Granite sinks are made of laminated layers of granite and are intended to match or contrast with a stone counter. Composite sinks are considerably lighter than granite sinks and are made to provide decorative interest and a suitable alternative to stainless steel while enhancing a stone or tile countertop. Blanco Diamond, Elkay and Swan are some of the manufacturers of composite sinks. Cast iron sinks are heavy and the finish is susceptible to scratching but they are beautiful and have enjoyed a huge following for decades. Porcelain sinks are affordable and attractive but the finish can chip. Fireclay sinks are often used in the farmhouse style and are fired at such a high temperature that the glaze is fused with the clay and forms a virtually impermeable finish. If you are worried about scratching the finish of your new sink, this may be the perfect choice for you because it is almost impossible to scratch this material. Some of the manufacturers of cast iron, porcelain and fireclay sinks include: Blanco, Kohler, and Pegasus. Gauge – You will see the sink gauge listed when purchasing stainless steel or other metal sinks. Most stainless sinks are 16 or 18 gauge. The lower the number the thicker the material so you want to purchase a lower gauge for better strength and heat retention. Mounting (top mount, under mount and integrated) – For many years, top mounted sinks were the only option so almost everyone if familiar with the look and installation process for the top mounted sink. The sink sits on top of the countertop and is silicone sealed to prevent water from leaking between the sink and the countertop. Under mount sinks are installed beneath the countertop and come in a variety of materials. Many clients prefer this type of sink for the ease of cleaning and the uninterrupted lines of the countertop surface. Like the top mount sink, the under mount sink is a separate piece. The integrated sink is all one piece and is, as the name indicates, an integral part of the countertop itself. The mounting process creates a smooth and seamless transition from counter to sink. The integrated sink is available in solid surface materials such as Corian or LG Hi-Macs. At Aspen Kitchens, we understand that every detail dovetails into the big picture resulting in the ultimate kitchen design solution where function and beauty merge into perfection…. Including the kitchen sink. We invite you to visit our showroom at 5134 N Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO Visit our website at localhost/aspen Visit us on Houzz at Aspenkitchensinc Visit us on Facebook and join our discussions at Aspenkitchensinc ]]>