A Comprehensive Guide to Kitchen Sinks: Types, Styles, and Finishes

A fundamental fixture and workhorse in the kitchen, the kitchen sink enables you to showcase your style and personality. There are also a wide variety of faucets and finishes to choose from that can help you express your kitchen’s style and design.

Aside from the durable and classic stainless steel, new finishes are making their way into kitchens. A black sink in granite adds elegant drama to complement your counters. Copper sinks are part of the larger mixed metal trend happening in kitchens, plus they’re a fun way to add texture and finesse. Similarly, a fireclay farmhouse style sink can add a cozy yet modern feel to your design.

Drop-in/Topmount Sink

A drop-in sink is one of the easiest types of sinks to install. All you need to do is drop the sink into a pre-cut hole in your countertop and secure it from underneath. The rim of the kitchen sink should rest on the counter for stability. The drop-in sink is much loved for its affordability and versatility as it works with most countertop styles. When opting for a finish, go beyond stainless steel and look for bold materials like copper for an unexpected pop of colour and texture.

Undermount Sink

The opposite of a drop-in or topmount sink, an undermount kitchen sink attaches underneath the countertop with no rim overtop. As a result, it’s important to have a solid-surface countertop for supportive structure. If you’re looking for a sleek look and a surface that’s easy to clean and more counter space, this sink is for you.

Farmhouse/Apron Sink

A farmhouse sink, also known as an apron sink, features single or double basins and a distinguishing front wall that stands out from the counter. This stylish sink is ideal for busy kitchens and washing larger baking pans. It also adds a wonderful accent to any country or farmhouse-themed kitchen décor. Check your cabinetry to ensure it will allow apron front installation. Although a white porcelain finish like fireclay is most popular for this type of sink, stainless steel and copper versions can add a different dimension and look.

Bar Sink

Much smaller than a main kitchen sink, the bar sink is a convenient addition to your home bar or entertaining area. Bar sinks are also handy as an extra prep sink for your kitchen. This would be a great add-on or installation to your kitchen island as well.

Kitchen Sink Materials & Colours

Granite Kitchen Sink

Most granite sinks are actually a composite blend of granite and acrylic resins. It looks and feels like natural stone, but the texture is more uniform, and the cost is much more affordable. These granite sinks are extremely durable and long-lasting, and unlike some sink materials, they will not show any water marks. Multiple mounting styles are available, along with a wide range of shapes, sizes, configurations, colours, and matte finishes.

Key Benefits:

Look and feel of natural stone at a much lower cost
Wide range of design and colour options
Will not fade or discolour when exposed to high heat
Resists scratching and chipping
Resists acids and staining
Will not show water spots
Long lifespan

Copper Kitchen Sink

A copper sink will add a vibrant pop of colour to your kitchen. It can make a wonderful contrast to bright décors, or a great complement to wood cabinetry. The copper also forms a natural patina over time, giving your sink a living finish that subtly changes through the years. Offering good strength and durability, copper is known for its natural antibacterial properties which help promote good kitchen hygiene.

Key Benefits:

Unique, rich colour
Living finish will continually lighten and darken over time
Long-lasting durability
Natural anti-microbial properties
Will not rust or corrode

Stainless Steel Apron Front Sink

Long the material of choice for drop-in sinks, stainless steel is also a great option for apron front sinks. The large front exposure will look great in your kitchen, especially if your main appliances are also stainless steel. It’s also durable enough to withstand the extra contact an apron front sink will receive. Look for a thick 16-gauge sink (18 and 20-gauge models are thinner and more susceptible to damage).

Key Benefits:

Strong and durable
Will not chip or crack
Will not stain or rust
Available in many styles and sizes
Lightweight and easy to install
Low maintenance and easy to clean
Lower cost than other sink materials

Black & Grey Kitchen Sinks

A grey kitchen sink offers a neutral colour that will complement any kitchen décor. This is a real benefit if you ever decide to renovate, as you’ll be free to choose cabinets and appliances of any colour. Granite is the most common material for grey sinks, but stainless steel can also be considered part of the grey colour family. A black kitchen sink makes a bold statement and can work particularly well in a kitchen with lots of bright colours and natural light. Black sinks also help to mask any dirt and grime until you have time for a proper clean. Your material choices may be more limited, but you’ll find great composite granite models to choose from.

Faucets

Good functionality is essential, but the right kitchen faucet can also add a tasteful design element to your kitchen theme or colour scheme. Here are some faucet styles to consider.

Pull-Out and Pull-Down Faucets

Featuring 360-degree downward movement for easier reach, this single lever faucet is as elegant as it is useful. Consider bold colours like brushed gold and matte black, or opt for a funky, spring style design.

Touchless Kitchen Faucets

This hands-free faucet uses a sensor to ignite water flow, which reduces the spread of germs and allows for easy cleaning. All models include an automatic shutoff feature to help save water. This is a great choice for a busy, contemporary kitchen.

Single and Two-Handle Kitchen Faucets

A single-handle faucet is a popular choice for any kitchen. The simple design features a spout with a built-in handle to control both the temperature and pressure of your water. Two-Handle faucets are better for accurate control of hot and cold water, but require three holes for installation. These faucets are available in a wide variety of finishes including brushed nickel and bronze.