How to choose the right Kitchen Sink (2022 UPDATED!!)

[@mckayapozzi1404]

New homeowner here!!🎉 We’re re-doing our kitchen before move in. I know NOTHING about kitchens and this video was helpful. Thank you!

[@TheMaterialBar]

Hey thanks for joining us! There is so much to know so you can make the right decisions!! Let me know if you have a specific question. Also we have a free remodeling group where we answer your questions during planning and remodel if you want to join us :-) www.skool.com/thematerialbar/about

[@VP-dd7gv]

More pics of the different types of sinks would have been helpful. Whether it was apron, farmhouse or copper. I'm making changes in my kitchen so I was able to keep up but for someone less familiar with styles, pics would be helpful. Also different pics are inspirational. I'm still on my journey to decide.

[@TheMaterialBar]

Hey thanks for watching!! Yes, we are trying to get better and better with our video content. I hope it still helped and good luck on your project!

[@kidsintrouble]

I remodeled a kitchen 20 years ago I feel so lost. Glad to find you😊

[@TheMaterialBar]

Yeah awesome, I'm happy you're here! 🙂

[@JeanneKinland]

I get the impression this lady really knows her stuff. Perfect!

[@TheMaterialBar]

You're sweet thanks :-) Myself and our team really enjoy putting together kitchens!! 🙂

[@judidickson7410]

Your videos are very helpful and full of practical info! If you could imbed more photos to illustrate your examples it would be fantastic!

[@TheMaterialBar]

Hi Judi!! Thanks so much for watching and I'll make sure to add more moving forward!! We took off during the Holiday season but will be back full swing next week !! 🙂

[@cejateresa13]

I’m remodeling and I going towards a fireclay sink single bowl. Thank you for this video

[@TheMaterialBar]

Hi friend!! Thank you for watching and good luck on your project!!

[@pennysebanc4200]

Thank you so much for all the valuable information. I will certainly subscribe

[@TheMaterialBar]

You're awesome 🙂

[@cheriehumphrey5657]

Hi Kirsten: another couple MAJOR decision points are the the size of the sink and be sure to explain the the cabinet below has to be a certain size to accommodate the sink and the number or configuration of bowls in sink; and now there are also workstation sinks. So it would help if an expert could help people take into consideration the way they work at their sink and what type of sink would be best. 🥰

[@TheMaterialBar]

Hi Cherie!! Thank you for your comment, those are all great points!!

[@TonyTundra5.7]

Fire clay undermount single bowl off set drain white farm house utility sink I didn't even know utility sinks existed once I saw the features and accessories sold and a ceramic disc faucet must have.

[@TheMaterialBar]

Tony thanks for watching!!!

[@lostinmyspace4910]

My choice...quartz undermount sink with duel bowl and lower divider. I've learned so much with this video. And if the viewers are listening to this video and absorbing all Kerstin has to offer professionally, then give this gal a THUMBS UP!!! It's difficult enough to create content information, then put it into concise video arrangement, but the editing, and getting the video to a finished product is time consuming. Give her a THUMBS UP if you learned anything here.. I know I did. THUMBS UP!!!

[@TheMaterialBar]

Thank you!! You just made my day!! I took a little time off from making videos but we will be back in the swing of things soon!! I am happy to hear you are finding the videos helpful 🙂

[@lahaza6515]

Wonderful & helpful. I really don't mean this in a mean way at all because you are well spoken & lovely, but one thing that would make a huge difference in presentation would be to say something like; "You'll have no scratching" or "You won't have any scratching" "You won't get any scratching" vs "you don't have no scratching." "You don't have no scratching" doesn't sound like you're as well spoken as you obviously are.

[@TheMaterialBar]

I appreciate it thank you! I am trying, English is my second language 🙂

[@lahaza6515]

If it's your second language you are doing amazing!

[@TheMaterialBar]

@@lahaza6515 Thank you!!! :-) Haha my office laughs when I say Aluminium!

[@lahaza6515]

Well, you c an get a laugh too; just ask them to speak in your language:))@@TheMaterialBar

[@redabdab]

@@TheMaterialBarseriously?! Wow! Your English is amazing for a non native!

