS are made from Stainless Steel, Synthetic Resin, and Ceramic materials. Hundreds of sizes and shapes are available although most are made in single, 1.1/2, and double bowl configurations, and a large range of accessories are available, including wire baskets and drainers, strainer bowls, and chopping boards. Most sinks are made to accommodate waste-disposal units.
Most kitchen designs now incorporate ‘inset’ stainless steel or synthetic resin sinks, where they are fitted into cut-outs in the worktop. Some ceramic designs can be inset but most are made as ‘stand-alone’ or under-slung (such as Belfast sinks). STAINLESS STEEL - Available in ‘satin’ (matt) or polished finishes, only accept those made from what is known as Grade 18/10 material. From a cost, ease of maintenance, and durability viewpoint, still a regular choice for many installations. In recent years many new shapes have been introduced, so check them out - your choice might just provide that something different. Certainly, corner sinks are now more common and often use an area, which is difficult to fully exploit otherwise.
French designs of ceramic sinks are usually manufactured from porcelain.
CAST RESINS - Available in a range of qualities, the best of which is a mixture of about 80% quartz crystals bonded with acrylic resins. |
CERAMIC - Most are manufactured from fireclay and the style known best is probably the ‘Belfast’ type - a deep, square or rectangular pot, which is not thought to be very practical if you only have room for one sink in your installation. Shallower, double bowl variants are now available as a more practical solution if you want to create the ‘farmhouse-kitchen’ look. Fireclay versions of inset designs are available.
At the other end of the scale are very cheap designs manufactured totally from plastics, which are difficult to maintain and have a much shorter life span. The guarantees available (upto 20 years) will give you a good guide to the quality.
