Home Building - Kitchen Sinks & Faucets

It wasn't long ago when homeowners had two choices when it came to selecting a new kitchen sink - cast iron or stainless steel. There were fewer choices of colors or shapes, and no options for customized sink accessories. Today, homeowners have a multitude of sink choices to help personalize their kitchen. With this new bounty of sink options, comes the challenge of picking out the right kitchen sink for your home. Here's a guide to help you make sense out of all the various materials and styles that are available to you:

Stainless steel is the most popular and usually the least expensive option. But don't go too cheap - look for sinks made from 18- to 20-gauge steel. A general rule of thumb is that the lower the gauge, the heavier and more durable the steel. The chrome and nickel content of the steel also affects quality. The ideal combination is 18% chrome and 8% nickel, because chrome adds strength and the nickel prevents corrosion.

The pros to using stainless steel are it complements commercial-style appliances, can be molded as a continuous part of a stainless steel countertop, won't chip and is easy to clean. The cons are it will show scratches, but over time it will develop a natural patina - if you can wait that long. Thinly gauged steels will dent and make noise, so to combat these cons, choose a model with a satin texture finish. They are available in both undermount and drop-in models. One word of caution though: If you want to undermount a stainless steel sink, the countertop must be a solid material and not a laminate (due to water exposure, laminates can eventually separate and bubble). Average cost of a stainless steel sink is between $350-$800.

Cast Iron Sinks feature an iron base coated with an enamel finish. While there are many colors to choose from, this type of sink is susceptible to chipping (exposing the black surface underneath, which is susceptible to rusting) and staining. When it comes to installation, cast iron is one of the most difficult because these sinks are heavy and bulky in nature. It also has limited undermount installation options. Expect to pay between $300 to $1500.

Composite sinks are available in three common forms - polyester/acrylic, quartz composite and granite-based. Of all the types of composite sinks available, polyester/acrylic are the lowest performing in terms of scratch and stain resistance, as they are made from soft materials that can cut and nick easily, but because of its shiny look and multitude of color choices - it remains an appealing choice for homeowners. And it's the cheapest composite sink on the market, ranging from $300 to $500. Quartz composite sinks provide a much more durable surface than polyester/acrylic because it's made of 70 percent quartz and 30 percent resin filler. These sinks can resist everyday cuts, scuffs and dents and can easily stand up to harsh cleaning materials or liquids that can stain other sinks. Granite-based sinks are the toughest sinks on the market. It won't scratch, rust, dent, burn or crack, but it will cost you some extra money. If you have your heart set on a glossy finish, than you'll want to explore other composite sinks, because granite-based sinks are only available in matte finish.

Solid Surface sinks are made from solid synthetic sheets which are formed by mixing a mineral compound with polyester and/or acrylic resins. The benefits to using a solid surface sink are that it can be molded from the same piece of solid surface that you use on your countertop, comes in a multitude of colors and designs and you can sand out the scratches. The average cost is around $300 to $700.

Types of Sinks

Self-rimming sinks are the least expensive and most common option. Its edges lap the countertop.

Undermounted and integral sinks are sinks where the edges are hidden. 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. The benefits of both these sinks is that they give a clean look and provide easy cleanup - no rims to push crumbs over.

Farmhouse sinks (also called apron sinks) feature an exposed front that sometimes juts past the front of the cabinetry that surrounds it. They are commonly used in kitchens with a rustic or country-style d?cor and the bowl itself is usually deeper than average. They often have no deck, so the faucet and other accessories are mounted directly into the countertop behind the bowl.

Note: By going with a flat bottomed sink and steep, straight side walls, you will greatly increase your usable sink space.

Sink Styles

The most common sink configurations are single bowl, double bowl, triple bowl and main sink plus a prep sink.

Single bowl sinks are great if you're tight on space or enjoy having some extra space when you're rinsing pots and pans.

Double-bowl sinks are usually configured where both bowls are the same size so you can use one side to wash your dishes and the other side to rinse them. You can also opt for one large bowl and a smaller bowl to use as a prep sink for cleaning fruits and vegetables.

Triple-bowl sinks give you the wash-and-rinse function plus a smaller prep sink, which usually has a garbage disposal built in.