[@garrywilkinson8677]

Wow..really appreciated your video as there were so many invaluable points raised that in the end would save money and aggravation

[@TheMaterialBar]

Thanks so much for watching!!

[@sonjaswart9866]

I have a fibreglass sink😅 for 30 years plus and it still looks like the day I bought it.

[@TheMaterialBar]

That is awesome Sonja and great feedback for everyone watching!!

[@miloo3969]

I just got a fiberglass sink for my sis who lives alone. Will it be hardy enough for the next 10 years. I got it out of ignorance and not know if hot pots could damage the fiberglass you think ?

[@sonjaswart9866]

@@miloo3969 I renovated my kitchen recently and put in everything brand new and modern...except my 30 year old fibreglass sink which I love and put right back as it was. It will probably last for the rest of my life and my daughter is likely going to have good use of it too when I'm gone.

[@KrissyReloaded]

I'm remodeling my kitchen and I've leaving heavily toward a copper sink. They are infinitely recyclable, which is important to me. But also because as you touched on, people aren't putting copper sinks in boring kitchens.

[@TheMaterialBar]

Hey Krissy!!! I'm excited for you!! Yes, I think a copper sink can be such a cool feature especially in a more eclectic setting! I hope it all turns out stunning 🙂

[@tjcuillier7024]

We're planning our kitchen remodel now and would love a quartz si k. But with absolute sticker shock on the entire project, will instead be going with stainless. We'll go smaller to get the base cabinets we want. We're thinking an offset drain vs a center drain would give us better under sink storage. 🤞🏼LOL...my family used to always say 'unthaw'. Until we thought about what we were saying. To 'unthaw' is to freeze.

[@TheMaterialBar]

Lol that is funny....we'll I say a lot of weird things coming from Germany lol. My mom says we speak Germanican 🙂 Good luck on your project!!

[@trinaroe5132]

The other issue with under mount deeper sinks is back issues when using them, according to family & friends who have switched, because they are having to bend more!

[@TheMaterialBar]

Hey yes, that is certainly something to think about!! Thanks for tuning in!!

[@1979royalknight]

I chose a commercial Regency 65" stainless steel single bowel (23"x17"x12") sink with 2 drainboards. I have made it into a workstation sink. I am going for the commercial kitchen look.

[@TheMaterialBar]

How fun Jeff!!! I bet it will look amazing! Good luck on your project and thanks for leaving your comment!

[@manax8775]

Very clear explanation of this topic. Thank you.

[@TheMaterialBar]

Thanks for watching!

[@chelseacaminiti1257]

Would you possibly make a video on what size sink you recommend for different size islands? I’m currently building and will have a 6 foot island with the sink in the island, and have no idea what size sink I should get! I want the sink to be big but not over take the island! P.s. I love your videos. They are all so helpful!

[@TheMaterialBar]

Hi Chelsea!! Thank you so much for watching 🙂 Ok, to help you right away with your sink, I suggest you get a table (do it on the floor or use cardboard) and blue tape off the size of the island. Then blue tape off the size of your sink. What will be important is the landing space on either side of the sink. According to the national Kitchen & Bath Association, you want to have at least 24" prep area on one side of the sink and 18" on the other side. Now remember, those are all planning guidelines for a perfect scenario and it's ok to not always hit these numbers perfectly. You will most likely have your dishwasher in the island, then you will need let's say about 1.5" for an end panel (Dishwasher return panel), then you will want let's say a 18" waste unit pull out on the other side of the sink. This could leave you with 28.5" which you could use for your sink base. I think you could find a single bowl sink that would fit (and max out) this sink base size and you would find the size sufficient. Typically when people remodel, their old sinks are so shallow that just going for a deeper sink and single bowl sink will already feel so much bigger. In this scenario the sink will not be centered which in a smaller island is more noticable and it will all depend on your personal preference. In the US I feel like clients sometimes are more worried about symmetry versus function, in Europe we are always more focused on function and using the kitchen keeping body ergonomics in mind so you will find a lot more a-symmetry in kitchens. I hope this helps!! 🙂

[@gardinerillustration]

Wow, so helpful! Thank you so much!

