When you are planning a new kitchen, you need to remember to budget for a sink and taps. It’s very easy to forget these fittings but the sink and taps are an important part of your kitchen, especially if you don’t have a dishwasher.

When you are considering the location of your sink, you will need to take into account where the water pipes and drainage are and the locations of the hob/oven and the fridge. You want these three items to be in a triangle and within easy reach of each other so that you do not have to travel very far to take things from the cooker to the sink etc. If you have a small kitchen which is L-shaped, you may want to consider a corner sink with the main sink on one wall and the drainer on the other wall, but both next to each other in the corner. This corner position will then give you long runs of worktop for food preparation and serving, and plenty of space for a hob.

Sinks come in many shapes and sizes. You can buy double sinks, with both sinks the same size for washing and rinsing; single sinks with a drainer; one and a half sinks for washing and tipping waste; sink and waste disposal unit; three bowl sinks with a small central bowl for waste etc. Some sinks fit into the work top, others, like Belfast sinks have their own front edging. It all depends on the style of your kitchen. Belfast sinks look great when teamed with handmade wooden kitchens to give a country style.

Let’s consider different types of kitchen sinks:-

Stainless Steel Sinks – These sinks are practical, durable and look great in any style of kitchen. They have been popular for decades and are liked by everyone. Stainless steel is a good choice because it does not stain with dirty washing up water or waste, is easy to keep clean and looks great for years. Look for 1mm/18 gauge stainless steel sinks, as thinner stainless steel can dent more easily.

Enamel/Porcelain sinks – These sinks are enamel or porcelain on top of cast iron or steel. Enamel or porcelain over cast iron is much more durable than over steel. The disadvantage of these sinks is that they can get chipped and show the base metal.

Granite sinks – Also called Fragranite, Silgranite and Rock by manufacturers, granite sinks are simply granite cut into a sink shape. Granite sinks are practical and durable because they are heat resistant up to high temperatures, stain resistant and scratch resistant. They are easy to clean and if they get chipped in any way, which is unusual, the colour of the granite goes all the way through and so damage won’t be obvious.

Ceramic sinks – Ceramic sinks are often in the “Belfast” style and fit onto brackets on the wall. They are white and have a sluice style overflow. Modern inset ceramic sinks are also available. Always be careful to clean up any brightly coloured stains such as tomato sauces otherwise you may discolour the sink.