Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Selecting the Right Material For Your Kitchen Sink


The kitchen sink should be a working space without restrictions. It requires functionality and a great design element. Here’s a roundup of kitchen sink materials to help narrow your search and keep you updated with the ever changing design market.

Stainless Steel. Stainless steels are the most popular on the market today. They can be used on both undermount and top mount sinks. They are inexpensive, durable, and resistant to cracking, chipping, and peeling. If you have a limited budget, this material is a perfect fit for your kitchen. The inside finish is also important. A satin texture offers longer protection from scratching with normal use.

Cast Iron. This type of material can add a vintage appeal to your kitchen. The smooth, glass finish is very easy to clean and suited for daily wear and tear. This type of material is heavy and can be more expensive than stainless steel.

Composite. Composite sinks are available in quartz composite, polyester/acrylic, and granite-based. They are tough and highly resistant to scratching.

Fireclay. Fireclay sinks offer a wide variety of elegant styles but are most commonly seen on farmhouse or apron sink. The most common shapes are deep square and rectangular bowls. They fall under the expensive end but can be a great investment as they are non-porous, won’t rust or discolor, and can withstand heat.

Enjoy a Great Choice of Sinks. Glass, marble, copper, solid surface/acrylic, and tiles are also being used to make kitchen sinks. You can even add a personal flair by selecting a hand-painted sink. And if you are on a tight budget, you can buy a repurposed sink that can give your kitchen a new look.

When selecting a kitchen sink, make sure it complements your countertop, décor, and theme, and fits perfectly with other furnishings in the room. The ideal sink will not only make you feel great when you use it but will also make life easier and help you make the most out of your kitchen.


Contact Milan Stoneworks today! We can help you design and layout your next kitchen remodeling project.

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

7 Stylish Sinks for a Beautiful Kitchen


Gone are the days when homeowners had only two choices for a kitchen sink. With so many options to choose from – single bowls to multiple bowls of different shapes and sizes - finding your ideal sink these days can become overwhelming.

The kitchen is the heart of your home but if your heart demands for stylish trends, you should focus on both style and functionality. Knowing all your options will help you determine which style, color, and material is best for your kitchen worktop.

So how do you become a smart sink shopper? This guide will help you get over that ‘sinking’ feeling so you can enjoy a classy yet very practical sink that’s sure to turn your kitchen into your very own oasis.

Single Bowl. This type of basin usually comes in compact sizes, making them ideal for those who have limited spaces and use a lot of large pots and pans. It allows the flexibility of washing larger items with ease and is commonly seen as a bar sink or a second sink on the kitchen island.

Double Bowl. You can select two equally-sized bowls of the same size or one can be larger than the other. The right setup depends on what you do in the kitchen and this particular type will allow more than one person to be at the sink. It is very versatile, for example, you can wash or dry the dishes on one side while doing food preparation on the other side.

Farmhouse/apron. Apron sinks usually have one large bowl and exposed front panel but they are also available in single or double basin variety. The unique design works best in a country style décor and may need custom cabinetry.

Top mount. A top-mount sink is designed to be installed on top of a countertop. This means that a portion of the sink called the lip, overlaps the countertop to give a covered edge. This type of sink is cost-effective since it requires less labor to install and at the same time, it offers wiggle room for under-sink storage. Regular cleaning is important as the lip is exposed atop and crevices may trap dirt and debris.

Undermount. Unlike a top mount sink, undermount sinks don’t have crevices and grooves where debris can accumulate. You can easily wipe straight into the sink. While it provides a clean, modern look, one drawback is the cost. Undermount models usually require more work to install, for an instance; you’ll need to cut holes into your countertop as they are not designed with space for faucets and attachments.

Custom. Get creative when designing your kitchen. If you want a counter in front of a floor-to-ceiling window, opt for a floating sink. The latest sink models are available in different shapes allowing you to design your own picture perfect sink.

Fully integrated. A sink connected directly to your countertop will blend seamlessly into your kitchen design. These sinks are easy to care with no lip to trap dirt. However, some materials can be pretty expensive. These can be done with Quartz Engineered sinks, solid surface, and stainless steel.

Did you love these innovative designs? Tell us which style works best for you!