Stainless steel sinks typically last 15 to 25 years and are most often replaced because of interior renovations or upgrades rather than degradation of the sink itself. In addition, Stainless steel requires only minimal maintenance, which is both economical and good for the environment and society.
A stainless steel sink is the most durable and low-maintenance kitchen sink as they are resistant to heat, stains, and scratches. What's more, they are also some of the most versatile sinks coming in a variety of styles and sizes meaning they fit in most kitchens easily no matter the size or style.
Your sink's lifespan will depend a lot on its material. Stainless steel sinks last 15 to 30 years. Porcelain sinks last 25 to 30 years before they'll need to be refinished, after which they can last longer. Enamel steel sinks only last about 5 to 10 years if used frequently.
Sinks and Faucets
Average Lifespan: Expect your kitchen sink to last for around 50 years if made from acrylic. Vessel sinks made from copper, porcelain, glass or store could last more than 20 years, while enameled steel kitchen sinks may only last over a decade. Soapstone sinks, however, could last for over a century.
Grade 18/8 (Series 304): Made up of 18% chromium and 8% nickel. This grade is highly rust-resistant and is the best stainless steel grade for sinks. It's less expensive than Grade 18/10 but is still unlikely to rust. Grade 18/10 (Series 316): Made up of 18% chromium and 10% nickel.
So, stainless steel kitchen sinks are likely to remain a top consumer choice for years to come. While some designers agree that drop-in stainless steel sinks lack refinement and elegance, an undermount stainless steel sink is a timeless choice. Stainless steel sinks look best in modern or classic kitchen settings.
Check the cutout size before installing new kitchen sink
A sink that's too small for the countertop opening will leave ugly gaps along the sides (or even fall right through the hole!). Before removing the existing sink, measure the opening from underneath. Measure all four sides because the cutout may not be square.
If you prioritize style, sound absorption, and a luxurious look, a quartz sink might be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you value durability, versatility, and a more affordable price point, a stainless steel sink could be the way to go.
Quartz Composite
Best for: High durability, heat-resistance, and sound dampening. If the vulnerabilities of solid surface acrylic resin or enameled kitchen sinks are concerning, then a quartz composite kitchen sink is a great option.
However, it is important to note that granite sinks can be susceptible to staining if they are not properly sealed. On the other hand, stainless steel sinks are also extremely durable and resistant to scratches, chips, and heat. They are also easy to clean and maintain, making them a popular choice for busy kitchens.
While stainless steel sinks are durable, they do tend to scratch if abrasive cleansers are used. You might notice tiny scratches on an older stainless steel sink if you look closely. Most stainless steel varieties have a grain or pattern to them.
Iron plus moisture on top of stainless can lead to surface rust and staining. Rubber dish mats, wet sponges and cleaning pads are a no-no for a lengthy stay in your sink. Since they trap water, discoloration and staining can result.
Grade-304 is regarded as the best grade for stainless steel sinks. This grade means that the steel is an 18/8 stainless steel and made up of at least 50% iron. By understanding these properties of stainless steel, you'll be able to spot high-quality sinks from poorer ones.
Double Basin/Bowl Sink
The most popular type of kitchen sink arrangement, dual basins allow for washing on one side and rinsing or drying on the other side.
Acrylic
This easily moldable plastic is one of the most affordable and versatile kitchen sinks you can find. It's easy to clean, strong, sound absorbent, and the nonporous surface is resistant to mildew and dirt buildup.
According to HomeAdvisor, most homeowners spend between $220 and $560 to have a sink added or replaced. Angie's List reports that homeowners spend between $216 and $628 to have a sink installed. On average plumbers charge between $50 and $200 per hour to install a new kitchen sink.
THICKER GAUGES
A better quality stainless steel kitchen sink is the 18-gauge, which is 0.0500 inches. Many home improvement choices recommend 16 to 18 gauges as a good choice for a stainless steel kitchen sink. The more costly, a 16-gauge stainless sinks is often touted as a luxury sink and are 0.0625 inches thick.
The sinks made of thicker steels are highly durable. It is best to opt for 1.2mm or 1.5mm stainless steel sinks. They are resistant to dents and dings; thus, even if you accidentally drop the pointy edge of a knife into the stainless steel sink, you don't have to worry about the piercing in the metal sheet.
The maximum gauge I would recommend for any stainless steel kitchen sink is 18 gauge. The best choice is of course 16 gauge, however either 16 or 18 gauge will provide the same top value in terms of cost, performance and overall satisfaction. Don't bother with higher gauges (20, 22, 24) which are significantly thinner.
Both top-mount and undermount models are available; undermount models ease cleanup because there is no lip to catch food and debris, but are usually more expensive. Stainless steel sinks also resist chipping and cracking, however, are likely to be scratched through everyday use and often show water spots.