1. Apron-Front or Farmhouse-Style

Apron-front sinks, also referred to as farmhouse sinks, possess a wide, exposed front border and are usually quite wide and heavy.
The dimensions and contour were released to accommodate larger items, and the sinks were quickly put to use to wash everything from household items to clothes and even kids. They have evolved throughout the years to become one of the most popular styles of kitchen sinks.

While these sinks were traditionally single-bowl, they now come in divided two-bowl configurations. They are also offered in a wide array of materials, such as fire clay, cast iron, stainless steel, natural stone, manufactured solid surfaces and copper.

These are absolutely appealing countertops, but there are a few issues to keep in mind if you are considering installing one in your kitchen. Apron-front sinks are generally wider, deeper and thicker than other sink kinds, so that they might need at least a 36-inch-wide sink cabinet. The sink cupboard also must have the ability to accommodate the apron front.

If you go for a stainless steel or aluminum version, be aware that the apron can get scratched from contact with belt buckles or metal buttons. And, unless you choose an undermount installation (using the counter extending across the sink edge), there will be a seam between the countertop and sink in which moisture and gunk could collect.

2. Undermount

Undermount sinks become connected to the bottom of the countertop to get a smooth appearance and an easy-to-clean layout. Undermount and apron-front sinks frequently need professional installation and may only be mounted into a hardy and nonporous counter material, which may add significant cost to the job. Installation is more costly than to get a drop-in sink, since the countertop opening needs to be trimmed precisely. Many laminate countertop makers also claim you could undermount a sink for their own material.

Depending upon your individual undermount sink, you might have some choices regarding the show — just how little or much of the high border of the sink is visible just beneath the inner edge of the countertop.

A favorable show leaves a little section of the sink border exposed. This is the simplest form of installation, since the cutout does not need to be as exact as it does to get a zero show. Additionally, it lets you keep your eye on the condition of the sealant between the sink and countertop and much more easily reapply it later on as needed. The drawback of a favorable reveal is the exposed edge tends to accumulate gunk and dirt.
Having a negative show, the countertop goes slightly past the edge of the sink, providing the cleanest look. But that overhanging countertop may capture things because you lift them from this sink, causing breakage or chips to both the counter and items.

A fantastic hybridvehicle, then, is your flush or zero show. This countertop is cut into the specific size of the sink, thus there’s absolutely no place for food and water to accumulate and no lip which can lead to damage or becoming ruined. This may be a more expensive setup, though, since the countertop opening needs to be trimmed precisely.

3. Drop-In

Drop-in sinks have been installed in addition to or above the countertop.

That is a favorite sink design for people on a strict budget, for individuals installing a sink inside a porous countertop material (for example, laminate or wood ) or for individuals seeking to repurpose a classic sink or receive a classic appearance.

As stated, drop-in sinks have been set up by”falling” the sink right into a cutout from the countertop material then sealing around the edges at which the sink meets the countertop. The obvious disadvantage to a drop-in sink is the lip makes it increasingly challenging to wash food particles directly into the sink, since possible with the undermount sink.

Whereas undermount sinks have a clean, minimalist texture, paned countertops — particularly classic or vintage-look countertops — may bring a magical appeal to your kitchen, making a wonderful focus.

4. Integral

These sinks have no nooks or crannies for food particles to collect in, making cleanup a breeze.
Integral sinks are generally the most expensive type due to the cost of the raw material and fabrication — these sinks are usually custom-designed and custom-manufactured — in addition to the cost of installation. But for those with the budget for it, it’s certainly an appealing option.