There are many options for kitchen sinks today. You should be able to find a sink that looks great, is durable and will not require a lot of work to maintain. One of the first decisions you should make is how the sink will be attached to your countertop.
Some of the most common ways to mount a kitchen sink are:
Undercounter
Drop-in
Surface-Mounted
Tile in
Flush mount
Self rimming
Metal frame
Wall-mount
If you regularly wash large pots, pans or bowls maybe you would prefer a large, extra deep single bowl sink.
Other kitchen sink configurations are:
Single-bowl
Double-bowl
Triple-bowl
Another consideration is the type of faucet and accessories that you will have for your sink. This will help you determine the number and size of holes will you need for the faucet, handles, sprayer, soap dispenser. Also will any or all of those items be mounted on the countertop? Some newer faucets are an all in one type where only a single hole is required.
Kitchen sinks are made from a large range of materials. The most popular and inexpensive choice is the stainless steel sink.
Stainless Steel Sink
They are easy to maintain and come in a variety of quality levels.
Concrete Sink
Concrete countertops are hot today, with recent advances in color design and polishing you can have a spectacular looking concrete countertop with the sink formed right in.
Apron Sink
An apron sink is a bottom-mount kitchen sink with a specific position. It is a traditional kitchen fixture often called a farmhouse sink.
Stone Sink
Stone sinks made from granite, marble and other hard stones will add a dramatic look and character to your kitchen. Stone sinks are more difficult to maintain and hard on dishes.
Solid Surface Sink
Solid surface sinks are becoming very popular as they are permanently bonded into the kitchen countertops, they are easy to clean and scratch and stain resistant, won’t trap dirt, mold and mildew. Another benefit is germs and odors can’t penetrate into the material.
Porcelain Sink
Porcelain is a mixture of glass and fireclay, have a beautiful shiny surface. They can break from a hard hit. They tend to be more difficult to maintain and show stains easily.
Enamel Sink
Enamel sinks are less costly than solid surface and porcelain sinks. They are less durable as they can be chipped from dropping dishes or pots and pans in them. Enamel kitchen sinks require more maintenance and keeping it clean can be a chore.
Soapstone Sink
Soapstone has been used for ages through out the world. Setting hot pots or pans directly in your soapstone sink will not affect the surface. Soapstone is non-porous, it is resistant to bacteria and chemicals. Soapstone is a very durable material, but it can be scratched, usually they can be sanded out.
Copper or Brass Sink
Copper or Brass sinks are expensive, are durable but scratches more easily than other materials and can be damaged by hot pots and pans. Copper sinks are resistant to stains, discoloration and germs, however to maintain a bright, shiny finish, it must be polished and waxed regularly.