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Products :
Sinks & Faucets
 Undermounted and integral sinks offer the advantages of easy cleanup and a visually smooth transition between the counters and the sink. If you want an integral sink, you’ll need to go with countertops made out of flexible materials such as stainless steel or solid surface.
Stainless steel, the most popular sink material, works in both traditional and contemporary kitchens. Though it will scratch (eventually developing its own patina), it’s easy to clean and the thicker gauge models are quite durable.
You may find that one large, deep basin gives you more room than the common equal-size, double-bowl sink arrangement for rinsing large pots, plates, and platters before loading them into the dishwasher.
A second, smaller sink could be placed in a separate spot—perhaps on an island—for preparing vegetables or mixing drinks.
For the most durable faucet, go with a solid brass base material and a ceramic disk valve. You can choose from hundreds of styles and dozens of finishes, though
tough and fashionable chrome reigns.
Make a statement with a streamlined lever or antique porcelain “hot” and “cold”
handles.
A pullout faucet rather than one with a separate sprayer will give you one less gadget to break.
If you’re an avid cook, you might enjoy the convenience of a faucet mounted on the wall
by the stove for filling and topping off pots. Note that if you have a self-rimmed sink, you’ll want to make sure it has the proper installation holes for your faucet.
Read on to find out more information about the common installation methods, materials, and styles for sinks and faucets.
Sinks
A sink can be defined by its relationship with the countertop:
- Self-rimming
- Undermounted
- Integral
The edges of self-rimming sinks—the least expensive and most common option—lap the countertop.
By contrast, you can’t see the edges of undermounted and integral sinks. Undermounted sinks attach below the countertop. An integral sink is made out of the same material as the countertop and is fused to it, creating a seamless transition. Stainless steel, solid surface, and composite materials are flexible enough to mold integral sinks.
Undermounted and integral sinks offer the advantages of a streamlined look and easy cleanup—no rims to wipe crumbs over.
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