Why Stainless Steel Sinks Are Best When Replacing Countertops
Getting New Countertops? Learn Why Stainless Steel Sinks Are Best
Whether you're remodeling your kitchen, or just replacing your old countertops, it's the perfect time to consider a new sink. Stainless steel sinks have a number of qualities which make them an excellent choice for almost any kitchen. In fact, they are the most popular choice among homeowners and designers because their look is timeless and it compliments other popular stainless steel appliances in the kitchen.
For over half a century, stainless steel sinks have been used in industrial, architectural, culinary, and residential applications. They can stand up to the wear and tear of daily use in the home, and continue looking great for years! While they are rugged, the quality of construction is an important factor for getting great performance and longevity from your stainless steel sink.
In this post we're going to take a look at the benefits of choosing a stainless steel sink for your kitchen, and what you should look for when choosing the perfect sink to meet your needs.
The Advantages of Stainless Steel Sinks
Stainless steel sinks offer homeowners a number of benefits and advantages. They possess a number of qualities that make them the perfect choice for most residential kitchen applications and environments.
• They're Affordable
Stainless steel sinks come in a wide range of prices to meet any budget. From high-end, to extremely affordable, there are models to meet any need and fit any budget.
• They're Extremely Durable
Stainless steel sinks can last a long-time! Stainless is the perfect material for sinks and other applications since it doesn't chip, crack, fade, or stain.
• Bigger Capacity
Because it's relatively lightweight, yet extremely strong, stainless steel can be formed into larger, deeper, bowls than cast iron or other materials.
• Low-Maintenance
Stainless steel is easy to care for, and unaffected by common household chemicals. It retains it's original luster when cleaned with a cleanser and soft towel.
• Accents Details
Designers know that stainless steel sinks and appliances accent the unique architectural details and finishes in the kitchen. The clean lines and cool textures reflect surrounding colors and patterns. Stainless steel is timeless and will complement décor long after trendy colors and materials go out of style.
• It's Recyclable and Eco Friendly
Stainless steel is a recyclable material. It doesn't degrade or lose its properties in the recycling process making stainless steel sinks a good green option!
These are just some of the many benefits you can enjoy when you choose a stainless steel sink for your kitchen.
What to Look For When Shopping For Stainless Steel Sinks
When shopping for a new stainless steel sink there are some key things to look for when reading the label. Like the chemical makeup of the steel, along with the gauge or thickness of the sink, any insulation or coatings, and the sinks finish.
The point is, that by understanding some of the key characteristics of stainless steel, you'll be in a better position to judge the quality of sinks when comparing various manufacturers and specifications.
What Exactly is Stainless Steel?
In the most basic sense, stainless steel is steel that has been combined with another element to give it more beneficial properties than it has alone. Two of the most common that you'll find when shopping for a kitchen sink are chromium and nickel. These elements enhance the quality of the finished product giving it strength and corrosion resistance.
The chromium content of the steel allows for the formation of a rough invisible, corrosion-resisting film of chromium oxide on the surface. This allows the steel to self-heal when damaged mechanically or chemically. The higher the chromium content, the better the corrosion resistance. Nickle gives the finish a lustrous and brighter appearance. Other elements like molybdenum and nitrogen give it other useful properties.
The sink is typically labeled using a ratio, for example, 18:8. In this example, it means that the steel is alloyed with a mixture of 18% chromium, and 8% nickel. The higher the percentage of these elements present, the higher quality of the finished product.
The Gauge or Thickness of the Metal
Gauge refers to the thickness of the metal used to make the sink. It's important to understand that the smaller the gauge number, the thicker the material. While it does seem counter-intuitive, that's the way it was established a long time ago.
Typical stainless steel sink thicknesses range fro 16 gauge, to 22 gauge. The benefit of thicker material is that it is more resistant to dents and dings, is more robust in handling things like the vibration from a garbage disposal, and is less “noisy” than a thinner gauge sink. The gauge is also directly related to the price. Higher gauge sinks generally cost less than thicker (lower gauge) models.
Insulation and Coatings
Stainless steel sinks can sometimes be fitted with sound insulation or coatings to help deaden the sound attenuation. These coatings also work to reduce condensation buildup on the bottom of the unit which can lead to moisture problems in the cabinet. Not all sinks include this feature, but it's worth looking into for reducing the sound, particularly with thinner gauge sinks.
Finish
The finish refers to the surface smoothness of the stainless steel material. A “mirror finish” is a high polish surface that is very smooth, where a brushed finish is duller a more “frosted.” Most finishes, with the exception of a polished mirror finish, will show a uniform “grain” direction that is a result of the brushing/finishing process.
Making The Best Choice
Choosing the best stainless steel sink becomes a matter of pairing your style preferences with the level of quality you can afford based on the characteristics we've already discussed. So:
• Decide on Your Preferences – do you want a double or single bowl, rounded or 90-degree corners, matte, brushed, or polished finish, etc.
• Look for High-Quality Material – seek out stainless steel with a high ration of chromium for example 18:8, 20:10, or 304 stainless.
• Choose the Best Gauge to Meet Your Budget – 16 gauge is excellent, 18 gauge is thinner but still acceptable.
• Look for a Guarantee – seek out manufacturers who offer a good warranty. Whenever possible choose a company that offers a lifetime warranty.
Today, you have many different choices and options to choose from when it comes to stainless steel sinks. Do your research and look for a high-quality material offering a stylish design that is backed with a lifetime warranty.
About Stonelink Marble & Granite
If you're planning a kitchen remodeling project, the best time to invest in a new stainless steel sink is when you replace your countertops. Stonelink Marble & Granite not only offers a wide selection of natural stone and manufactured quartz countertops, but we also offer a full range of stainless steel kitchen sinks too! If you live in the greater Boston MetroWest/ Worcester area, give the experts at Stonelink Marble & Granite a call at (508) 393-0720. We'll be happy to show you all of your options!