The size of the sink should be decided upon after taking needs into account. Some kitchens may need deep sinks and some bathrooms might have space for just a small one.

The material used for the sink may also be decided upon based on the usage it will be subjected to.

Sinks for both the kitchen and the bathroom come equipped with faucets that bring you both hot and cold water. Some may also have a faucet with a spray feature included.

While choosing a kitchen sink you may choose the number of kitchen faucets you want and accordingly decide the shape of the sink to hold those faucets. Differing needs dictate the need for two or more faucets.

The other important structural feature to be considered is the drain outlet. The function of the drain is to basically channel out used water. Sinks may include a strainer or a device that aids blocking the drain. This helps in soaking dishes for a while before wash. Sinks may also be equipped with a device for overflow prevention.

And then there is the design element to be considered. Several design houses have their own line of designer bathroom and kitchen sinks to indulge the fancies of the discerning consumer.

When choosing kitchen sinks there are few considerations to be taken into account.

Your needs and preferences will decide on the kind of mounting required for your kitchen/bathroom sink.

A top mounted or drop-in sink is designed to fit into the space marked out for it in the counter-top. The size of the hole made for fitting the sink is measured in such a way that the rim of the sink fits in neatly and then sealants are used to ensure a snug fit.

The other option available is to have a under (or bottom) mount sink installed below the counter top surface. This type of installation is preferred by those who want a contemporary look to their kitchen or bathroom. Silicon based sealants are used to ensure a leak proof finish. Top mount and bottom mount sinks are also used in bathrooms where a counter top can be installed. The area below the counter top is often converted into storage cabinets.

The third type of finish for counter top sinks is often referred to as a farm style sink as its usage imparts a country décor look to the kitchen. In the farmhouse style or apron front sink as it is also referred to, the front of the sink is aligned to the outer edge of the counter top leaving the sink front open. This is generally used only in kitchens.

For adding a contemporary look to the bathroom you can choose to install a sink above the counter top. Taking the above counter sink option will open a host of design options for you to choose from. A whole new segment known as bathroom vessel sinks open out in front of you. A variety of materials and designs are characteristic of this segment.

The most common style used for bathrooms is the pedestal sink. These have traditionally been made using vitreous clay or fire clay. Delicate and trendy porcelain pedestal sinks also look good in bathrooms with matching tiles and flooring. Today’s designer bathrooms have given pedestal sinks a cool new look by using glass, metal and other materials. Free standing pedestal sinks are a common feature in bathrooms.

Console sinks are very popular for bathrooms as they include a storage cabinet in the same unit.

Wall mounted sinks are the other option that customers have to choose from. While this is common in bathrooms it may be chosen in kitchens with space constraints.

Most contemporary kitchen sinks are made of stainless steel. The other materials that kitchen sinks are also made of are porcelain or enamel over cast iron, granite and composite stone, and silgranit and fireclay. The popularity of stainless steel is due to its durability and resulting cost effectiveness and the ease of maintenance. Stainless steel sinks are very resistant to damage by contact with either heat or cold. Sinks made using porcelain over cast iron are also quite durable.

Porcelain sinks can be made available in various colors and shapes. This fact makes them a very popular choice. Porcelain is also very resistant to heat and cold hence it is ideal for use in the kitchen where both hot and cold items can find their way to the sink. The only feature where porcelain loses out to stainless steel is that porcelain is more susceptible to damage when compared to stainless steel. Enamel over cast iron gives an appearance that is similar to porcelain. Enamel sinks are less costly when compared to porcelain but are not as long lasting.

Granite, composite stone and fireclay sinks are the other options to choose from. These sinks are rugged and long lasting. Surface damage is also less in these sinks when compared to porcelain sinks. However, these materials need more maintenance. Composite sinks score over granite kitchen sinks as they are easy to clean. These sinks are made to look like granite but unlike granite have a stain resistant surface.

Copper sinks are also used in both kitchens and bathrooms. Several manufacturers also offer plastic sinks. These are inexpensive and prone to damage by contact with heat. Plastic sinks are not suitable for kitchens but may be used in bathrooms.

Once the material for the sink is decided you can turn your attention to other features like number of bowls, size, number of taps and bowl orientation. Depending on the usage you foresee you can opt for specific designs. Sinks with deep bowls will come in handy if you use large pots. A high set shallow bowl between two bowls will come in handy for washing vegetables. Accessories like draining boards, sprayers and the like can also be a part of the kitchen sink unit.

Kitchen Sinks

Unbranded stainless steel sinks measuring 13" x 15" would cost in the range of $40 and upwards. Manufacturers like Blanco, Kindred and Kohler have single bowl stainless steel sinks in the $120- $250 price range. Sinks made of other materials are also available in this price range. Slightly big stainless steel sinks and sinks made of other materials from any top manufacturer will cost a minimum of $200 for a basic sink.

Addition of accessories like cutting boards, pop-up waste baskets, etc will make a difference to the price. Stainless steel double bowl sinks from a reputable manufacturer will cost $300 and more.  Bowls with less depth and made using lesser grade steel can be purchased for $160- $200.A simple single bowl top mounting porcelain kitchen sink from a manufacturer like American Standard can be had in the $125- $225 price range. An apron style large single bowl sink from a top manufacturer will cost $675 upwards.

Bathroom Sinks

Where the low end of the spectrum can fetch you a pedestal sink for your bathroom for around $100, the choice that opens up as the prices increase, offer the customer good value for money. Top manufacturers like Kohler, American Standard, Franke, Blanco, Porcher, Aquabrass, Kindred, Moen and others offer a wide range of products from simple functional bathroom sinks to breathtaking designer pieces.

Lovely glass vessel sinks can make your bathroom look glamorous. Glass sinks are available right from $200 for basic pieces to $5000 for custom made sinks. A glass countertop sink mounted on a carved marble base from a top manufacturer like Madera or Eljer Cornice can cost $650 and more. Stone sinks are the other option for countertop mounting and are available in the price range of $500- $1000. Sinks made of copper are also becoming popular on the design scene. These sinks can be purchased in the $400- $800 price range. Keeping these sinks bright and shiny can be quite a challenge.

The most affordable and common choice for countertop bathroom sinks is porcelain and these are available from $150 onwards. Some designer bathrooms also sport specially treated wooden sinks. These sinks can cost a minimum of $500 and can go up to $5000 for custom made sinks.

The needs of theme specific bathrooms are met with the use of sinks in specific designs and colors. Amusing shapes for children’s bathrooms and exotic shapes for other themes are often supplied on request by several manufacturers.

Stainless steel sinks are the easiest sinks to care for. A vigorous rub down with any cleaning agent can give you a sparkling surface. Porcelain is also easy to maintain but may require some amount of stain removal from time to time. Standard stain removers are quite sufficient for this purpose. Glass sinks are easy to clean but they need to be cleaned with care as the surface can be easily damaged. Standard cleaning solutions prove to be quite suitable for glass sinks. When it comes to maintaining sinks made out of stone it is best to use a stone cleaner solution available for the purpose. It would be a good idea to maintain your stone sink in a polished state as salt, lime and detergent build up on polished surfaces is minimal. Any spills should be wiped up instantly as the surface is porous and the spill may leave a stain in its wake.

Cooper sinks react to the environment and develops a natural patina. If you like the natural look, time will do the job for you. However, if you are partial to the shiny copper look, you will have to wipe the sink after every use and use special solutions to maintain the shine constantly. Copper has a unique anti bacterial quality and is thus considered to be a more sanitary choice. Plastic sinks are easy to maintain, but the surface gets worn with increased usage. Certain substances may leave hard to remove stains on plastic.