[@TheMaterialBar]

hey thanks so much for watching!!

[@Bob_in_Vista]

They do make undermount sinks for laminate countertops. Formica has a web page with information on what kind of undermount sinks will work for this application.

[@TheMaterialBar]

Hi Robert, yes it's a very new product to wrap around the edge when using undermount with Laminate countertops. There are a few companies that offer this product these days. Thanks for watching and tuning in!!

[@anitamurray7176]

Thanks for the insight on sinks. Very helpful!

[@TheMaterialBar]

Thanks much for watching!!

[@gigib7977]

I was considering a composite sink but I want a glossy finish and composite sinks only have a matte finish. I think that is a negative therefore, I’m going with a fire clay sink

[@TheMaterialBar]

Yes if glossy I recommend fireclay or porcelain. Thank you for watching and good luck on your project!!

[@nataliemcleod198]

I've had a soapstone sink to match my countertops for BOUT 15 YearS. I've loved it but admit that the sink now looks pretty 'dinged up'. I know it can be polished but don't really want to do that. Also, my corners are very sharp Squares and are difficult to clean. To wrap, I love the material and I don't mind that the soft soapstone is 'dinged' by heavy pots and pans. I would look for a sink with rounded corners to help with cleaning if doing it again.

[@TheMaterialBar]

Hey Natalie, sorry for missing your comment. I went through my spam and found several notes in there. What a great comment and thank you for sharing your experience with having an integrated soapstone sink along with your countertops. This is great information even for myself to share with clients in the future. Thanks for watching!! 🙂

[@pegscrap5482]

Nice overview and lots of good "heads-up" warnings about easily overlooked factors. But I'm curious that you did not mention soap stone as a material. I've heard it's really good and wears well. A couple people I know have it and love it. Thanks!

[@TheMaterialBar]

Hi! Thanks for watching! I'll include it next time, I haven't any request or talk about it in a while but I think with where trends are going of spaces feeling more homey again it will gain in use again!! It's a beautiful stone!

[@amscott24]

Super informative. Thank you!

[@TheMaterialBar]

Thanks for watching Scott!

[@TheMaterialBar]

I hope this helps everyone with choosing the right sink for their project!! If you have more questions please post in the comments and I'll answer. Thank you all for watching!!

[@keisha772]

Very informative. Which brand of copper sinks do you suggest? Are copper sinks from specialty stores a higher quality than from big box stores?

[@TheMaterialBar]

@@keisha772 Talked to my favorite person Ashley over at Keller Supply (large Plumbing Retailer in the West Coast) and here is her feedback: On Copper there is most definitely a difference between qualities between manufacturers. All copper is recycled. How it's processed into the new product is the important portion. I quality manufacturing process filters out the impurities. Copper is also a living product; thus it will always be changing. Leaving acidic material such as ketchup will pull the patina off of the sink. (It will become shiny again) Attached are some links to products we offer that are quality. Try Native Trails: nativetrailshome.com/copper/ or Thompson: thompsontraders.com/help/ I hope this helps!! Kerstin

[@tinuthomas19]

Hi Kerstin, possibly you can give a good advice. We recently built a home. We actually purchased a sink that could be under mount or drop in. It was supposed to go under mount but they accidentally installed as drop in. Now, we like to change it. The problem is, we cannot get a sink that is wide enough (front to back). Otherwise, we have to change the quartz countertop. My builder suggested to go for integrated sink with same quart material of countertop and they can build one. They can make it waterproof. However, it drains thru around the sides of sink. Like to get your valuable thoughts on this.

[@TheMaterialBar]

Hi Thomas and thanks for reaching out. That's a tough on. Typically it's very difficult to line up the cutout to make this work. Plus, the fabrication shop may have simply cut out the hole for your sink and not detailed the edge around it and polish it. Typically you would have to replace the whole countertop. I am not sure if your builder can find a way around it and if it will work but I wish you the best of luck!!

[@tinuthomas19]

Thanks for your input. I’ll post the pictures and/or videos before and after. Hope, they will do a great job.

[@TheMaterialBar]

Ok cool thanks @@tinuthomas19 !!

