PLUMBING FIXTURES - KITCHEN & LAUNDRY
In this post, we break down the essentials of choosing kitchen and laundry plumbing fixtures that balance practicality and style.
A view of our Roseheath Reno kitchen
QUALITY CONSTRUCTION & FINISH
Refer to our “Plumbing Fixtures - Bathroom” post for a comprehensive guide on these topics. In summary, prioritize fixtures with brass body components over plastic for enhanced durability. When selecting finishes, choose those that complement your kitchen's style, keeping maintenance in mind especially if opting for a living finish that may evolve over time.
KITCHEN FAUCET
When selecting a kitchen faucet, practicality and aesthetics should go hand in hand. We recommend faucets with pull-out spouts for their versatility to help clean the sink and surrounding areas. While some may be drawn to the stylish appeal of bridge or widespread faucets, it's essential to note that these options might not come with pullouts, so consider your cleaning needs. Another decision to weigh is whether to include a soap dispenser, a feature that tends to elicit strong preferences. Additionally, you can explore faucets with specialty features like hands-free control for added convenience or the option to pair it with a separate drinking water faucet, allowing you to tailor your kitchen setup to suit both style and functionality.
Brizo Litze pull-out faucet at our Victor Victorious project
Bridge faucet at our Amroth project with side spray
KITCHEN SINK
The sink is one of the most important work spaces in the kitchen, as people spend more than 60% of their time in the kitchen at this area. Your kitchen sink will have a significant impact on your daily routine, so it is an important decision to make as part of your kitchen renovation. The following explains some of the choices you can make and some of our recommendations.
1. SINGLE OR DOUBLE BOWL
A single bowl sink has one basin with no dividers; a double bowl sink has two basins in one unit that are separated by a divider. Many people choose single over double bowls because they allow for more space to wash large items (like big pots and roasting pans). However, if you are big on hand washing dishes, a double sink may work best for you. One hybrid idea: purchase a plastic basin that fits into half of your single bowl sink if you ever want the benefit or function of two basins.
2. SIZE
It is important to balance the size of the sink with the amount of available counter space your kitchen allows for, and tight kitchen layouts often require an early decision on sink size (as they do with refrigerators and stoves). Single bowls have a smaller footprint, so they make more sense in compact spaces. Whether single or double bowl, we recommend a minimum basin size of 21” wide. If this is part of a double bowl configuration, we recommend that the second basin be at least 15” wide.
3. INSTALLATION METHOD
Most kitchen sinks are installed in one of three ways: drop-in, under-mount, or apron-front.
A drop-in sink is set into a cutout in the countertop and has a rim that rests on top of the counter. We typically try to avoid drop-in installations because the rim can collect dirt and look grimy. However, if you are doing a butcher block countertop with a sink in it (which is also usually a situation we try to avoid because of durability issues), then a drop-in installation would work best for that application.
Drop-in sink image via We Are Found.
An under-mount sink is installed under the countertop, which is usually the cleanest approach and is well suited to show off the beauty of a stone or engineered-stone countertop. This type of installation is one of the easiest to clean and maintain, and also gives you a little extra bowl depth of the sink, because it adds the thickness of the countertop material.
Undermount sink in our Ritchie Rowhouse project
An apron-front sink is installed so the front of the sink (called the ‘apron’) is exposed beside the cabinet fronts. These sinks are usually deeper and wider than a traditional kitchen sink and make a strong aesthetic statement in the kitchen.
Apron-front sink image via Remodelista.
4. MATERIAL CHOICE
Material choice is equally important, with popular options being stainless steel, Silgranite, and enamelled cast iron. Stainless steel is durable, easy to clean, and resistant to stains. Silgranite, a composite material, combines durability with a sleek appearance, and offers many colour options to blend into a countertop material. Enamelled cast iron exudes a classic charm and durability but is more susceptible to chipping and may require more maintenance to avoid staining.
Stainless steel under-mount sink at our Argyle project
POT FILLER
A pot filler is an optional fixture, offering convenience and efficiency for avid cooks. Positioned near the stove, a pot filler eliminates the need to carry heavy pots filled with water from the sink, saving time and effort during meal preparation. When choosing a pot filler, consider the installation height to ensure it accommodates your cookware. Opt for a model with a swing arm or double-jointed design for enhanced flexibility, allowing you to reach multiple burners effortlessly.
Rendering of our Windermere project showing pot filler over the cooktop
LAUNDRY PLUMBING FIXTURES
The same practical advice that applies to kitchen faucets and sinks can extend to the selection of laundry faucets and sinks. For faucets, opting for a pull-out design ensures versatility and ease of use, whether for rinsing delicate items or cleaning the sink. When it comes to sinks, the general preference leans towards a single-bowl configuration for laundry sinks, typically made of durable and affordable stainless steel. This choice ensures maximum durability and functionality for the unique demands of a laundry space. However, just like in the kitchen, personal preferences can guide your decision, allowing you to choose the features and materials that best suit your needs and enhance the efficiency of your laundry area.
