ebuild Guide to Kitchen and Lavatory Sink Specifications

When it comes to choosing a new sink, the list of potential candidates can be downright mind-boggling. Sinks tend to be the focal point of a kitchen or bathroom, and manufacturers have recognized this by offering products in an unusually large range of shapes, sizes and materials. Sinks are also available from artisans, but whatever the material, the critical consideration is how much and what type of use it will get. Delicate hand painted surfaces and high-maintenance materials can provide a strong style statement in a powder room but they hardly suit a kitchen, where the sink must hold up against an onslaught of dropped utensils, heavy pots and pans, and the spectrum of corrosive chemicals found in food and household products.

One notable trend in sinks is the increasing popularity of under-mount (under-counter) sinks. This approach results in a clean, uncluttered look suitable to most any architectural style. Another advantage, particularly in the kitchen, is that under-mount sinks make it much easier to clean the surrounding countertop; spills can simply be wiped into the sink. Under-mount sinks are particularly suited to use with countertops made of materials such as granite and solid surfacing.

The overall measurements noted below are often called "nominal" dimensions by some manufacturers. These dimensions indicate the overall size of a given sink and are used primarily for general planning purposes. However, check manufacturer's specs for other measurements that may be useful, such as the actual inside dimensions of the bowl (or bowls), the position of the drain (some are offset), and the size of the sink cutout. In the case of large kitchen sinks, make sure the support cabinet is large enough to accommodate it without necessitating cuts in the cabinet walls.

For most kitchen and lavatory sinks, the key generic specifications include:

Overall depth. This dimension refers to an exterior dimension of the sink, and should not be confused with "bowl depth." The overall depth is typically measured from the lowermost point of the sink's drain flange to the point where the sink rim contacts the countertop. Always check the manufacturer's specifications to verify reference points for these measurements. Overall depth is particularly important in judging whether there will be room beneath for a garbage disposal.

Overall length. This is the left to right measurement to the outermost edges of the mounting flange of the sink.

Overall width. This is the front to back measurement to the outermost edges of the mounting flange of the sink.

Generic color. This specification lists a set of common color names representing the spectrum of colors provided by manufacturers.

Material. Selecting an entry under this specification will identify the base material from which the sink is made. In the case of enameled materials, the color of the sink is determined by the enamel, not by the base material.

Installation type. This specification relates generally to how the sink will be installed. Most sinks either rest on the countertop surface (drop-in, self-rimming) or are secured to the underside of the countertop (undermount). Integral units are fabricated from the same material as the countertop itself and provide a seamless connection to it. Wall-mount sinks are attached directly to a vertical surface and are independent of any countertop.

Number of faucet-mounting holes. Holes in the deck of a sink (sometimes called fixture holes or "tappings") allow for the direct mounting of faucets. The number and spacing of holes must suit the configuration of the faucet being mounted. Additional mounting holes can be used to mount accessories such as a side spray, soap dispenser, hot water dispenser, etc. The specification for zero (0) applies when faucets will be mounted on the countertop or wall, not on the sink itself, and indicates a sink with no mounting holes.

Faucet hole spread. This is a measurement of spacing of faucet mounting holes, as measured from the center of one to the center of another. The typical center-to-center distance between holes on a lavatory sink is 4 inches; on a kitchen sink it is 8 inches. However, other spacings are available. Some faucets can be mounted using a single hole, thus the specification for 0 in. spread.

Number of bowls. This refers to the number of individual bowls contained within the overall dimensions of the sink. Kitchen sinks and bar/hospitality sinks may have more than one bowl. Consult the product specifications for the actual width, height, and depth of each bowl; many combinations are possible.

Product type. This specification applies only to bathroom lavatory sinks. It distinguishes between a sink mounted on a countertop and a sink that is part of a freestanding pedestal.

Basin shape. This specification applies only to bathroom lavatory sinks. Apart from the overall shape of the sink itself, the basin may have the various shapes described here, as seen in plan view.

Sink Specifications Resources:
American Society of Plumbing Engineers
http://www.aspe.org/

National Association of Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors
http://www.phccweb.org

National Kitchen and Bath Association
http://www.nkba.org/

Plumbing Manufacturers Institute
http://www.pmihome.org/

Valve Manufacturers Association of America
http://www.vma.org/