How to Choose the Right Size Kitchen Sink

Sink Use

It's essential to choose a sink that suits your kitchen's size and your cooking needs. A small sink in a small kitchen will help free-up counter space while a spacious kitchen affords the room for a large sink. When it comes to use, style will play a large role in how you use your sink. For example, an undermount sink allows you to easily clean your counters by sweeping crumbs and food straight into the sink. If you need room for food prep and cleaning, a double-bowl sink gives you room to both wash dishes and peel vegetables.

Minimum Cabinet Depth

Before you purchase a new sink, make sure you have enough counter and cabinet space to accommodate the sink you want. Most kitchen sinks can fit an average cabinet depth of 24 inches, but each kitchen sink has a minimum cabinet size requirement for proper fit. A sink's minimum cabinet size is a measurement indicating the least amount of under-cabinet and top counter space required for the sink to fit properly. Look at the product description to find the minimum cabinet size, and then measure your kitchen's available counter space from front to back to find out if the sink will fit.

Kitchen Backsplash

A tile or stone backsplash is useful for making sure water from your sink doesn't splash and damage the sheetrock of the wall behind your counter. However, a backsplash also decreases the counter space available for your kitchen sink. Make sure you measure and take into account the thickness of your backsplash and subtract it from your countertop's depth measurement.

Kitchen Sink Styles

There are many mounting styles and shapes that might determine the placement and installation of your new kitchen sink. Here are a few common sink styles to consider while you shop.

• Undermount Sink: An undermount sink has an edge or lip that mounts beneath the countertop instead of above it, creating a seamless look and leaving extra counter space.
• Apron-Front Sink: An apron-front sink, or farmhouse sink, is large and tub-like with an exposed front that either sits flush or extends beyond the counter line. This sink type requires cutting out extra counter and cabinet space prior to installation.
• Integrated Sink: An integrated sink is crafted from the same material as the surrounding countertop so there is no seam or separation between the counter and the sink. Integrated sinks are typically custom-made and require installing a whole new countertop.
• Drop-in Sink: A drop-in sink (also called a top-mount or self-rimming sink) is a very common kitchen sink style that can be placed in an existing space cut out from the countertop. It is mounted using an edge or lip that hangs over the counter.

Sink Placement

Where you want to put your sink is key to getting the right measurements. If you're using an existing space to place your new sink, you'll want a sink that matches the current measurements. If you are renovating your kitchen, you have a little more freedom to customize and accommodate for the exact type and size of sink you want.

Kitchen Sink Size Chart