Home Remodeling: Choosing a Sink for a New Granite Counter Top

Granite is the new chic and savvy way to update an old and outdated counter top. Any home improvement or remodeling project is sure to be filled with hidden problems and hurdles, but knowing what you are getting yourself into before you start is a good way to ensure that you will always be happy with the money you spent.

When the choice is made to update your old counter top with granite, you must always include a new sink in your list of expenses. No matter how nice your old sink still is, it must be replaced with a sink that is meant to be mounted beneath a granite counter top. Most sinks for the normal laminate counter top is a top mount sink that basically sits on top of the counter and will not work because they will be practically crushed by the weight of the granite.

Any cuts that need to be made into the granite for a sink or other appliance should be automatically included in your granite counter top estimate. Some granite companies offer to provide a sink for your remodeling project at a discounted cost; and most granite companies will install the sink that is purchased from them at no additional cost. Ask questions about the type of sink that is provided by any granite company you consider using. Most granite companies will provide a stainless steel sink, which is a very popular and stylish upgrade, but the sink most granite companies provide are bought in bulk and are of a thinner grade stainless steel. If the choice is made to go with a custom sink, then you must hire a licensed plumber to mount the sink onto the granite and install the plumbing.

If the decision is made to upgrade as much as possible during your home remodeling project then a very designer and chic look to polish off your new granite counter top is a vessel, or top mounted, sink. This is a bowl type sink, usually round, made of porcelain, glass or any other custom material that sits directly on top of the granite counter top instead of being embedded within the counter top. The only precaution is to make sure that your new sink does not set too high up when placed on top of the granite; children and shorter individuals will have a difficult time using the sink if it is up too high to reach easily. The type of sink should be chosen before beginning with any estimate so that the granite company can account for the height of the sink when they are estimating your project. A wooden sub-board is used beneath the granite to hold it into place on top of your cabinets and is then sealed with caulk to prevent movement and moisture from finding its way into the granite. With vessel sinks a thinner wood is used so that the sink will be mounted at the proper height for anyone to use comfortably.