Prep sinks are most commonly found on a separate kitchen island or by the stove, because it offers the added convenience of not having to drag your food from the main sink to your prep counter.

Sink Accessories

If you like to spend a lot of time in the kitchen you might want to check out some of these options - cutting boards that fit securely on the sink's sides and that have holes to empty scrapes through (works best when the sink has a garbage disposal attached), colanders that hang on the side, a garbage disposal, dish racks that fit into the basin and hot water dispensers. A note about garbage disposals - you want a high horsepower garbage disposal that can handle tough foods like meat scraps. If you're worried about noise using a larger horsepower, just be sure you have a wide dampening collar, because it greatly reduces the noise.

Faucets

In general your faucet will have its own style based on the shape of its handle or handles, its height and its accessories. Keep in mind that your faucet should be chosen to compliment the architectural theme you've created with your countertops, cabinetry and appliances. Faucets also offer a lot in the way of options - adjustable heights, spray and swivel features and multiple colors and finishes.

Don't forget about your sink when you choose your faucet, because if you have a self-rimming sink it comes with predrilled holes so you'll need to make sure your faucet will fit. You can pick any faucet you like if your sink is undermounted or integral, because the holes are drilled by the installer after you've picked out your faucet.

Here's a few things to consider to help choose a faucet that's right for you.

Handles Handles should be chosen to compliment your kitchen. The traditional style is a two-handled faucet with one knob for hot water and the other for cold water, which allows for independent control of both. However, faucets with one handle are becoming increasingly popular because you can enjoy the convenience of single-handedly controlling your water temperature and volume. Handles come in a thousand varieties, from cross-handles to wrist-blade lever styles.

Finish Look for a long-lasting, low maintenance finish to compliment your decor. Your choices are quite extensive and include chrome plating, nickel plating, white enamel, brass, colored epoxy, platinum, porcelain, bronze, stainless steel and gold or silver. The favored finishes are chrome and brass because they are easy to maintain and very durable. A word of caution if you go with brass - it requires a special protective coating to prevent it from tarnishing. For lots of color options and easy cleanup go with an epoxy finish.

Material When it comes to the faucet's main material, your two best options are solid brass or plastic. Solid brass comes highly recommended because it is a much tougher material than plastic and can handle extreme temperatures. Internally, your faucet will control the flow of water using either rubber washers, a plastic or ceramic cartridge, a plastic, brass, or stainless steel ball valve, or a ceramic disk. A ceramic disk is recommended for the same reasons as solid brass.

Spout and spray A basic kitchen faucet has a standard spout that rises only slightly in height from the faucet body to its tip. A high-arc faucet (also known as high-neck or gooseneck) has a spout that increases dramatically in height, often as high as ten inches or more. This allows for easy rinsing of large pots and presents an elegant look in any kitchen.

Note: If your design calls for a sink with two or three bowls, the length and flexibility of the spout is important. A long spout with a reach of 12- to 14-inches may be called for, as well as one that swivels at least 180 degrees to reach the different bowls. Spouts can be straight, short, elongated, curved, and high-rise, with an integrated spray that pulls out or pulls down.

It's hard to imagine a kitchen faucet that doesn't have some kind of retractable sprayer for washing vegetables and rinsing large pots, which is why almost all faucet manufacturers sell a system with a sprayer - a traditional side sprayer or a modern pullout spray.

Dripless Faucets Think longevity when you're installing anything that has to do with water. Consider how long a new faucet will last without dripping. Faucets should offer long-term performance and be drip-free for life - of course the operative word is should. To help minimize the chances of dripping it is best to use ceramic disc valving, because it's very durable and leak resistant.

Scald Protection This may not seem that important to you if you don't have children, but you may someday, so why not add an anti-scald feature to your faucet for a few more dollars.

Look for quality An inexpensive faucet may look as good as the more expensive one, but don't be fooled - it won't last long. Your flag should go up when plastic is used on integral parts, washers are controlling the flow of water (should have ceramic disks or replaceable cartridges) and are lightweight. Plummer bills will be far more costly down the road, than purchasing a high quality faucet from day one.

Get enough holes When you buy a new sink, you'll need to decide how many holes you will need in the "deck" - the flat part behind the bowls. Depending on the style of faucet you choose, you will need one to three holes to accommodate the taps and spigot. More holes will be needed for a hot-water dispenser, a spray accessory (if it's not part of the faucet) or a built-in soap dispenser. It's difficult, but not impossible, to add holes once the sink is in place, so get as many as you think you'll ever need.

