Sinks Guide

Sinks provide water access and drainage for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and utility spaces. This category includes undermount, drop-in, farmhouse, vessel, and pedestal sink designs. Materials range from stainless steel and cast iron to composite, fireclay, and natural stone. Key considerations include bowl configuration (single, double, or triple basin), dimensions, drain location, and mounting method. Kitchen sinks often feature deeper bowls and accessories like cutting boards or colanders, while bathroom sinks prioritize space efficiency and aesthetic integration.

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Types of Sinks Sinks Brands Common Problems How-To Guides Buying Guide Installation Maintenance Cost Guide FAQs Related Resources

Types of Sinks 4

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Explore the different types of sinks to find the best option for your needs and budget.

Drop-In Sinks

Also called top-mount or self-rimming sinks. The rim sits on top of the countertop, making installation straightforward and compatible with any counter material.

Farmhouse Sinks

Feature a large, deep basin with an exposed front apron. Popular in country and transitional kitchen designs, offering both style and function.

Undermount Sinks

Installed beneath the countertop for a seamless, modern look. Makes countertop cleanup easy as debris sweeps directly into the sink.

Vessel Sinks

Sit on top of the countertop like a bowl. Available in glass, ceramic, stone, and metal for a dramatic bathroom design statement.

Sinks Brands 41

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Browse trusted sinks brands known for quality, reliability, and innovation.

American Standard

Durable kitchen and bathroom sinks in porcelain, stainless steel, and cast iron, designed for everyday reliability and easy installation. Popular lines include the Quince and Edgewater kitchen sinks.

BLANCO

BLANCO's premium kitchen sinks come in three core materials: SILGRANIT (80% natural granite composite available in 10+ colors), stainless steel (precision-crafted with refined radius corners), and fireclay (handcrafted farmhouse apron-front styles). Their sinks are designed as the centerpiece of the BLANCO UNIT kitchen water hub, integrating seamlessly with matching faucets and accessories.

Bobrick

Bobrick manufactures commercial stainless steel sinks, wash fountains, and lavatory systems designed for high-traffic institutional environments. Their products are built for durability and ADA compliance in schools, hospitals, and public facilities.

Bocchi

BOCCHI specializes in handcrafted fireclay kitchen and bathroom sinks designed with European elegance. Their farmhouse apron-front sinks, undermount options, and vessel sinks come in classic white plus vibrant colors like Sapphire Blue and Matte Black. BOCCHI also offers granite composite sinks and workstation sinks with integrated accessories.

Bradley

Bradley manufactures commercial multi-station wash fountains, stainless steel sinks, and the innovative Advocate lavatory system that integrates sink, soap, and dryer in one touchless unit. Designed for high-traffic commercial environments like schools, hospitals, and stadiums.

Briggs

Vitreous china bathroom sinks and lavatories in pedestal, drop-in, and wall-mount configurations for residential use.

Caroma

Caroma bathroom basins and sinks feature clean Australian design in vitreous china, available in wall-mount, vessel, undermount, and above-counter configurations.

Contrac

Vitreous china bathroom sinks and lavatories in standard configurations for residential and light commercial use in Canada.

Duravit

Duravit bathroom sinks and basins are crafted from premium vitreous china and their proprietary DuraCeram material, available in above-counter, undermount, wall-mount, and console configurations. Designer collections from Starck, Thun, and others offer distinctive aesthetics for luxury bath projects.

Eljer

Eljer bathroom sinks and lavatories in vitreous china for pedestal, drop-in, and wall-mount installations at budget-friendly prices.

Elkay

Elkay is one of the world's largest stainless steel sink manufacturers, offering undermount, drop-in, farmhouse, and workstation kitchen sinks. Their Lustertone, Crosstown, and Quartz Luxe lines cover every price point and style. Elkay also manufactures commercial sinks and drinking fountains.

Franke

Franke manufactures premium kitchen sinks in stainless steel, Fragranite (granite composite), and fireclay. Their portfolio includes undermount, farmhouse/apron, drop-in, and workstation configurations with integrated accessories like cutting boards, colanders, and drying racks. The Peak, Kubus, and Mythos collections represent their design-forward approach.

Glacier Bay

Glacier Bay bathroom and kitchen sinks in vitreous china, stainless steel, and composite materials for drop-in, undermount, and pedestal installations at entry-level prices.

Grohe

GROHE kitchen sinks in stainless steel and composite materials are designed to integrate seamlessly with GROHE faucets, featuring sound-dampening technology and optimized bowl geometries.

