The kitchen sink is definitely the most used item in the kitchen, other than the stove. In additional to being useful, they can add drama and style to any kitchen design. Also since a quality sink will last 30 years or more, an important consideration of your remodel should be selecting a Franke kitchen sink.

The most traditional kitchen sink is made of stainless steel. Stainless steel became popular nearly 100 years ago because of its ability to fight corrosion. About the same time porcelain enamel was used for kitchen sinks. This enamel was fired onto a cast iron sink. People were encouraged to keep the porcelain white to be able to see dirt and debris more clearly on the white surface. Modern kitchen sinks are made of all kinds of materials, such as porcelain and corian.

While you might want to consider the color and style of your new sink, it is also important to think about how you will actually use your kitchen sink, in determining which type of sink will be best for your needs. For instance do you prefer a kitchen sink that has one large basin? This might be fine if you are always using a dishwasher. If you prefer to hand-wash your dishes, you might go with a two-or even a three-basin kitchen sink.

When making the decision on a new kitchen sink, durability and strength are important areas to consider depending on how you plan to use it, what your kitchen priorities are, and where the sink will be located.

There are so many styles of kitchen sinks to choose from today, from contemporary to rustic, in a large range of materials, colors and shapes.

Let us look at several kinds of kitchen sinks.

· Stainless steel – Popular choice for many homeowners. This material can go very well in a modern kitchen with clean lines. Stainless steel has the advantage of being easy to clean. Some disadvantages of this material is the fact that it can be easily dented and it can be noisy.
· Nickel, and Copper – Kitchen sinks can be made in other metals besides stainless steel. Metals sinks can be beautiful, but also more expensive. Nickel is the hardest of the two metals. At the current time copper is considered very popular. Copper requires no maintenance if it is a pure copper sink.
· Porcelain enamel on cast iron – This material is another popular choice for kitchen sinks because of its durability and it large range of quality, style, and colors. Porcelain enamel kitchen sinks usually last about 25 to 30 years or more. The surface of these type of kitchen sink is composed of ground glass melted and applied to the hot cast iron. This type of kitchen sink type is available for under mount, self-rimming, and tile-in installations. Because glass can easily break against this type of material it is necessary to use a sink mat.

There are five kinds of kitchen sink installation types that can used.

· Undermounted – The Franke  undermounted kitchen sink is attached underneath the countertop. This kitchen sink installation can be used to create a smooth look that is designed to blend with modern designs.

· Integral – This is where both the sink and countertop are made from one material. Therefore there are no noticeable seems on the surface. It is considered to be easy to maintain.

· Self-rimming – This type of Franke kitchen sink has a rolled edge that is mounted over the countertop. This type of sink will look good with any type of kitchen design, from traditional to contemporary.

· Rimmed – Rimmed kitchen sinks are the most common and the least expensive type of kitchen Franke  sink. It can have many uses, but does not bring much in the way of style to a kitchen.

· Tile-in – The tile-in kitchen sink is used with tile countertops. These types of sinks are intended to be used in situations where there is no visible separation between the sink and surface.

In selected your Franke  kitchen sink you need to consider how it will fit in with the style of your new kitchen décor. You need to consider the style of your home. For instance a big deep single porcelain enamel kitchen sink would look good in a farmhouse style of home. The tile-in kitchen sink would tend work well for a French Country or Tuscan style home.

Before deciding amongst the many options in Franke Sinks be sure visit us to learn more about which Franke Sink will best suit your needs.

Kitchen sinks, what do we know about them? We use and abuse them and they’re probably the most used plumbing fixture in your home. We know a garbage disposer usually hangs off of it into the cabinet. Other than that, it just sits in your kitchen ready to perform the duties assigned no matter how dirty of disgusting. After years of duty however, it becomes time to just retire the sink and get another one. Problem is that there are many materials you can choose from and how do you know what one is right for you? The answer of course is to understand what is important to you and how each of the kitchen sink materials stack up against your needs.

It’s no secret that we’re all short on time and having someone else do anything for you in your home is expensive. The point is that time is expensive no matter if it’s yours or you hire someone. With that in mind, remember that if you need to replace your sink every year or two because you bought cheap, the expense is in the labor.