Off-set drains By placing the drains to one side you'll gain more flat space for stacking dishes and glasses and create more usable space under the sink. Offset drains also allow water to drain, even if a large pan or tray is soaking in the sink.

Web or divider For double bowl sinks, make sure the web divider between the two bowls is lower than the outside sink walls. This will provide overflow protection by allowing water to flow from one bowl to the other.

Trends in Faucets and Sinks

Bigger is better, when it comes to kitchen sinks. The new trend in the kitchen is installing a large, single-bowl sink - which is more efficient for rinsing and washing, especially large pots and pans. The standard single bowl sink is 25 inches, but now people are looking for bowls that are 30 to 36 inches.

Rims are out! The majority of new homeowners are spending the extra money (about a couple hundred more) to get an undermounted or integral sink. It not only looks great, but it is very functional.

Pullout spray faucets and satin nickel or stainless steel finishes are very popular. Another trend is towards decorative faucets, which help add a little spice to your kitchen. If you want a sleeker style and finish then satin nickel or oil-rubbed bronze are worth checking out. Oil-rubbed bronze is a unique finish which gives a weathered, natural look that changes into a nice patina. For a more rustic/country look you can go for a farm or apron sink.

People like the idea of having a sink on the island where the cooktop is because they won't have to worry about dripping back and forth from the sink to the stove. For an added touch on your island you can get a small basin installed. It may look like just a pottery bowl, but it has real plumbing and is attached to the wall.

Pot-filler faucets are also becoming popular, because people don't want to have to keep running back to the sink to fill a pot. This faucet is attached right by the stove and folds back against the wall when you're not using it.

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Bathroom Faucet Function And Selection

Bathrooms need to have faucets for a decent functioning. There are lots of kinds of faucets available in many styles, colors, shapes. All the faucets can be grouped in four categories as per their working mechanisms. They can be grouped in following categories:

* Cartridge * Compression * Ball * Disc

These are in fact parts of faucets that control the water flow from them. Three of these faucets are mixing faucets while the fourth is not. The compression faucet has two controls: Hot and Cold.

Compression faucets have washers or seals that close against a valve seat to restrict water flow through the faucet body. This control is turned off when you turn the handle off. The other three types don't use washers for the off-and-on action, though they do have O-rings and neoprene seals to prevent leaking. They're referred to as "washerless." Because washers and seals wear out with use-resulting in the familiar drip, drip-washerless faucets are generally favored.

When you are out buying faucets do consider following:

* Type of handles * Style you prefer * Finish you want * Your budget

The fasces you purchase must be synchronized with the architecture of your bathroom. Some faucets will remind you of old fashioned pumps while others will be quite modern. The two handled faucets are more stylish then single handle ones.

Single-handle faucets are more practical then two handled ones. When you buy faucet, keep in mind the spout's height and reach also. You need to choose the sink and this choice will affect your other purchases. The spout should be long enough to reach into a sink's multiple basins and high enough to provide ample working room. Buy high arch or gooseneck spouts if you have large pots and shallower sinks. They will not suit a compact kitchen setting. Pullout sprayhead spouts have grown to be quite popular, but look for a retractable double-interlock hose that won't kink.

If you want you can buy faucets and handles separately. Many manufacturers sell separate stuffs. When you buy the lavoratory faucets be more careful as its generally them not kitchen ones that leak. When you buy bathroom faucets keep in mind the shape of sinks etc.

When buying for tubs and whirlpools, you'll need to know whether your installation needs a wall-mount, a deck mount, or a hand spray.

Make sure you discuss the shower faucets with your plumber or designer. This will help you make the right choice as you might get overwhelmed if you choose on your own from the large array of faucets available in many styles and shapes. The supply lines will need consideration also. Therefore take your designer along or discuss in advance what you want.

These days you have an option to choose the various trims also for your facets along with handles. Try to buy the faucets and sinks from same place as that ways you can be sure that you are buying congruent things.

