9 Best Kitchen Sink Materials

If you are doing a kitchen remodel, replacing an old kitchen sink is a great way to boost both the functionality and appeal of your new kitchen.

A new single basin drop-in kitchen sink made out of stainless steel or ceramic costs about $250-400. Prices for premium materials, such as copper or soapstone can be well over $1,000

Here are the top 9 kitchen sinks that boast great style, functionality and durability.

If you are considering any kitchen updates, get free price quotes from local kitchen pros in your area.

1. Soapstone sink

Whether you’re a sucker for science or just want to take design cues from the brainiacs of the world, soapstone is the go-to choice for laboratory sinks and countertops.

Because this stone is naturally resistant to staining and bacterial growth and is non-reactive, it offers a host of benefits for kitchens.

Certainly a high-end option, a soapstone sink has a price tag to match. Starting costs will typically be around $1,000, going up from there depending on a wide range of factors.

Pros

– Non-reactive material means soapstone won’t be affected by acids or chemicals

– Natural microbial growth resistance can reduce bacterial presence

– No two soapstone sinks will look exactly the same, as each one is unique

Cons

– Very expensive

– While durable and dense, soapstone has a soft feel, which makes it more susceptible to scratches

– Over time, it will develop a patina, which can be a drawback for homeowners who want an unchanging surface.

2. Stainless steel sink

Hands down, one of the best sink materials is stainless steel. Resistant to both heat and stains, a stainless steel kitchen sink offers a surprising number of finish and style options.

It is also available at different price points to suit any budget. The gauge, or thickness of material you choose for a stainless steel sink will be a deciding factor in the total price. Sink sizing and how its mounted will also come into play.

Be prepared to spend anywhere from $100, all the way up to $600.

Pros

– Highly durable
– Can be an affordable option
– Versatile in terms of decor

Cons

– Can be noisy if sound-absorbing pads aren’t installed
– May scratch or dent
– Watermarks and fingerprints can be quite noticeable

3. Enameled Cast Iron Sink

Enameled cast iron should earn a spot near the top of your short-list if you want to add a vintage flair to your kitchen. Still, it’s not just for retro throwback kitchens anymore. These days, iron alloy sinks coated with enamel are available in a wide range of colors and styles.

The broad price range of enameled cast iron means it can suit a variety of budgets. In most cases, it will cost somewhere between $300 and $900.

Pros

– Can easily last a lifetime, making cast iron a solid investment
– Seamlessly pairs form with function as a beautiful option which doesn’t require a sacrifice in terms of durability.

Cons

– A cast iron sink is very heavy, and may require cabinetry modifications
– Due to weight and difficulty of handling, installation can be more involved for an enameled cast iron sink.

4. Composite Granite Sink

When you want the look of granite but aren’t wild about the price point, a composite granite sink may be your best choice. Offering exceptional durability, composite granite is a man-made sink material capable of mimicking the look of granite beautifully, since it contains a substantial amount of genuine granite stone.

The price point is somewhere along the middle of the spectrum. This makes it ideal for kitchen remodels with a moderate budget, since typical costs range between $250 and $550.

Pros

– Capable of withstanding exposure to household acids with no affect
– Resistant to chipping and scratching
– More affordable than many other options
– Impressive heat resistance
– Looks and feels like natural stone

Cons

– Porous materials can be susceptible to certain types of stains
– Only available in matte finishes
– Requires more daily maintenance than other kitchen sink materials

5. Fireclay Sink

Fireclay is one of the least known types of sinks. It offers solid character, ideal for people who love farmhouse style sinks. If you’re in the market for a heavy, practically indestructible kitchen sink, fireclay fits the bill. Made of clay fired at temperatures of over 1,800F, fireclay sinks are then coated with a special glaze for even more durability.

You should look to spend anywhere from $450 to $1,000 on your new fireclay kitchen sink.