[@claranoelledances]

*this being the first thing that pops up when i try to find that one tøp song*

[@cherylannfulton5448]

Thank you. I always enjoy your videos. I am redoing my entire kitchen post water damage. I am going with a single stainless steel sink. My question is: do you recommend square or rounded corners for the sink? Thank you!

[@TheMaterialBar]

Hi Cheryl, thanks for tuning in!! It depends on your kitchen style and personal preference. I personally love the more squared sinks as they just look more modern. I hope this helps and good luck with your kitchen!

[@Olivia_reyna444]

Leaning towards a fire clay farm house sink but I’ve also seen ceramic, do you recommend ceramic? What are some pros or cons. Thank you!

[@TheMaterialBar]

Hi Crystal, thanks for watching! There are several pro's and con's discussed in the video. On top of that I really recommend visiting your local Ferguson or Keller Supply. They are plumbing wholesale showrooms but also work on the retail side. Their team has the best knowledge about any plumbing fixtures and you get to see a ton of sinks so you can test and feel them. I hope this helps!!

[@anituzman]

I enjoyed your video and your enthusiasm! Question: I do not see a link to your favorite granite composite company. Thanks!

[@TheMaterialBar]

Hey friend, thanks for watching!! You know for Granite / Quartz composite sinks I love Elkay and Kohler, they have great models and lots of choices and I just know the quality will be there. I hope this helps!!

[@Hevssolutions]

@thematerialbar great video and I love the fact you brought up the difference between single and double bowl sinks. I’ve been working on a sink divider you can install anywhere in a single bowl sink and create a double sink within it. Keeping all the water on one side and dry on the other side of the divider. Do you believe there’s a market for this? I have a very workable prototype and getting ready to seek licensing deals with a big household brand name.

[@TheMaterialBar]

Hi Jeremy, how interesting and thanks for watching! I do believe there is a market, it will be more about education and letting people know it exists. I can see myself wanting the single bowl for every day use of space but I can also use the double bowl in certain situations. Very cool, good luck!

[@dianamcgarry3742]

I have had a black granite composite sink for may years. We are redesigning our kitchen and I don't wasn't a dark-colored sink. I see a lot of consumer comments complaining of white to light composite getting hard-to-remove stains. This is regardless of manufacturer, so I'm concerned. What is the common complaint professionals get?

[@TheMaterialBar]

It's hard to really get feedback several years down the line, I just know from showroom samples of light or even dark composite sinks if it's more like an off brand I can take my nail and have visible lines in the material. If you work with a supplier like Elkay you can get info on their warranty. I recommend visiting a plumbing outfit like Keller Supply or Ferguson and talk to their team. They are very knowledgable and can make the best recommendations. Thanks for watching!

[@miloo3969]

How about fiberglass sink ? Not worried about stains. Is fiberglass heat resistant and durable. Hope you can advise. Thank you for this video ❤

[@TheMaterialBar]

Hi! Thanks for watching! You know I have not used a lot of Fiberglass sinks or at least where I was able to get green from my clients so I can’t really advise. Maybe someone watching this video can give us their feedback 👍

[@kathleendippner1757]

We've had a composite sink for 11 years and I don't like it. We have really hard water and the water softener was installed to bypass the kitchen cold. My sink is very dusty looking from the hard water and it doesn't come off no matter what. We're going to replace it with stainless in the near future.

[@TheMaterialBar]

kathleen thank you for your comment and sharing your experience with everyone! I think water hardness is something to think about when choosing your sink depending on the area you live in. Also plumbing fixture qualities have HUGE ranges and also something to think about. Now, I have no idea if your sink was a certain brand but definiltey something to keep in mind. Good luck and thanks for watching!!

[@corasutton8072]

Thank you for the very informative video! Are their any stainless steel fingerprint resistant?

[@TheMaterialBar]

The higher quality of brand you choose you will see better results. Kohler is definitely a great brand that has made so many great improvements to your average stainless steel sinks.

[@corasutton8072]

Thank you. We have a farmhouse sink that’s not fingerprint resistant and I want to replace it. I just don’t see it written anywhere that it’s fingerprint resistant like most kitchen appliances.