The cheapest sinks today are stainless steel and pressed steel. The lower cost stainless and the pressed steel are also known as “apartment” grade. They call them this because apartment owners, looking for the cheapest prices tend to use these products. If you’re on a budget and your family are not heavy users of the kitchen sink, these may be an attractive alternative to more expensive materials. Be aware though that the pressed steel sink typically has a painted surface that scratches and chips easily. These sinks will tend to look old and outdated quickly due to the finish used. The stainless also scratches easily but if cared for correctly, it will continue to look acceptable. Cheaper stainless steel sinks tend to be made of thinner material which means that water being ran into them and the garbage disposal will sound a lot louder on these less expensive models. These sinks come in rimless and top mounted models.

A definite upgrade to these products is the cast iron kitchen sink. These sinks are made of casted metal them finished with a porcelain material giving them a deep and beautiful glow. The finish is long wearing and with a little occasional waxing, can look great for years. They come in a variety of colors and can be ordered in undercounter mounting or top mounting styles. These kitchen sinks however are heavy and much more difficult to install so unless you are extremely handy and have experience with these sinks, you will need an expert for installation.

Another sink material that seems to be gaining in popularity is the solid surface type material These are a durable material formed into a kitchen sink and tend to be more of a matte finish. This type of sink material goes especially well with more natural finishes in your kitchen. Although not as popular as cast-iron, these composite kitchen sinks are rapidly gaining a strong following.

Your kitchen sink is a well used piece of plumbing that deserves to be constructed of quality materials. Buying only on price will cause additional expense due to having to replace the unit much more often. So the best solution is to buy quality and have your Uncle Charlie install it for you.

A great brand is Franke. While they are not at the bottom of the cost scale, it is so worth it to get a quality sink. A ratty looking sink will ruin the look in the entire kitchen.  Saving a bit and getting that Franke Sink just make plain old sense.  Before deciding amongst the many options in Franke Sinks be sure visit us to learn more about which Franke Sink will best suit your needs. Also, remember if you get a cheap sink and wanto to replace it ina year or two, you are faced with the cost of having a sink re-installed.  Best just to get a Franke Sink to begin with…

The sink is the busiest spot in your kitchen. Nearly every task begins or ends in its embrace, so choosing the right one for the way you will use it and the way it will look may be one of the most important decisions you will make when planning your kitchen. You may not feel you really need the new one that ‘cooks’, but you do want a sink that will serve you well and look terrific, while not requiring too much time to maintain.

The newest looks in sinks are those that compliment the latest trends in kitchen design; namely the ‘commercial’ or ‘professional’ look and the traditional Old World styling, two design trends that continue to run parallel to one another, closely followed by the nostalgia of ‘country’ .

After you choose the look you want to enhance your kitchen’s personality, there is still plenty to decide. Will you use stainless steel, porcelain, enamel or solid surface material? How about copper or brass? For more on sinks, go to Estimating Costs.

Stainless Steel – More popular than ever, the Franke stainless steel sink is the perfect compliment to the ‘professional’ kitchen that boasts stainless steel appliances. Easy care is a big plus. The quality of a stainless steel sink is measured by its gauge (the higher the number, the lower the quality), the amount of chromium and nickel it contains (the more, the better) and the sound control employed ( the more padding or coating the quieter. Tile and solid surface counters allow undermount installation for easy clean up – just push the wet and the mess right in with no lip or edge to collect debris or dampness. Laser embossing is available from some manufacturers to relieve the ‘too commercial’ look for use in more traditional settings, too.

Solid Surface – First used for easier care custom counter tops, sinks of solid surface materials have attained a close second in preference among consumers for upscale kitchens. These wonderful man-made composite materials present a quiet, easy to clean surface that is stain and scratch resistant. Solid surface sinks also allow for either surface or undermount applications and can be fabricated to create a completely smooth transition from a solid surface top with no discernable ridge or line where they are joined. Computerized cutting allows fabricators to create custom designs for both decorative and functional choices.

Porcelain – Still the number one choice for many consumers, there is nothing to compare with the gleaming surface of a quality Franke porcelain sink. Surprisingly durable, porcelain on cast iron sinks are available in bolder colors and more shades than any other material. Available in either undermount or surface mount styles, porcelain sinks are available in every imaginable style and with a wide variety of functional options and features.

Enamel – A less expensive alternative than others, except the most inexpensive stainless steel,  Franke enamel sinks are also less durable. Available in several colors and configurations enamel sinks do require more careful maintenance. But, top mounted models may be changed out with relatively little trouble, so enamel sink may be a better way to cut costs than with some more permanent choices for your kitchen like the cabinets. A good quality enamel sink may be expected to last for several years with a little loving care. Be sure not to scour with abrasive cleaners.

