WOOD SINKS
Metal is the most durable of the sink materials. Metal sinks are made of stainless steel, cast iron, copper, brass or a combination of these metals.
Stainless Steel Bath SinkStainless Steel
Stainless steel is the most popular and typically the least expensive option for kitchen sinks and wet bars. Since they do not have any ceramic or enamel coating, they are essentially indestructible under normal use. They won’t chip, nick, crack, rust, stain, or fade.
Look for sinks made from 18- to 20-gauge steel. The lower the gauge, the heavier and more durable the steel. The chrome and nickel content of the steel also affects quality. The chrome adds strength and the nickel prevents corrosion. The ideal combination is 18% chrome and 10% nickel (18/10). 18/10 stainless steel is completely hygienic, will not rust and will maintain its appearance much longer than lesser grade steel.
The gauge (thickness) of the steel is also an important feature. (Gauge is an inverse measurement - 22 gauge is thinner than 20 gauge.) A thicker gauge stainless steel sink will maintain water temperature longer and has more sound deadening qualities. Thicker gauge stainless steel sinks are generally more expensive.
Economy models come without undercoating and are not highly polished. These tend to be noisy and require more maintenance. Thinner gauge steels have a tinny sound and dent more easily.
Some stainless steel sinks have a nickel plating on them which makes them very shiny. If this surface is worn off, you may not be able to get the sink shiny again.
More expensive models display a high luster and are heavily undercoated to absorb sounds and retain heat. However, highly polished models show scratches readily during the first year after installation, and only after sufficient use will the scratches blend to form a uniform finish.
