Ask Ashleigh: How to choose the perfect sink and faucet

Anyone looking to make home improvements is spoiled for choice these days. There are so many options available across different product categories that making a decision can seem impossible.

While we tend to think about our kitchen sinks as a practical necessity, they’re not just a fundamental fixture; they can also showcase your sense of style. The same holds for the faucet you choose. Use these choices to express your design sense.

Luckily Sault Ste. Marie Heritage Home Hardware expert Ashleigh is willing to share some of her top tips. Here’s what she recommends for anyone who is hoping to choose the perfect sink and faucet.

SINKS

While some homeowners just want something that blends in, others like to make a statement wherever they can, and if they can choose a new-to-market material or finish, they will. 

Stainless steel is always a classic, known for its durability, but there are lots of new finishes to choose from now. Hoping to add drama? How about a black or bronze granite sink? Copper is another standout material, and you don’t have to worry about having mismatched metals: mixed metals are a growing trend in kitchens. Fireclay sinks are another popular choice. They’re ideal in farmhouse style kitchens, at once cozy and modern. 

The following are the different kinds of sinks you can choose from:

Drop-in/Top-mount 

Drop-in sinks are easy to install, you simply drop the sink into a pre-cut hole in your countertop and secure it underneath. The rim of the kitchen sink rests on the counter for stability. Loved for its affordability and versatility, the drop-in sink works with most countertop styles. 

Undermount Sink

An undermount kitchen sink is the opposite, attaching underneath the countertop with no rim at all overtop. It creates a sleek, seamless look and is easy to clean.

Farmhouse/Apron Sink

Also known as an apron sink, a farmhouse sink features single or double basins with a trademark front piece that spills over the counter. It’s stylish and ideal for those who do a lot of cooking and baking, as there’s lot of room for washing larger pots, pans and baking trays. They’re also a key design feature of the modern country or farmhouse kitchen.

The most popular finish for this style of sink is white porcelain, though stainless steel and copper versions are growing in popularity. Check your cabinetry to make sure it will allow for an apron-front installation, Ashleigh advises. 

Bar Sink

A bar sink is much smaller than a traditional kitchen sink and makes a great addition to any home bar or entertaining space. Many add a bar sink to their kitchen islands where they can function as an extra prep sink. 

FAUCETS

Kitchen faucets are another important design element, with an appeal beyond their function. They’re a great opportunity to make a statement, either subtly complementing your existing décor or providing a striking, look-at-me contrast.

Whether you’re replacing a faucet because your existing fixture is broken or you’re upgrading as part of a kitchen renovation, make sure you know the number of mounting holes your sink and/or counter has before you make a purchase. If you happen to have a two-hole sink, consider installing a single-hole faucet. You can use the second hole for an additional feature, such as a sprayer or a soap dispenser.

Pull-Out and Pull-Down Faucets

This type of faucet looks elegant and is a joy to use. It makes cleaning so much easier, including the sink itself. Go with your preferred metal, whether that’s matte black, stainless steel or brushed gold. Those who want something different might like the spring-style faucet, which is certainly attention-getting.

Touchless Kitchen Faucets

Hands-free faucets reduce the spread of germs and are easy to keep clean. They’re especially useful in households with young children. A sensor starts the flow of water and several models have an automatic shutoff, which helps save water. 

Single and Two-Handle Kitchen Faucets

The single-handle faucet is found in most kitchens, thanks to its simplicity and ease of use. A built-in handle controls both water temperature and pressure. Traditional two-handle faucets offer more accurate hot and cold temperature control; they also require three holes for installation. If your kitchen sink has three mounting holes, a traditional two-handle faucet is a popular choice. Find both single and two-handle faucets in a variety of finishes, including chrome, brushed nickel and bronze.

Wall-Mount Kitchen Faucets

These are a great space-saving choice as they free up counterspace. If you’ve got a smaller kitchen and want to maximize the work surface available, look for a wall-mount faucet.

FINISHES

Now the fun part: selecting your finishes! All of the following are durable, easy to clean, complement most kitchen appliances and work with every design style. 

Stainless steel is high-shine and creates a sleek look. Brushed nickel is warm and classic. Chrome is shiny; it can draw attention and make a real statement. Bronze comes in many varieties, such as satin and oil rubbed. Matte black is versatile and modern, best suited to more contemporary or industrial designs.

For more information, or to get Ashleigh’s help with your selections, visit Heritage Home Hardware in Sault Ste. Marie or call 705-759-5101.