Other materials seen on today’s sink scene are Soapstone – a natural mineral substance, it is easy to care for, available in several color ranges (no two are alike) and in some of the most ‘now’ styles like extra deep farm sinks with wide apron fronts.

Copper or Brass – usually familiar as bar or ‘veggie’ sinks, these metals are sometimes chosen for kitchens planned in the Old World mode or for a ‘gourmet’ appearance.

Franke Sinks give all the options one would ever need for the kitchen of ones dreams. Which one  Franke Sink will best suit your needs?

Below are some tips on keeping your sink unclogged. Yes, even your Franke Sink!!

Keep the Clogs Out of Your Kitchen Sinks

One day last week my kitchen sink got clogged, while frustrating I didn’t think it was going to be a big deal.

I just grabbed the Liquid Plumber I had bought for just such an occasion, and then presto. Nothing.

So we head off to Wal-Mart, my daughter in her jammies since she was just about to go to bed. I found the Draino, my daughter suggested to get two just in case and after the Liquid Plumber hadn’t worked I though maybe I better.

Tried it and it didn’t work, so then I decided to let it really have some time to work over night. Still in the morning a clog.

So I call a plumber and he had the clog fixed in no time, and he gave me a bit of advice that I am going to be using now.

He told me once a week to fill up both my Franke  sinks and then let the water out on both at the same time. He said the cyclonic action of the water would continue all the way through my pipes and keep me from having a clog.

He said as long as you don’t put a lot of grease down your drain you should never have a clog.

So I thought I would share this tip with all of you. I figure it doesn’t cost anything and takes less than 5 minutes so why not.

Another tip someone else had given me that I forgot to ask the plumber about is to take a can of salt every month and flush it down your toilet. They told me it would keep tree roots from growing toward your pipes. So since I have trees in my backyard I salt the toilet once a month too.

Before deciding amongst the many options in Franke Sinks be sure visit us to learn more about which Franke Sink will best suit your needs.

Finding The Best Kitchen Sinks For Your Home

Kitchen sinks are an integral part of any kitchen, and selecting the right sink is vital for a number of reasons. When purchasing a sink for your kitchen you need to reckon about whether the sink will really fit in with the décor and style of your room, but you also need to reckon of the practical side such as ease of use and installation, features and accessories, and the quality of the sink you are plotting to buy. When you make your buy you want something that will not only look fantastic in your kitchen, but will also last a long time without the need for repair, will be energy efficient, and you may want to ensure that there are extra safety features, particularly if you have children. Selecting the right sink is a fantastic way of adding to your home improvement, and with such a wide range of designs ( http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com/kitchen-designs.html ) and manufacturers to choose from you can delight in a fantastic range of stylish, classy, yet very practical sinks to suit your needs perfectly. Of course, it’s not just the kitchen that needs a sink – you may also want to take the same factors into consideration when buying bathroom sinks. Just like kitchen sinks, buying a sink for your bathroom entails getting something that look fantastic, fits in with the décor, yet offers practicality and high quality.

Delight in a fantastic choice of sinks

Never before have consumers had so much choice when it comes to finding the perfect furniture for the kitchen or bathroom, and you can delight in an brilliant range of designs from top quality manufacturers. Whether you are looking for a classic Franke  stainless steel sink for your kitchen or whether you want a ceramic and stylish sink for your cloak room or bathroom, you can delight in brilliant choice with sinks to suit all needs and tastes. You can also get a wide range of accessories that will enable you to make the most of your sink in terms of style and appearance, and also offer practicality. You can also get sinks that will fit in with a variety of budgets, so you can tailor your choice to suit your personal tastes, needs, and your pocket.

Make your kitchen stand out with the ideal sink

Because the sink is such a focal point in any kitchen, your choice of sink could really make a difference to this room. Try and go for something that will complement your countertops, décor, and theme, fitting in perfectly with the other furnishings in the room. But, don’t focus everything on the appearance – make sure you also take the functionality and practicality of the franks sink into account in order to get the best from this item of kitchen furniture. The perfect sink will not only look fantastic and help you to make the most of your kitchen, but will also make life simpler for you through its practical functions. The simple step of a new sink could help to give your kitchen a complete facelift.

There are SO many choices….  Franke Sinks are made to ensure you will find a sink that you will be pleased with.Be sure visit us to learn more about which Franke Sink will best suit your needs.

Choosing a sink for your granite worktop   by Jamie

Choosing a sink to go with granite worktops can sometimes feel like a bit of a minefield. This is sometimes exacerbated by some kitchen companies giving poor or conflicting advice because they have a particular product they wish to sell.

