Kitchen and bathroom sinks aren’t always the most glamorous objects but they are household necessities. If you’ve ever considered upgrading yours you know there is an overwhelming number of sink styles and materials available. Hi I’m Michele Irizarry CEO and Broker of Shore Prime Properties. Please be sure to follow and like Shore Prime Properties on Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn where we post weekly content specific to home buyers and home sellers. We will discuss today how you can help to narrow down your choices for  upgraded sink styles. It can feel like there are endless styles of sinks on the market but you can pare those down to a few basic shapes to narrow your search.
Farmhouse or apron front: One of the most popular styles of sinks is the farmhouse or apron front style. Farmhouse sinks have deep basins so water splashing onto the counter tops is minimal and there is plenty of space for your dishes. However they can be expensive and difficult to install on your own so be sure to plan your budget accordingly.
Under mount: An under mount sink refers to the fact that mounting is underneath the cabinet or vanity so there’s no visible sink basin rim or lip and the counter edge drops into the sink basin. This mount creates a sleek look and makes it easy to wash debris directly down the drain. Be aware that heavier under mount sinks may require an internal support system.
Top mount or drop in: Top mount sinks are the most popular kitchen variety because they are relatively inexpensive and easy to install on your own. A hole in the countertop holds the sink and the rim is sealed to the counter with silicone. However it can collect debris in the crevices of the rim edges and it may need to be re-caulked after several years.
Double basin: Double your dishwashing capabilities? Yes please! Double basin sinks are convenient in the kitchen because they have a divider in the center that splits the sink into two which allows you to separate your dishes. The basins are typically deep like a farmhouse sink but you may run into the same difficult installation process and high cost.
Vessel or bowl: If you want to add a modern look to your bathroom you should consider a vessel sink. These sinks sit on top of the counter and come in a variety of custom colors shapes and sizes plus there’s typically more counter space because the sink bowl itself is smaller than the countertop. However the bowls are finicky to clean underneath and they tend to create more splashing than is desired.
Materials: Now that you’ve thought about sink styles let’s talk about material options. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages and they can vary in price and availability depending on the current demand so be sure to search for the materials available near you and within your budget before you set your heart on one.
Stainless steel: The most abundant and standard option for most kitchen sinks is stainless steel. Stainless steel is a very durable and somewhat budget-friendly option plus it is resistant to stains and shows less wear than other kinds of materials.
Granite composite: Granite composite sinks are an incredibly durable mixture of granite and resin. In its list of numerous advantages granite composite comes in a variety of colors, resistant to heat damage and scratching and can be configured into just about any custom shape to fit your counter or vanity.
Copper: Copper looks elegant and it’s a timeless material that matches a wide array of paint colors it’s resistant to rust and normal day-to-day wear and tear plus copper has natural antimicrobial properties.
Fire clay: Fire clay is made by mixing clay and glaze in a hot kiln oven which results in a hard ceramic-like material. It’s non-porous, resistant to acid and heat and chip resistant.
Bamboo: In contrast bamboo is light is durable against humidity and has a gorgeous, naturally warm look that transforms your kitchen or bathroom into a serene retreat. With so many options we know that your new sink will make your home look fabulous. If you have any questions about preparing your home for sale feel free to reach out to us for a free consultation, here at Shore Prime Properties. I’m Michele Irizarry selling prime real estate at the Jersey Shore.