[@TheMaterialBar]

@@corasutton8072 I don't think I have ever really seen that with sinks either. I suggest talking with a plumbing outfit like Keller Supply or Ferguson and talk to the sales rep on getting very indepth answers on that and which sink would be the best fit. That's what I would do here and would take my client there :-) I hope this helps!!

[@corasutton8072]

Thank you!

[@michaelkagan6910]

Hello May I ask why you did not talk about Soapstone sinks?

[@TheMaterialBar]

Just because I don't have people asking for it...it's a lot more of a specialty sink. But very cool!

[@agoodwhile986]

What are your thoughts on sinks placed in the corner? Not on an angle, but an actual "L" shaped sink like the ones from the Galley Workstation collection.

[@TheMaterialBar]

Typically the angled ones are not a good solution as they have to sit further back to work but the L-shape is a very interesting concept!! I've never had a situation where someone was open to trying it. I think it's a more transitional / modern look so it has to be the right person to try it but yes I'd love to try and use it out. If you do, please let us all know how you like it. I do believe it would be a great solution! Thanks for leaving your comment 🙂

[@jeffsiemens4485]

With a single bowl sink, what do you do when you want to let your clean but dishes dry out? Put them on the counter top? I’ve been paying attention to how we use our double sink and we use one of the bowls quite often to dry dishes.

[@TheMaterialBar]

Jup I put them on the counter but like I said, this is all a personal preference and I still get many customers who prefer their dual bowl. It really all depends on how you use your sink :-) I Miss my second bowl sometimes for unthawing things.

[@Hevssolutions]

What if there was a divider you could put anywhere in a single bowl sink to make it a double bowl when needed? That is what I’m developing and have a great working prototype!!

[@juliedunivin4134]

What are your thoughts on white stainless steel?

[@TheMaterialBar]

Hi Julie!! I have never done a white Stainless steel but I am super excited to try! I think it's a great solution for getting the porcelain look but for a nicer entry way price. I'm curious if you give it a try how it turns out! Good luck with your project 🙂

[@arod5002]

What brand is the fireclay sink?

[@TheMaterialBar]

Hi and thanks for watching!! I couldn't tell, it was images searched from Pinterest. But we work with Keller Supply in our area and they would source fireclays from Kohler, American Standard and Elkay. Those are good brands. Take care!!

[@Geronimo2Fly]

I don't know what the material is that my sink is made out of, as it was in the house when I purchased it 25 years ago. However, it still looks brand new. No scratches, no stains, no chips, nothing -- and I'm not gentle on my sink. I'm certain it's none of the materials mentioned in this video. I wish I knew what it was.

[@TheMaterialBar]

Hey I would also love to know what material it is! That would be great feedback for everyone. Thank you for watching!! 🙂

[@jmenta77]

What about cast iron?

[@wendydenney8864]

You didn’t mention refurbished or vintage sinks, which is what I am most interested in…especially ones with legs and drain boards

[@charlesreed8244]

I am considering a Black Granite/Quartz composite... I heard you recommend a good brand so it will not scratch or stain but you did not give a brand(s). Can you please recommend a brand or two that I should consider? There are soooo many of them in the market like Karran, Franke, Blanco, etc.. just don't know what to consider.

[@TheMaterialBar]

Cosentino has great natural stone and quartz options, I also like Caesarstone, Cambria, Pental Quartz and LG Viatera. These are all your higher quality big brands to consider. Thanks for watching Charles and good luck on your project!!

[@jstones9872]

what about workstation sink systems?

[@TheMaterialBar]

They are super fun but in most kitchens we don't have enough space to fit them. They take up roughly 3 cabinets and with that storage of those cabinets. If you do go the route of a work station sink, Bellmont is one of the suppliers that has designed a specific cabinet to house this unit which is pretty unique. Thanks for watching!!

[@jstones9872]

@@TheMaterialBar thanks for the response. We purchased the Franke Pescara wkc 32”. 🤷‍♂️

[@TheMaterialBar]

@@jstones9872 Franke is a great brand, I'm sure you'll enjoy it!!

[@nufaysahnadhira5505]

Is black good or steel is good for kitchen

[@TheMaterialBar]

Hi, thanks for tuning in! I don't think I understand the question quite fully. Black is very nice in kitchens, I have it in mine!!