Houzer

Houzer manufactures premium kitchen sinks in stainless steel, Quartztone granite composite, fireclay, and copper. Their product line includes farmhouse/apron-front, undermount, drop-in, bar/prep, and workstation sinks. The Quartztone series features a non-porous granite composite that resists stains, scratches, and heat up to 536°F.

Icera

Icera bathroom sinks and vanity tops in vitreous china with modern designs to complement their toilet collections.

Just Manufacturing

Just Manufacturing produces stainless steel sinks for residential kitchens, commercial kitchens, laboratories, hospitals, and institutional facilities. Their product line includes undermount, drop-in, wall-mount, and freestanding configurations in 18-gauge and 20-gauge stainless steel. ADA-compliant models are available across all product categories.

Karran

Karran manufactures kitchen and bathroom sinks in quartz composite, stainless steel, and acrylic. Their signature innovation is the undermount sink designed for laminate countertops, using a proprietary edge profile that creates a seamless undermount look without requiring stone or solid surface counters. They also offer traditional undermount, drop-in, and farmhouse configurations.

Kindred

Kindred manufactures kitchen sinks in stainless steel, granite, and ceramic for the Canadian and North American market. Their product line includes undermount, drop-in, farmhouse, and bar/prep sinks. The Kindred Steel Queen line is one of Canada's most popular stainless steel kitchen sinks, while their Mythos Granite series offers durable composite options.

Kohler

Kohler manufactures kitchen and bathroom sinks in cast iron (with their proprietary enameled surface), stainless steel, and Neoroc composite. The Whitehaven farmhouse sink, Riverby undermount, and Vault workstation lines are among the most specified in the US. Bathroom sinks include pedestal, wall-mount, undermount, and vessel configurations.

Kraus

Kraus manufactures handcrafted kitchen sinks in 16-gauge T-304 stainless steel, granite composite (Quarza), and fireclay. All stainless sinks feature NoiseDefend sound insulation and protective stone guard undercoating. Their Kore Workstation sinks with integrated accessories and Standart PRO undermount line are perennial Amazon best-sellers.

Krowne

Krowne produces commercial bar sinks, underbar sinks, hand sinks, and custom stainless steel sink configurations for the hospitality and foodservice industries.

Mansfield

Mansfield bathroom lavatories in vitreous china including pedestal, wall-mount, drop-in, and undermount configurations.

Mirabelle

Mirabelle kitchen and bathroom sinks in stainless steel, vitreous china, and fireclay.

Miseno

Miseno stainless steel kitchen sinks in undermount and drop-in configurations at affordable prices.

Moen

Moen stainless steel kitchen sinks feature SoundSHIELD sound-absorbing pads and a 1mm steel gauge for durability. Available in undermount, drop-in, and farmhouse configurations designed for seamless pairing with Moen faucets.

MTI Baths

MTI bathroom sinks in Engineered Solid Stone with vessel, above-counter, and undermount configurations in contemporary designs.

Nantucket Sinks

Nantucket Sinks manufactures kitchen and bathroom sinks in stainless steel, fireclay, granite composite, and hand-hammered copper. Their farmhouse/apron-front sinks are signature pieces, and they offer undermount, drop-in, vessel, and bar/prep sink configurations. The Italian-made Fireclay collection features thick-walled, kiln-fired construction.

Native Trails

Native Trails manufactures artisan kitchen and bathroom sinks in hand-hammered recycled copper and NativeStone concrete. Farmhouse/apron-front, undermount, vessel, and wall-mount configurations are available. Each copper sink is individually hand-hammered, creating a unique living finish that develops patina over time.

ProFlo

ProFlo stainless steel kitchen sinks and vitreous china bathroom sinks at contractor-friendly prices.

Project Source

Project Source stainless steel and vitreous china sinks for budget bathroom and kitchen projects.

ROHL

ROHL offers Shaws Original fireclay farmhouse sinks handcrafted in Lancashire, England since 1897. These thick-walled, kiln-fired sinks are considered the gold standard in fireclay farmhouse sinks.

Ruvati

Ruvati manufactures premium kitchen sinks in 16-gauge T-304 stainless steel and granite composite materials. Their workstation sinks feature built-in ledges for sliding cutting boards, colanders, roll-up drying racks, and other accessories. Available in undermount, drop-in, farmhouse/apron-front, and bar/prep configurations. The Roma Workstation and Gravena series are bestsellers.

