Sink buying guide

Posted on March 6, 2012 at 8:04 pm by kathy Comments Off on Sink buying guide

Although a granite sink is not typically found with granite countertops, it is one of many options for a kitchen or bathroom sink when you install granite counters. A real granite kitchen sink or granite composite sink is heavy and bulky. See What is Granite to learn more.

A granite bathroom sink, many times, is a vessel bowl that sits on top of the stone countertop. Sinks in the kitchen usually fall into three categories… undermount sink, drop-in sink, and apron or farm sink.

Undermount sinks

Undermount sinks sit below the surface of the granite countertops and is attached to the underside of the granite with silicone and mechanical attachments (clips). This type of sink shows off your granite since the hole in the granite has polished sides that are visible.

An undermount sink can be stainless steel, enameled cast iron, or steel, or granite composite. The granite composite bowls, such as Blanco brand, are molded from granite and resin but are not considered true granite sinks. Stainless steel undermount sinks are the most common bowl used with granite countertops. They function well and are reasonably priced.

Drop in Sink

Drop-in sinks or self-rimming sinks as they’re also known are used with granite countertops as well. Drop-in stainless steel sinks are typically not chosen for granite sinks. But enameled iron or steel sinks are. They are usually white, almond, or black and have a glossy finish. They are also quite heavy.

Apron Sinks

Apron sinks can be made of stainless steel, enameled steel, soapstone, fired clay, and granite. As a granite sink the apron style is not typical and matching the stone in the countertops can be difficult. Granite sinks, kitchen placement, have the greatest variety. Apron sinks were common in farm houses years ago and offer a traditional, old-fashioned look in your kitchen.

Bathroom Sinks

In the bathroom, both undermount and drop-in sinks are common. They are generally made of ceramic or china material. For a contemporary look, I have seen undermount stainless steel bathroom vanity sinks.

Vessel bowls are currently a popular style. Made out of a variety of materials, these bowls can sit on top of the countertop or sit down in the countertop. A vessel style granite sink bowl can be polished or rough on the outside. They are typically made from solid blocks of granite.

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