Artistic Stone Works carries an extensive line of Sterling, Moen, and Gerber brand kitchen, wet bar, and vanity sinks.  Additionally, we stock exceptionally well-made stylish faucets and related kitchen and bath accessories that are beautiful inside and out.

 

The sink is the most utilized appliance in the kitchen and there are many factors to consider when selecting the right sink for your lifestyle.  Below is a listing of some features to consider when purchasing a kitchen sink.

 

Material Selection:

 

Stainless Steel

Excellent balance of cost, durability, and ease of cleaning

Higher quality stainless steel sinks are made of 18 or 16 grade or thicker steel to prevent dents and scratches and reduce noise

Brushed satin finishes tend to hide water spots and scratches

 

Cast Iron

Layer of enamel provides a hard, durable surface with a smooth, glass-like finish that makes it easy to clean

 

Composite

Made of a mixture of materials to provide a sturdy, low-maintenance surface

Available in a range of colors and prices

Composites with high granite content are especially durable

 

Copper

High durable metal that does not rush or tarnish

Surface takes on an aged patina over time

 

Number of Sink Bowls:

Deciding how many bowls you need is best determined by the size of your kitchen and your typical activities.

 

Single Bowl:

Offers plenty of space for large-diameter dishes and oversized pots

 

Double Bowls:

Provides foom for separate tasks such as washing and rinsing dishes, food preparation, and cleanup.

 

Triple Bowls:

Features a small third bowl between the double bowls for use as a prep sink

 

Specialty Sinks and Features:

Secondary sinks and features provide added convenience in large kitchens

           Bar sinks add convenience for rooms away from kitchen used for entertaining

           Apron sinks, also known as farmhouse sinks, feature a wide base and deep basin for easier cleaning of large posts and pans.  These sinks feature an exposed front that drops down in front of the sink.

           Corner sinks are a popular solution for U or L shaped counters.  Placing the sink in the corner can increase efficiency and saves space.

 

Drain Position

Sinks with rear or offset drain positions feature pipes at the back of the unit, creating more cabinet space underneath for your trash can, cleaning supplies, or other items.

 

 

 

Tempting though it is to choose a countertop based on looks alone, a material's durability, maintenance and, of course, cost are also important factors to consider when making a selection for a kitchen countertop.

 

Artistic Stoneworks only fabricates and installs granite, marble, and quartz countertops.  However, listed below are other countertop choices that might be a good fit for your project.

 

Countertop choices:

 

Granite, the top choice in countertops, is available in a variety of shades such as blacks, whites, greens, corals and beiges and, as it is a natural material, no two pieces are exactly the same. Granite is available in two finishes... polished and matte.  A polished finish results in a shiny look and often darkens the appearance of the stone, while honing is soft and matte. Costs for granite depend on many variables, including color, finish and origin of the stone.

 

Other natural stone materials, like marble, limestone and soapstone, are softer than granite and require delicate use and greater care. All stone countertops must be sealed periodically.

 

Engineered stone (Quartz) countertops come in a wider variety of colors than natural stone countertops, are more durable and are a cinch to maintain. However, engineered stone won't save any money over granite: the two materials cost roughly the same.

 

Solid surface countertops have a lot of appeal. They come in countless colors, are seamless, resist stains and scratches can be buffed out. One word of caution, though: Hot pans can damage solid-surface countertops.

 

Concrete countertops, which can be completely customized with pigments, are gaining popularity. Concrete is available in several different finishes: trowel (smooth), ground (sanded to expose the sand aggregate) and pressed (a tool is used to reveal marble-like veining). Extreme or abrupt changes in temperature may cause concrete to warp or curl, damp sponges left on the counter can cause discoloration and acidic spills may etch the surface. To keep a concrete countertop looking its best, it's advisable to seal them up to four times per year and wax with a paste every two to three months.

 

Wood countertops, like butcher block, instantly warm up a kitchen. They are easy to clean and any scratches can be sanded out. Water damages butcher block quite easily, though, so wood countertops must be oiled frequently to seal the surface.

 

Laminate is the most affordable countertop material on the market and comes in an array of colors and designs. Laminate can scorch if a hot pan touches the surface and has a reputation for scratching easily.

 

Countertop Edge Details:

Square edges are standard on most countertops, but decorative edges like radius, bullnose, bevel, egg and ogee — while a bit more expensive — are another way to customize a kitchen.

 

Mix and match:

Can't decide on just one material? Then mix and match surfaces. We often use a different material on islands than the rest of the countertops to differentiate the space. Another option is to inset another material into a countertop for specific tasks. Butcher block is common for chopping as is marble for baking.

 

Before making a decision on countertop material, see the surface in person, whether that means visiting our showroom or viewing samples in-home.