Signature Hardware

Signature Hardware kitchen and bathroom sinks including farmhouse, vessel, undermount, and pedestal styles in copper, fireclay, and stainless steel.

Sterling

Sterling kitchen and bathroom sinks in stainless steel and Vikrell composite at value pricing.

Swanstone

Swanstone kitchen sinks in solid surface and granite composite materials with integrated designs.

Swiss Madison

Swiss Madison vessel, undermount, and wall-mount bathroom sinks in ceramic with contemporary European styling.

TOTO

TOTO lavatory sinks in vitreous china and fireclay with clean lines and advanced ceramic technology.

Victoria + Albert

Victoria + Albert basins and vessel sinks in Englishcast material.

Vigo

VIGO stainless steel and granite composite kitchen sinks with modern designs, including workstation and undermount models.

Villeroy & Boch

Villeroy and Boch bathroom basins and kitchen sinks in premium ceramic with European design aesthetics.

Common Sinks Problems 3

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Common sinks problems and how to diagnose and fix them.

Slow Draining Sink

Almost always a partial clog from hair, soap scum, grease, or food debris in the drain, P-trap, or branch line. Simple DIY fix, under 30 minutes.

Sink Drain Odor

Foul smell from the drain? Bacterial biofilm in the pipe, dried-out P-trap letting sewer gas through, or food debris in the disposal or overflow. Most drain odors fixed in under 30 minutes with household items.

Chipped or Cracked Sink

Chips and cracks in porcelain, enamel, fireclay, composite, and acrylic sinks range from cosmetic to structural. Small chips fix with a touch-up kit. Larger cracks may need refinishing or replacement.

Sinks How-To Guides 7

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Step-by-step how-to guides for sinks maintenance, repair, and installation.

How to Unclog a Kitchen Sink

Clear a kitchen sink clog with five methods from easiest to most aggressive -- boiling water, plunging, baking soda, P-trap cleaning, and drain snaking.

How to Install an Undermount Sink

Mount an undermount sink to granite, quartz, or solid surface -- clip placement, silicone application, drain hookup, and the 24-hour cure that makes it watertight.

How to Fix a Leaking Sink Drain

Find and fix a leaking sink drain -- whether it is the basket strainer seal, the tailpiece connection, or the P-trap slip joints -- with the right fix for each failure point.

How to Clean a P-Trap

Clear a clogged or smelly P-trap in minutes. No special tools needed -- just a bucket, pliers, and a brush. Fixes slow drains and sewer odors at the source.

How to Replace a Kitchen Sink

Remove an old kitchen sink and install a new one -- drop-in or undermount. Covers disconnecting plumbing, cutting countertop openings, and sealing for a watertight fit.

How to Snake a Drain

Clear a clogged drain with a drain snake (auger). Reaches clogs that plungers cannot -- deep in the trap, wall pipe, or main line. Essential plumbing skill.

How to Use a Drain Snake

Step-by-step instructions for operating a hand drain snake -- feeding, cranking, breaking clogs, and retrieving debris. The technique that makes the tool work.

Sinks Buying Guide

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The right sink anchors your kitchen or bathroom design while handling daily demands. Material, mounting style, bowl configuration, and size all affect durability, maintenance, and how well the sink fits your workflow.

Kitchen Sink Materials Compared

Stainless steel (18 vs 16 gauge), granite composite, fireclay, cast iron with enamel, copper, and solid surface. Compare scratch resistance, heat tolerance, noise dampening, and long-term care requirements.

Mount Types: Undermount vs Drop-In vs Farmhouse

Undermount sinks create a seamless countertop edge but need solid stone or quartz. Drop-in sinks work with any counter material. Farmhouse apron-front sinks require a custom cabinet cutout.

Single Bowl vs Double Bowl

Single bowls accommodate large pots and baking sheets. Double bowls let you wash and rinse simultaneously. Offset doubles split space unevenly for the best of both worlds.

Bathroom Sink Styles

Choose between undermount, vessel, pedestal, wall-mount, and console sinks. Match your vanity style, counter space, storage needs, and bathroom footprint.

Sinks Installation & Replacement

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Sink installation varies significantly by mount type. Undermount sinks require professional countertop fabrication, while drop-in models are a common DIY project. Proper sealing and drain connections prevent leaks.

Undermount Sink Installation

How undermount sinks attach to stone or quartz countertops with clips and adhesive. Includes template placement, clip spacing, silicone sealant application, and weight support requirements.

