Three of the most popular types of sink material are stainless steel, enameled cast iron and solid surface. Stainless steel is the most durable and comes in a wide range of styles and prices. It’s more heat resistant than cast iron and can’t chip or shatter. The downside of stainless steel is that it can scratch and the thinner gauges can dent easily.
Enameled cast iron comes in a great variety of colors and styles. It’s durable and resists chipping. The negatives are that you have to be more conscientious about cleaning it and abrasive scouring powders may scratch the surface.
If you’re considering a solid surface countertop (granite, marble or other solid surface material) you have the benefit of being able to select an integral solid surface sink or an under-mounted sink. Either of these allow water and debris to be swept from the counter into the sink without obstruction, making cleaning easier. Solid surface sinks stand up well to mild abrasive powders but they are somewhat limited in style and color selection. Under mounted sinks can be made of any material.
Explore all the options with your designer/builder. He/She will be familiar not only with the various material and mounting alternatives, but also with the myriad of sink sizes and configurations. Together you will be able to select the perfect sink for your tastes and lifestyle.