First thing to consider is how you actually use your sink. If like me all your washing up goes in the dishwasher, apart from maybe the longest stemmed wine glasses, then your needs will be completely different to someone who likes to wash a lot of articles in the sink. Some people cannot see the point in the half bowl and others cannot live without it. Some people like to dry everything immediately and others think that it is more hygienic to leave it to drain itself. With any solid surface kitchen worktop like granite, you have the option open to you of either inset (sit on sinks) ,under-mounted sinks, Belfast (butler sinks) or roll tops/complete work surface sinks.

Inset or sit on sinks are dropped into a hole from above the worktop so that they lip just over the edge of the worktop. So in relation to granite the hole does not have to be polished so this makes the cut out cheaper to do.

The size and number of bowls you can have will depend on the cabinets that you have underneath the worktop. If the sink is going above a 500mm cabinet then you are limited to a largish single bowl. The drainer can go over whatever is next to it e.g the dishwasher. If you have a 600mm base then you have room for a bowl and a half bowl plus drainer providing you have the area on the worktop. If the worktop is particularly shallow front to back and the sink is large it may mean having to have bars/slips in the granite as this is more structurally sound. (Also if the worktop is longer than the granite company can supply then this can be a good place to hide the join – unlike laminate worktops there is no danger of the granite “blowing”) There are a huge range of sit on sinks available now, something for every budget and taste. They can be a really sensible and practical option but this does not mean that they can’t be stylish.

A lot of people who are having granite or solid surface worktop go for an under-mounted sink because it proves that they have got granite because you cannot have an under-mounted sink with a traditional laminate worktop. They do look very neat because there is nothing above the worktop apart from any tap, filter tap or push button. They are set underneath the worktop and the worktop is cut and then polished so that there is a nice smooth edge into the top of the sink. Due to the extra work in polishing the cut out this works out more expensive than having a sit on sink. Other possible extra costs include a set of draining grooves and tap hole. The price will rise with the number of polished cut outs, sets of grooves and tap holes you have. As with sit on sinks the size of sink/s you can have will depend largely on the base unit below. If you want a bowl and a half but with two separate cut outs then you could consider the Blanco Ypsilon 340 – U and the Blanco Jota 160 – U. These two sinks will fit into a 600 mm base.

As with many things at the moment people are working to a tight budget so it may be worth looking at a one and a half bowl but all in one. This way you only pay for one cut out. The Blanco Supreme 533- U or Franke equivalent ARX160 or the CDA Cum 16 which is more reasonably priced. Again all of these will go into a 600mm base unit. Belfast and butler style sinks seem to go in and out of fashion. Some sit under the sink like an under-mounted sink – if this is the case then there will be similar sort of cost as with an under-mounted sink, depending on whether you have one or two sets of grooves. These days there is a lot more choice in ceramic sinks of all types so you should be able to find something to suit the dimensions that you have. If the worktop is shallow or the sink is s double one it may well be that you will have to have a separate slip or bar of granite to the rear of the sink otherwise this piece could break.

If the sink sits so that it overlaps the granite it would mean that the cut out doesn’t have to be polished thus making the overall price cheaper. There are also some farmhouse styles sinks which sit completely from front to back of the worktop with no worktop behind them – in this case the granite butts up to the side which means there is no cost for a cut out at all. These sorts of sinks can look a bit too imposing if the kitchen is very small.

Complete worktop sink and roll top sinks went out of fashion for many years but have made a huge comeback in recent years, particularly in contemporary kitchens. They are hugely practical and make a massive statement. A run of steel contrasted with strong coloured units will have a huge impact – although they can be quite costly to buy they do save you in granite cost!

If in any doubt about what would work best for you don’t be afraid to talk to your granite/worktop supplier for best advice.

About the Author
Jamie runs the company Affordable Granite, installing granite worktops throughout the UK from their base in Surrey.

Have you ever heard that expression, “They threw everything out but the kitchen sink!”? Do you know why they didn’t throw out the kitchen sink in that saying? It is because the phrase originated when the average kitchen sink was made from cast iron. If you are unfamiliar with cast iron then you may not be aware that this is a very heavy and dense material. Simply put, a kitchen sink made from cast iron was too heavy to throw out the window!

