Avoid Remodeling Regrets: Top Sink Considerations Before You Renovate

It is crucial to strike a balance between function and cost when designing a kitchen, as most of us work within budget constraints. In this blog post, I'll be discussing a seemingly self-serving yet valid point – the importance of investing in a high-quality kitchen sink. My 45 years of experience in the kitchen industry has taught me the potential consequences of skimping on this essential kitchen component.

The kitchen sink is a fixture that, once installed, is not only expensive to replace but also significantly challenging to upgrade. A considerable portion of my business revolves around rectifying poorly designed and constructed sinks, many that have since been discontinued. In these situations, a professional must be hired to modify the countertop to accommodate a new sink. In the worst-case scenarios, if you're unable to find a suitable replacement, you may have no choice but to replace the entire countertop and backsplash, owing to the unavailability of matching materials.

Now, let's compare the replacement process for other kitchen appliances. Refrigerators are generally easy and inexpensive to replace, requiring minimal labor and material costs. Faucets can be swapped out with relatively low effort and cost, typically involving a plumber's trip charge and minor labor fees. Cooktops are often simple to replace, although some cases may necessitate countertop cutting and an electrician's services; however, these instances are rare, as most cooktops are top-mounted and therefore straightforward to switch out. Ovens and microwaves, too, are often similar in size and easy to replace.

 In essence, it is important to consider the areas where it's beneficial to make an investment and those where it's acceptable to be more economical. 

These are some sink materials that you might want to research before investing your hard earned money!

1. Fireclay - In my opinion, fireclay has too many potential negative issues. These are some of the complaints I have read about on Houzz.com about fireclay sinks.  

Fireclay sinks may not drain properly. Several people have mentioned that they have to squeegee out their sink to remove the water. Responses from manufacturers indicate this is not covered under warranty in most cases. I have also seen photos where the fireclay has chipped or crazed (hairline cracks).  According to the person that posted the image to the left, this is a Rohl sink. Hairline cracks can appear when very hot water is introduced into the sink when the sink is fairly cool. The glaze cannot react fast enough, and it cracks. 

Another issue I am fully aware of is sizing. All fireclay sink manufacturers indicate the size of the sinks will vary due to the fact that they shrink when put in the kiln to cure. They do their best to be fairly close in dimensional size, however, you might be surprised to find your sink does not fit when it arrives!

2. Cast Iron - I have seen crazing, as seen on the left, happen in cast iron sinks as well. They are also more prone to chipping. Back when I sold cast iron sinks, I had a customer drop an aspirin bottle in a brand new sink and chipped it, causing it to have to be replaced after only two days. To be fair, the majority of these sinks do not have such significant issues. I have spoken to quite a few customers that have had fireclay or cast iron sinks for decades without any issues. These are some common complaints:Staining: Cast iron sinks with a white or light-colored enamel finish can be prone to staining from certain foods or liquids, such as coffee or red wine. Maintenance: Regular maintenance is required to keep cast iron sinks in good condition. This includes cleaning the sink with non-abrasive cleaners and avoiding the use of harsh chemicals that can damage the enamel. For me, the bottom line is... do you want to take the risk with a very expensive fix if one of these issues arises?

3. Soapstone Sinks -  This product has so many potential problems. Most soapstone sinks are made of slab material glued together in some way. I have heard that the vast majority do not drain properly. I have also heard that some have leaked or cracked.  Soapstone sinks can crack under extreme temperature changes, such as placing a hot pot directly onto the surface. It is essential to use trivets or heat-resistant pads to prevent damage. Fireclay, Soapstone and Cast Iron are all very hard materials. You risk breaking delicate glassware if you are not careful. 

4. Granite/Quartz Composite -  

Synthetic granite composite sinks typically contain around 70-80% natural granite stone, which is ground into fine particles, and 30% acrylic or polyester resins. The mixture is then molded into the desired sink shape and cured under high pressure and heat. I have personal experience with a Blanco Silgranit sink. I purchased a white one for my parents many years ago. My mother is Italian and cooks tomato-based dishes, such as marinara sauce, frequently. Her sink was white, and it was stained so badly we could not remove the stain with bleach or any other product we tried. I also had quite a few customers overtighten their disposals or drains and crack their sinks, which resulted in them having to purchase another one. If you are considering a granite composite, I would go with a darker color than white and be very careful with installing the disposal or drain. Check out comments on Houzz.com regarding all of these options before you invest. 

Lastly, in doing my research, this is a partial list of some of the concerns to consider:Susceptibility to heat: Quartz sinks can be damaged by extreme heat. Placing a hot pot or pan directly on the surface may cause discoloration or cracking.

Harsh cleaning chemicals: The use of harsh cleaning chemicals or abrasive materials can damage the finish of a quartz sink, leading to dullness and surface scratches.

Chipping and cracking: Although quartz sinks are durable, they are not immune to chipping or cracking if struck with force. This is especially true around the edges and corners.

Repair difficulty: Repairing a quartz sink can be difficult, as color matching and seamless repairs are challenging. In some cases, replacing the entire sink may be necessary.

 Susceptibility to chipping: While Silgranit sinks are resistant to scratches and heat, they can chip or crack if subjected to significant force, especially around the edges and corners.

It is essential to consider the frequency of use when allocating your budget. The kitchen sink is undeniably the most frequently used appliance in the kitchen. Consequently, it is wise to invest in a sink that provides a pleasant, efficient experience rather than one that causes constant irritation. While it is necessary to balance your kitchen's design with your budget, remember that a high-quality sink can save you time, money, and frustration in the long run.

 About the author:  In the year 2000, I was privileged to be inducted into two distinguished guilds: the Guild of Accredited Cabinetry and Space Planners, as well as the Guild of Professional Kitchen and Bath Planners.  Moreover, my knowledge and proficiency were sought for a significant publication. I served as a named consultant for the Ortho book "How to Design the Perfect Kitchen"  From 1995 to 1999, I journeyed across the U.S. My mission was to lecture on advanced kitchen design techniques to industry professionals.