Pros

– The ideal style choice for farmhouse kitchens
– Will not react to acids
– Won’t chip, scratch or stain

Cons

– Excessive weight of the material may require special cabinet support and construction
– Faucet options may be limited to wall-mounted or counter-mounted choices.

6. Quartz Sink

Have you decided on quartz countertops for your kitchen? If so, and you’re interested in creating continuity with your kitchen sink, a quartz option might be your best bet.

On the higher end of the price spectrum, a quartz kitchen sink will usually cost between $800 and $1,200 installed.

Pros

– Matched sinks and countertops create a seamless look throughout the kitchen
– Lighter quartz sinks with patterns will provide natural camouflage for scratches and nicks

Cons

– Dark colors with a solid finish will make signs of wear more apparent

7. Solid Surface Sink

When you want the same continuous look offered by quartz or natural stone but aren’t wild about those materials, solid surface countertops and sinks are another option.

The cost of solid state countertops usually starts at around $50 per square foot installed, with increases in pricing to fabricate and install a matching sink.

Pros

– Seamless construction makes solid state sinks easy to clean

Cons

– Durability varies depending upon color and style
– May show scratches easily

8. A Copper Sink for Character and Visual Interest

One of the higher-end materials on our list is copper. When you want a sink with superior visual interest and durability, copper just might be the way to go. This living surface will develop a patina and colors will evolve over time, providing unparalleled character.

Depending on your specifications, copper sinks can run anywhere from $500 up to $1,200. Prices increase with heavier gauges and added customization.

Pros

– Ease of shaping makes copper a versatile option in terms of style and fabrication.

– Copper is naturally resistant to microbial growth, making it ideal as an antibacterial surface for kitchens

Cons

– Durability will depend on material thickness; cheaper, thinner sinks will dent or be scratched more easily than thicker options

– Acids, cleaning chemicals and heat will affect patina
– Will require treatment on a regular basis to prevent patina development

9. Classic and Timeless Porcelain / Ceramic Sink

Similar to enameled cast iron, porcelain sinks are coated after fabrication with a baked-on porcelain finish. Porcelain has been used in sink and bathtub applications for more than a century.

This option spans the price spectrum, you can expect to pay as little as $250 for a porcelain sink, or as much as $2,000.

IKEA DOMSJO Farmhouse Sink is a great example of inexpensive (~ $315 US), yet beautiful and very practical ceramic sink that can be installed in most kitchen cabinets (even non-IKEA cabinets) and make your kitchen very unique.

This is a true example of quality on the budget – something you cannot say about many other IKEA products!

Pros

– Classic styling makes porcelain an ideal fit in farmhouse, rustic and country kitchens.

– Thermal properties allow hot water collected inside a porcelain sink to stay hot longer, which can be a plus for washing dishes

Cons

– Like other heavy kitchen sink materials, porcelain will often require extra stabilization of base cabinetry to accommodate the weight.

– Porcelain is somewhat susceptible to scratches, which can lead to rusting of the underlying metal.

– Chipping is a concern if objects are dropped from significant height onto a porcelain surface.

In the end, choosing the right sink for your kitchen means balancing a number of factors. You should look for an option which suits your décor, needs and budget, tying together your personal space. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all option; your kitchen, and the right sink for the room, is as unique as you are.

Cost to install a kitchen sink

On average installing a new drop – in kitchen sink in an existing countertop costs $250-1,000, depending on the type of sink and the complexity of installation. The cheapest and fastest to install is a single basin drop-in sink. A handy-man can put one in for less than $300.

Installing an undermount sink is more complex and labor intensive, as you need to seal it around the countertop opening to ensure there are no leaks. Undermount sink installation costs on average $400-550.

Finally, putting in a farmhouse or apron sink costs the most, around $800-1,000. These sinks are usually very heavy as they are made of enamel cast iron, copper or thick porcelain, which makes the installation harder and therefore more expensive.

Installing a new sink drain together with the garbage disposal costs around $500-700 depending on the type of garbage disposal you get.