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While outdoor kitchens have remained among the top of kitchen trends over the past two years, kitchen sink designs are also becoming popular among US homeowners. For most folks planning and designing their home kitchen in Oak Ridge, TN, the first thing they usually consider is the kitchen sink because when handling kitchen duties, they spent approximately sixty percent of the time at the sink.

A kitchen sink is the heart of your residential kitchen. After choosing your favorite kitchen sink style, the rest of the appliances will obviously find their place nearby. When determining the sink’s size and style, it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional plumbing company at the beginning of the project. Experts from the company will conduct accurate measurements to help you determine the size of the sink and ensure there is a maximum space for the dishwasher next to the sink.

After confirming the size of the kitchen sink, you can select a style that suits your finished kitchen. There are various sink styles you can choose from, ranging from classically traditional to bold modern designs. Below are some of the popular kitchen sink styles that a plumbing company can help install in your kitchen.

Undermount Sinks

Just as the name suggests, an undermount sink is fixed underneath the countertop. It has a clean appearance and is easy to clean as well as maintain. Undermount sinks are only suitable for solid surface counters, including polymer, granite, quartz, or marble. The kitchen countertop fabricator you hire from a plumbing company in Oak Ridge, TN, must be very accurate when handling this type of sink installation. You can opt to have the counter opening from a lip over the sink. Due to their lighter weight, they come in stainless steel designs.

Fireclay Sink

Fireclay sinks are constructed by fusing clay and glaze at extremely high temperatures. They resemble cast iron sinks, but they are long-lasting, and you won’t have to be worried about stains or chips. Unlike a cast iron sink, you can use abrasive cleaners on fireclay sinks.

These sinks come in various styles; hence, you can find the suitable one for your kitchen. The material used for this sink makes it suitable for entertaining and hosting fun events. However, fireclay sinks tend to be costly due to the extensive fabrication process compared to cast iron. Also, if you hire an incompetent plumbing company and the sink is installed incorrectly, it will end up cracking and chipping around the drain.

Stainless Steel Sink

Stainless steel sinks have become trendy, thanks to their appealing look, lightweight, and simple installation. They give your kitchen a lustrous appearance and complement various aesthetics, including industrial cook spaces and traditional designs.

Thick or heavier stainless steel sinks are cheaper compared to lighter steel sinks that tend to be costly. On the downside, these sinks can break easily and are usually be louder. Although the sinks are heat and stain-resistant, they can leave water spots giving them an ugly appearance.

Cast Iron Sink

Cast iron sinks are popular among many folks because of their appealing glossy finish. They are available in various colors ranging from blue and bright white to gray, making them excellent when used in farmhouse and country-inspired homes.

Although cast iron sinks are durable, long-term use of abrasive cleaners can wear down the enamel coating and expose the underlying iron to corrosion. Also, the finish can crack with time, and when washing the dishes, you have to be careful because the hardness of this material can break your dishware.

Granite Composite Sink

Granite composite sinks are created by mixing resins with crushed granite to produce a long-lasting, stain-resistant material. They offer a state-of-the-art and modern aesthetic to your kitchen. Besides being easy to fix minor repairs, granite composite sinks are easy to clean, and due to their density, they can have an inherent sound absorbing quality. On the downside, you may have to hire professionals from a plumbing company to help you come up with additional structural support because these sinks are heavy.

Solid Surface Sink

You might have come across this unique manufactured acrylic resin used for kitchen sinks and countertops. These sinks are available in various colors and offer a flawless transition from the countertop to the sink when used together. The advantage of this type of sink is that the scratches can usually be smoothed, but you can’t place hot dishes or pans inside this sink.

Corner Sink

They come as double-basin sinks that are mounted on a corner of your counter. The two basins are diagonally separated from each other. This design is less common among many households but useful for folks who want to maximize their counter space.

Most individuals tend to avoid corner sinks because they are expensive and challenging to install, and in most cases, you will need to hire a plumbing professional to help you mount the sink. Also, the plumbing professional has to make some custom cuts in the counter, hence increasing the total costs of fitting this sink.

Drop-In Sink

Also referred to as the top-mount sink, this type is common among homeowners and is perfect for a traditional or contemporary kitchen. It is easier to install and can function with any countertop, notwithstanding the sink’s weight.

The manufacturer will prepare a template of the kitchen sink and cut a hole, so when you hire a technician from a plumbing service, they will only have to drop the sink into the opening before fastening it.

In this type of sink, the basin rests on the top; hence, the rim will be visible. Drop-in sinks come in various materials and configurations ranging from composite, double sink, and stainless steel and have many integrated features, including a drainboard. The drawback of these sinks is that they consume your precious counter space, and the lip of the sink can be jammed with food and grime.

Your Reliable Plumbing Company in Oak Ridge, TN

It’s important to work with a licensed plumbing company to ensure all aspects of the project are handled carefully to prevent damage or future problems and ensure the sink functions properly. You can rely on My Professional Plumber for comprehensive plumbing installation for your home or office.

Our plumbing company serves Oak Ridge and nearby areas with comprehensive plumbing services, including repairs, drain cleaning, and garbage disposal service. Therefore, when you are ready to start planning your remodeled or new kitchen, you can contact our plumbing company for a quality installation.