[@rbergman4108]

Hey Kerstin, thanks for the video! Very informative, as we're trying to decide on which type of sink is right for our kitchen remodel. I'm wondering if you can answer a question for me. It seems that everyone I talk to is telling me to get a farmhouse sink. But when I ask them why, the only answer I've gotten is, "because they're huge and you can fit so much in them! I love mine!" I'm thinking I can also get a really big single-basin sink that's non-farmhouse style that would do the trick. Can you tell me if there are other differences between a farmhouse sink and one that's not (besides the apron front)?

[@TheMaterialBar]

Hey thanks for tuning in! In short, there is no difference other than the front and the farm house is a little deeper from front to back. I actually don't do a ton of farmhouse sink because you really use it only if you are going for that true farmhouse style. I've done several in porcelain and then stainless steel per customer request. Stainless you have to be very careful as the apron front is very prone to scratching. In all my personal projects I've used standard single bowl undermount sinks and that is always my preference but it all depends on the overall look you're trying to achieve. I can tell you a standard single bowl is huge and more than enough for most people. I hope this helps!!

[@rbergman4108]

Thanks, Kerstin! Yes it helps, and I appreciate the insight from your professional experience. I'm getting lots of great info from your videos.

[@TheMaterialBar]

@@rbergman4108 That's awesome, I appreciate the feedback and will keep them coming!!

[@02waverider]

I maybe incorrect but what iv noticed is your cabinet doors under the farmhouse sink are much smaller and much harder to retrieve items unless you install a slide

[@justaperson7130]

You are totally correct and for that reason alone I'll never do one again.@@02waverider

[@trustlivelikeit]

Hi Lady! How wide and deep is the sink in the back of the video? Is this your kitchen? gorgeous!!

[@TheMaterialBar]

Hi Diana, thanks for watching!! Thank you yes this is my kitchen and I am so in love with it!! It's a standard 31" wide sink and I believe it's about 10" deep or so. It's a single bowl 16ga stainless steel with a sink grid in the bottom. Thanks much!

[@trustlivelikeit]

@@TheMaterialBar no, thank you for replying. This helps! I’m doing my kitchen and i’m teying to figure out if 24 in wide is enough for me (i have a small kitchen). Thanks lady!!

[@TheMaterialBar]

@@trustlivelikeit You know a single bowl 24" is big enough to get everything done, If this is what needs to happen for your overall design to work I wouldn't worry too much about that sink size. Good luck lady!!

[@trustlivelikeit]

@@TheMaterialBar thank you for your help. Much appreciated. 💗

[@johannaemke2045]

Great video, thanks

[@vcckidsconnection5105]

You refer to things, but don't show any pictures. I didn't always know what you were talking about. You seemed to know your stuff though. Thanks.

[@TheMaterialBar]

Thanks for watching!! We're taking a little break as we moved into a bigger showroom but when we record again, we'll make sure to add more images! I appreciate you watching 🙂

[@kennethwillis5503]

I hate single bowl 😅

[@TheMaterialBar]

Haha I love it!

[@cjp1525]

We need pictures, to give an idea of what you’re talking about.

[@pennygonzalez8309]

lol you don't want to give away your age? You look 13.

[@TheMaterialBar]

hahahaha I do look like I am 13 with this filter...sorry about that hahahahah We got rid of the camera hahahha

[@jeffsiemens4485]

Useful and interesting, however “you don’t have ‘no’ scratching” is a double negative and doesn’t come across as a very educated way of speaking.

[@TheMaterialBar]

Thank you Jeff Siemens, as being born and raised in Germany until I was 24 and now living in the US for 9 years, I do believe my english is pretty good. Maybe I'll try the next video in German my mother language for you?

[@jeffsiemens4485]

@@TheMaterialBar Haha, I’m so sorry. Your English is so good I didn’t even realize it was your second language. I take back what I said. Your English is perfect. 🙈

[@TheMaterialBar]

@@jeffsiemens4485 Haha lol I appreciate it!! :-) Thanks for watching!!

[@carolschedler3832]

😮