Kitchen Sinks: Granite v. Stainless Steel

Weighing in the options

A new sink can enhance any kitchen or bathroom and give it an entirely different feel. Discovering all of the choices of style, design and functionality can be overwhelming. The sheer amount of options is staggering.

All sinks are not created equal and one must put a great deal of consideration into what is more important: design or functionality. Two popular materials, Granite and stainless steel help balance these two aspects but still have their pros and cons.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel is quite popular for its low cost and light weight. Sinks made of this material are exceptionally durable which is why this material is often found in places where the sink will see a great deal of activity, like a restaurant.

Stainless steel sinks have excellent life spans and will likely outlast the homes they sit in. One consideration is the gauge of the steel used. The lighter gauge steel, 20-gauge for example, is more susceptible to scratches and dents. These sinks, however, can endure a great deal of damage before becoming unusable.

As far as aesthetics are concerned, stainless steel sinks are very limited. Any number of designs can be found but the shiny silver surface is the only color one is likely to find. This is perhaps the biggest drawback to stainless steel if its cold sensibilities don't match the décor.

 Pros:

Long lasting

Economica l

Exceptionally durable

Cons:

Shows wear easily

Requires vigilant care

Susceptible to rust

Granite

Granite and other stone sinks are slightly less durable than stainless steel sinks but there are a few differences. Stone sinks, though often carrying a much higher price tag, are much more resistant to scratching and show less wear and tear over their life span.

This durability is attributed to the compactness of the particles in the particles that coat the surface. They are also more versatile, in that additional sink holes can be added for any extra functions desired.

Nevertheless, stone, due to its physical properties, is hardly unbreakable and can crack or break under the right circumstances. Installation is especially difficult with these sinks. Little can be done to repair this material and may simply require a replacement.

Granite sinks can come in a multitude of different colors to match a color scheme, making them ideal for very particular home styles. These sinks, however, have a matte finish due to the material and are not available in a shiny finish.

Other types of materials are available, but granite and stainless steel provide a beautiful balance of style and functionality, as well as cost and quality.

 Pros:

Resists wear

Versatile and user customizable

Available in variety of colors

 Cons:

Hard to repair

Difficult installation

Expensive

More information on sinks