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.
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.
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.
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.
Where this
material scores over others is in the large range of colours available.
You can choose a contrasting colour or one that can exactly match your
worktop choice. Impact resistance is also a serious plus in the family
kitchen environment.