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Kitchen Faucets

Kitchen faucets are one of the most important components of your kitchen area. In the past, these were just ordinary parts of the kitchen. But nowadays, these have become more stylish, while retaining their classic functionality at the same time. Many types of kitchen faucets now have some kind of spray or brush attachment to make washing pans and dishes easier. Aside from this, there are now different designs for kitchen faucets so you can include stylish faucets for your next home decorating project.

Kitchen Faucet Buying Tips

Since there is now a wide variety for kitchen faucets, buying the appropriate one for your kitchen can be a daunting task. So, here are some tips to help you when buying kitchen faucets.

First, you have to decide on the design that will best match your kitchen. You can choose from two-handle designs, single-handle design, or cross-shaped design. If you have a bigger sink, you can always opt for the two-handle design. However, the more popular designs are the cross-shaped. These are not only functional but also give your kitchen a customized look especially when matched with unique and stylish handle.

Second, you also have to look into the types of finish. The most affordable finish for a kitchen faucet is a chrome finish. This is not only affordable but it also has an extended warranty on scratches that is why lots of homeowners prefer this. However, if you don?t like chrome finish, you can always choose one with more colorful enamel coatings. Just be reminded that this type is more expensive and is more susceptible to chipping and scratches.

And lastly, you have to know the different types of faucet such as the compression valves, the ball valves, the ceramic disk, and the cartridge faucet. It is important that you know each of these types so that it will be easier for you to determine which one will work best for your kitchen.

These are just some of the tips that you can keep in mind when buying kitchen faucets. Whatever you choose, just make sure that you consider function and style at the same time.

Faucets provides detailed information on Faucets, Kitchen Faucets, Bathroom Faucets, Shower Faucets and more. Faucets is affiliated with Composting Toilets.

Faucet Water Filters Can Purify Your Drinking Water By Removing Chlorine & Many Harmful Contaminants

Investing in one of the many faucet water filters on the market is the best way to ensure that the water you drink is clean and safe. Many consumers feel that there’s no need to invest in a filter when they can buy bottled water from their local grocery store. Unfortunately, what many of these consumers don't know is that bottled water isn’t really much safer than your everyday tap.

This may come as a shock, but there are no government standards that require bottled water to be safer or purer than your everyday tap water. Basically, that means you are paying more for bottled when it’s essentially the same as what you can drink from home, oftentimes even worse. In the long run, owning your own filter will allow you to save money and have healthier water available all of the time.

There are over 2,000 cancer-causing contaminants in our water. Unfortunately, with the production of more man-made chemicals, the toxicity will only continue to get worse. Before the invention of these chemicals, the population had a 1 in 50 chance of getting cancer. Since the creation of these chemicals, water consumers now have a 1 in 3 chance of getting cancer. Faucet mounted water filters are a wonderful way to purify the water used for drinking and cooking.

Another great benefit of quality faucet water filters, is that they remove contaminants without stripping the water of the natural trace minerals our bodies need, like distillers and reverse osmosis systems do. These two types of filters give you de-mineralized water with a very acidic pH, which is highly unhealthy.

One of the best faucet water filters you can purchase is a twin cartridge system. A quality filter will have a dual system that uses a combination of carbon filtration, ion exchange and sub-micron filtration. This produces healthy and great tasting water. Even better, it can be available at the convenience of your kitchen tap, by hooking up directly to your faucet, or being installed under the sink.

These multi-stage faucet water filters are a wonderful investment because two cartridges are more effective at purifying water. The first stage removes chlorine, sediment and other microscopic particles. The second stage then removes lead and volatile organic chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides and industrial solvents that can be damaging to your body.

As stated earlier, dual filter systems make great water. However, there are some faucet mounted water filters that also add potassium. When potassium is added to water, it enhances the mineral balance, which gives water a natural spring-like taste. If you’re looking for that extra bonus for your water, this is the way to go.

If you still feel like faucet water filters are unnecessary, think about this--there is no new water. This means that what goes down our drain gets recycled for future use. Yes, this also includes what gets bottled for sale. Due to the lack of standard regulations concerning the purity of water, the equipment used at your local water facility remains very primitive.

When you understand that low-grade equipment produces low-grade water, the importance of faucet mounted water filters becomes quite clear. The best way to have pure water on a regular basis is by investing in a filter for your home.