A cast iron sink was commonly coated in enamel. Now this enamel was baked onto the cast iron so that it would not come off. If you have ever seen a damaged cast iron sink coated with enamel, then you have noticed those “brown spots” in the sink. Those brown spots are what happens when that enamel coating is broken off and the cast iron underneath is exposed to water. Naturally it, like all metals, rusts.

One of the great things about an old cast iron kitchen sink coated in enamel was that you could get them in almost any color. Although white was the most common, a wide variety of other colors were available. A lot of people matched their cabinets and counter tops with their cast iron sink.

Unfortunately, the cast iron sink is virtually a dinosaur of days past. People have opted instead for a lightweight kitchen sink made from a composite material or perhaps a solid surfacing material like some of the countertops are made out of as well. Occasionally you will see a stainless steel sink but many of the contemporary homes are built with non-metallic materials.

But a cast iron sink is an absolute classic and is a great addition to any restoration project. Vintage lake cottages look wonderful with a cast iron kitchen sink because most were equipped with one when they were new. But what do you do when you come across an old cast iron sink—especially if it has seen better days?

A fully restored and functional cast iron kitchen sink can actually add value to your home—they are that rare and coveted! If you find one that has the “brown spots” mentioned earlier or other damage to the enamel finish, there are still experts out there who specialize in resurfacing enamel and porcelain. For a fraction of what it would cost you to buy a comparable sink, a resurfacing expert can make your cast iron kitchen sink look like new.

Even if you find a cast iron sink that is impractical for your particular home, don’t throw it away! There are a number of companies that specialize in restoring cast iron sinks so don’t hesitate to jump on the web to find one in your area. Hey, they just aren’t making the classics any more so the more that can be preserved, the better!

Before deciding amongst the many options in Franke Sinks be sure visit us to learn more about which Franke Sink will best suit your needs.

Currently there are three primary types of kitchen sinks: self-rimming, under mount, and farm. Self-rimming, or drop-in sinks, sit on top of the counter top. This is the least attractive sink option, and the least practical, as the countertops cannot be wiped off directly into the sink. The rim prevents this from happening smoothly. Food particles get stuck between the sink and the counter top and breed bacteria and mold, which can, in turn attract pests.

Farm sinks are the most pleasing of all kitchen sinks. My mother had a one piece sink with high back that was a central part of the kitchen. She could do her canning, have room for supplies, and yet not need a fantastic deal of counter space in the kitchen to hold other items. We had the sink, stove, and the kitchen table in our farm home. It was all we needed. Farm sinks are an entire sink unit which intentionally breaks the flow of the counter top as an appliance would. They have a finished front wall which leads directly up and over into the basin of the sink. Farm sinks are made of many materials. but the most attractive ones are made of granite, marble, or travertine. The rock travertine is a natural chemical precipitate of carbonate minerals; typically aragonite, but often recrystallized to or primary calcite; which is deposited from the water of mineral springs (especially hot springs) or streams saturated with calcium carbonate. When pure, travertine is white, but often is brown to yellow due to impurities. For the heavily-used kitchen, granite farm sinks are the most practical.

Sinks are getting more attention today, not only as design elements, but as practical features. My wife likes anything shabby chic, and we have been looking for a farm kitchen sink for our loft. We live in a 110 year ancient livery stable, and it is my heart’s desire. We are fortunate enough to have the original hardwood floors, with all the “medals of honor” of bygone years, and a fantastic kitchen that suits my need as an experienced chef.
There is the possibility that you don’t have enough room for the sink that you want. In this case, a bump-out can be built. A bump-out is where the counter top and cabinet at the sink extend several inches away from the wall, out into the kitchen, to provide a bit more space for the sink. Bump-outs can be extremely attractive, especially to highlight a particularly gorgeous sink.

All things considered, a farm kitchen sink is a lovely addition to any kitchen. I am a firm believer that cooking must be an experience, and one to relish. things need to be right in the home kitchen, and what better way than with a farm kitchen sink?

Before deciding amongst the many options in Franke Sinks be sure visit us to learn more about which Franke Sink will best suit your needs.

A guide to buying a kitchen sink   by housetohome

No matter how far kitchen technology advances, you still spend more time at the sink than anywhere else,’ observes Lawrence Pigeon, co-owner and director of Alternative Plans. ‘Rinsing vegetables, soaking pots, washing greasy hands; everything happens at the sink.’ So, for such a hardworking appliance that doubles as the kitchen’s visual focus, it’s worth considering your options carefully.