Drop-In Sink Installation

Cutting the countertop opening, dry-fitting, applying plumber's putty or silicone, setting the sink, securing clips, and connecting drain and supply lines step by step.

Farmhouse Sink Cabinet Prep

Modifying a standard base cabinet for an apron-front sink: removing the face frame, reinforcing the cabinet floor, shimming for level, and waterproofing the exposed cabinet interior.

Drain Assembly & Garbage Disposal Connection

Installing basket strainers, connecting P-traps, setting up continuous waste for double bowls, and connecting a garbage disposal with proper discharge tube alignment.

Sinks Maintenance

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Proper sink care preserves the finish, prevents staining, and keeps drains flowing freely. Different materials require different cleaning approaches to avoid damage.

Cleaning by Material Type

Stainless steel: grain-direction cleaning with Bar Keepers Friend. Fireclay and cast iron: non-abrasive cleaners only. Granite composite: mild soap and water. Copper: let the patina develop or polish with lemon and salt.

Scratch & Stain Removal

Buff scratches from stainless steel with a Scotch-Brite pad. Remove stains from white sinks with baking soda paste. Restore granite composite with mineral oil. Repair enamel chips with touch-up kits.

Drain Maintenance & Odor Prevention

Monthly drain cleaning with baking soda and vinegar, P-trap inspection, garbage disposal cleaning with ice and citrus, and leak checks at supply connections and drain joints.

Caulk & Sealant Inspection

Check the silicone seal around undermount and drop-in sinks annually. Look for gaps, discoloration, or mildew. Recaulk with kitchen-and-bath rated silicone when deterioration is found.

Sinks Cost Guide

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Sink costs range from under $100 for a basic stainless steel drop-in to several thousand for a handcrafted fireclay farmhouse model. Installation costs depend heavily on mount type and existing plumbing.

Kitchen Sink Prices by Material

Stainless steel: $75-$500. Granite composite: $200-$800. Fireclay: $400-$1,500. Cast iron enamel: $300-$1,000. Copper: $500-$2,500. Prices vary by size, bowl count, and brand.

Bathroom Sink Prices by Style

Pedestal sinks: $100-$500. Undermount: $50-$400. Vessel sinks: $80-$800. Wall-mount: $100-$600. Console sinks: $200-$1,200. Material and designer brands push prices higher.

Installation Costs

Drop-in replacement: $150-$300 labor. Undermount in new countertop: included in fabrication. Farmhouse retrofit: $300-$600 for cabinet modification. New rough-in plumbing: $500-$1,500 additional.

Accessory & Add-On Costs

Garbage disposals ($80-$400), soap dispensers ($20-$100), sink grids ($15-$80), cutting board inserts ($30-$120), and instant hot water dispensers ($150-$500).

Frequently Asked Questions

What gauge stainless steel sink is best?

16-gauge stainless steel is the sweet spot for kitchen sinks — thick enough to resist denting and dampen noise, without the premium price of 14-gauge. Avoid 20-gauge or thinner, which dent easily and amplify sound. Lower gauge number = thicker steel.

Can I install an undermount sink with a laminate countertop?

Standard laminate countertops cannot support undermount sinks because the exposed particleboard edge absorbs water and swells. Some newer solid-core laminates (like Formica Ideal Edge) are designed for undermount installation, but stone, quartz, or solid surface counters are the standard choice.

What is the difference between fireclay and ceramic sinks?

Fireclay sinks are fired at extremely high temperatures (1800-2000°F), making them denser, more chip-resistant, and more durable than standard ceramic. Fireclay is the preferred material for farmhouse sinks due to its strength and longevity, but costs 2-3x more than ceramic.

How deep should a kitchen sink be?

Most kitchen sinks are 8-10 inches deep. A 9-inch depth is ideal for most households — deep enough for large pots but not so deep that you strain your back. Bar and prep sinks are typically 6-8 inches. Extra-deep models (10-12 inches) suit commercial-style kitchens.

Do I need a sink grid?

Sink grids are highly recommended for any sink where you want to prevent scratches and protect the finish. They elevate dishes off the sink bottom, improve drainage, and are especially important for stainless steel and fireclay sinks. They typically cost $15-$80.

How do I measure for a replacement sink?

Measure the existing cutout in your countertop (length, width, and corner radius) and the cabinet interior width. For undermount, the sink must be smaller than the cutout. For drop-in, the sink rim must cover the cutout by at least 1/2 inch on all sides.