The following article gives some really good tips on getting a sink for your granite counter top.  Franke Sinks have a number of designs that will work with your granite counter top. Most often Franke Sinks designed for granite are undermount sinks.  Franke, one of the best sink manufacturers in the world today, make a number of stylish sinks that can be undermounted…

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.

Keep That Kitchen Sink!

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.

I grew up on a farm in the 40’s, and one of the most pleasant things in our lives was sitting around the kitchen, which was the center of the household. Mom was an brilliant cook, and I remember well the ancient farm kitchen sink, which was always a focal point.

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.

Farm Sinks by Franke Sinks

This is an informative article to read before spending money on that sink. We believe that the Franke Sinks are the best sinks on the market, but you may have another veiw point on that.

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.