Before you Buy
‘The current trend in kitchen design is for a very linear look,’ says John Swain, product manager of Franke UK. ‘At the Milan Furniture Fair this year, there wasn’t a handle in sight, tiles were often replaced with glass or stainless-steel splashbacks and sinks had minimal, simple lines, low-level profiles, few, if any, drainer channels and

With such a variety of modern materials, dramatic designs, and space-saving options to choose from, it’s important to pick a sink that suits your needs. If space allows, you can opt for anything from a single-bowl sink to a bigger, more industrial size, which can accommodate extra-wide trays from range cookers. ‘A two-bowl sink is the best choice,’ says Lawrence Pigeon. ‘But if you have enough space, think like a professional and get completely separate sinks for dishwashing and food preparation.’ Types of sink
Inset
Probably the most common type of sink, inset designs come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and are fixed in place with the rim of the sink and drainer overlapping the worktop. They can be fitted into a surface made from any material and are, therefore, an extremely flexible option. Effectively sealing the space between sink and counter top, they work particularly well with Formica or wood finishes, which can be vulnerable to moisture.

Undermounted
Undermounted sinks are ideal for use with all types of solid surfaces including wood, stone, Corian and glass. The bowl is fixed in place underneath the kitchen counter, giving a really smart, modern look. ‘Fitting an inset sink into a beautiful granite worksurface would be a wasted opportunity when you could have a sleek, undermounted sink,’ says Lawrence Pigeon. ‘They are also cleaner, as any spills or crumbs can be wiped straight into the bowl without getting stuck at the rim. Bear in mind, though, that they can’t be used with laminate worktops.’

Flush Mounted
Similar to stainless-steel undermounted sinks, flush-mounted models sit level with the work surface. The main difference between the two designs is the narrow perimeter that is left around the edge of flush-mounted bowls, where taps or soap dispensers can be installed. This area can also be extended to make sure the drainer is completely level with the worktop. For a coherent kitchen look, these designs look particularly good teamed with flush-mounted hobs, and also work well with wooden worktops.

Integral
As both the sink and counter top are manufactured from the same material, for example stainless steel or a synthetic solid surface, there are no visible seams between the separate components. The result is a sleek, contemporary and low-maintenance design. Belfast or Butler
Known for their robust, hardwearing features, these sinks can look as good in a modern kitchen as they do in more traditional schemes. There is not much difference between the two classic designs, other than the fact that butler sinks are a simple rectangle, whereas Belfast models have a weir-type overflow to one side. Be aware that, instead of fitting directly into your kitchen units, as most other sinks would, both of these need to be bracketed onto the wall behind the worktop Materials
Stainless Steel
Lightweight, durable and easy to clean, stainless-steel sinks come in a plethora of shapes and sizes. Great in industrial-style kitchens, choose from highly polished or subtle brushed finishes. Although it’s a low-cost option, cheaper designs can dent easily so pick lower-gauge models (16 is ideal) that have thicker steel.

Ceramic
Usually made from kiln-fired porcelain, ceramic sinks are known for being exceptionally hardwearing – they are heat, stain and scratch resistant. However, be careful with crockery as any heavy impact may cause it to smash, or indeed the sink to crack.

Corian
Corian can be moulded into any shape, meaning that sink and worktop can be made from the same piece of material to create a sleek surface. Although it can scratch, it is easily repaired.

Granite
Made from 80-85 per cent natural granite, which is ground up and mixed with resin to form an extremely tough material, ‘granite can be moulded into any shape or size, creating designs that wouldn’t be feasible with stainless steel,’ says Neil Clark of sink specialist Carron Phoenix. Available in a host of shades, there’s a hue for every kitchen.

Copper
Copper sinks have a warm, individual look, but do require some maintenance as they scratch easily and can get dark spots. Depending on your taste, they can be left to develop a rich, aged patina or can be repolished with abrasive cleaners. To avoid discolouration, they should be wiped dry after use.

Stone
Marble and other natural stone sinks can look amazing, but are best kept as prep sinks rather than for dishwashing, as they damage easily. Take care with cleaning products, and avoid bleach at all costs.

Wood
Quiet, resilient and softer than ceramics, wood warms up cool modern kitchens. Usually laminated teak composite, the wood is sealed using epoxy resin, which renders it tough and easy to clean.

house to home is a great source of interior design ideas and a helpful resource for buying and creating looks for your home. Search by room or by project to find the style you like for your home.

Whether you are looking to get a Franke sink or some other high quality sink, I think this article will help you in your selection. Franke Sinks may be one of the best sinks made, but they are by no means the only quality sink out there.