Remember, the best faucet water filters are the ones that eliminate contaminants using a dual filtration system. These filters use a combination of carbon filtration, ion exchange and sub-micron filtration to effectively remove chlorine, lead, volatile organic compounds, MTBE and other chlorine resistant chemicals. There is nothing wrong with investing in a more basic product, but if you want a truly effective product, this multi-stage process gives you more for your money.

In order to make a wise investment in faucet mounted water filters, it is best to ask the distributor for a performance data report. Doing so will prove a company’s reputability as well as the product’s reliability.

A reputable company will want to prove that they can provide the best faucet water filters. Therefore, they will want to assure you that they have the proof to back it up. If you find a company unwilling to oblige, steer clear and find a distributor you can trust.

Your health is important and owning faucet water filters for your home can help you maintain it. When you have control over what you put into your body, you can easily improve your quality of life.

Martin Spencer is a health researcher who has been studying water filtration for over 25 years. He is a regular contributor to Water Filters Guide, a site dedicated to various methods of treating and purifying water. Learn about faucet mounted water filters as well as undersink and whole house systems on our site

Kitchen Faucet Buying Guide

Kitchen faucets don’t just serve as a functional piece of the kitchen. Today, they set the style with shapes, sizes, designs and finishes to fit any décor. Whether you are looking for classic country or ultra modern, there's a faucet design to fit your style. Below are considerations to make when choosing a new kitchen faucet.

1) How many holes does your sink have?

One of the most important questions when buying a new kitchen faucet is how many holes are in your existing sink or counter top.

2) What handle options do you prefer?

Two Handle Faucets - Provides precise temperature and water flow adjustment, with separate hot and cold controls, utilizing 3 or more holes of a sink or countertop. This is a great style to consider if you’re creating a traditional or period-style kitchen.

Single Handle Faucets - Allow for quick and easy water flow and temperature adjustments with one hand, which is helpful when your hands are occupied. Single Handle Faucets are generally compliant with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements. This design requires 1 or more holes depending on layout and styles range from traditional to modern. Most models are available with or without side sprays.

Wall-Mount Faucets - A unique style that requires no deck holes as the faucet actually mounts to the wall above the sink. This design does require water supplies that extend above the countertop in the wall. This is a great option if you’re looking for an antique style kitchen.

Pull-Out or Integral Spray Faucets - A great mix of style and functionality, the faucet head pulls out and with a touch of a button the water pattern switches from regular flow to spray. This design requires 1 or more holes depending on the handle configuration and number of accessories, creating a clean style that lends itself to a contemporary or transitional look.

Pot Filler Faucets - A “must have” for an avid cook. This cold water faucet is installed in addition to a regular kitchen faucet and mounts on the wall behind a stove or on a countertop near the stove. It is used to fill a pot that is already positioned on the stovetop. This faucet comes in a wide array of designs including single or dual handles, long or gooseneck swivel spouts.

Bar Sink/Entertainment/Prep Faucets - Compared to a regular kitchen faucet, bar faucets are simply smaller in order to work with the bar/prep sinks they are intended to be used with. A great addition to any room, these faucets come in a variety of styles and designs utilizing 1-3 holes. When used in a kitchen application they are often “matched” to the same style as the larger kitchen sink faucet.

3) What Spout Height and Reach Do You Want?

Standard Arch - Faucet spout is generally 3-5 inches high and are best for smaller sinks and everyday pots, pans and dishes.

High Arch - Provides plenty of room between the bottom of the sink and the spout to conveniently wash large pots or oversized dishes. High arch faucets start are 6 inches, but most are 8-10 inches high.

Spout Reach - Another important factor in deciding which faucet is best is the number of bowls you have and the overall size of the sink. The faucet should direct water into the center of the sink, a small faucet can get lost on a large sink and a large faucet can overpower a small sink. Most faucet have a reach that ranges from 7½” to 10”. If you have a double bowl sink, be sure to choose a faucet that can reach both bowls.

4) What Additional Accessories Will You Need?

There are a number of handy kitchen accessories that can be used in empty holes in your sink. If you have one or more extra holes, consider a hot water dispenser, filtered water dispenser, soap dispenser or side spray.

A wide selecton of quality kitchen sinks can be found at http://www.faucet.com. Call and speak with one of our product specialists to find the right kitchen sink for you!