Help with sink choice - I need to get some sleep again...

16 years ago

Hello again,

Thanks to everyone for all your help with all my questions :) much appreciated!

I'm literally losing sleep over this one. I really love the idea of a white apron sink in front of a big window - seems very warm, cozy and romantic. I do have my sink-to-be in front of a 7' wide bay window overlooking our 1/2 acre of trees (which I adore) and I know that the apron sink is not going to happen (too expensive, we have laminate countertops and my husband feels like they are the same as at the barbershop... no vision...!), so I am left with a drop in white fireclay sink (which is awesome but $1,000 and has it's risks...) or a drop in stainless sink (less expensive, more options, but boring and not nearly as romantic).

Woudl one look significantly better than the other? Is the vision of the white fireclay sink worth the risks of this material (and the cost!!!!) or should I go with the stainless... it would be easier if I could undermount the stainless, but not an option...

Our counters are a polished, etched black "granite" laminte against a ivory shaker cabinet with medium oak floors. Very cozy, warm, but still contemporary. Fridge is stainless. Oven (not replacing yet) is white.

Help! I've gone so far beyond obsessing... even I'm sick of the sink already...

Cheryl

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Comments (8)

scootermom
16 years ago
Have you thought about a Blanco Silgranit sink? Do a search on it in this forum, and then google it to find pictures. Less expensive than the fireclay and seems like a great sink.

I don't have one, of course. I have a plain ol' stainless sink dropped into my 20-year-old yellow Formica. But it's what I'm leaning towrad.

Your kitchen sounds really pretty...which laminate do you have?

Chris
mary_in_nc
16 years ago
Don't give up on that apron front sink just yet!...In this forum I think you will find most believe that the Rohl Shaws sink is the best fireclay apron front sink. I just checked WSC Direct and they have 4 white 30x18 in stock and sell for only $788. Fireclay sinks are heavy and support will have to be built into cabinetry below. Hope this helps!

Here is a link that might be useful: WSC Direct Rohl Shaws 30x18 Farm Sink
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Thanks robotropolis -- I DO need some hand-holding. That's why I have you all ;) Seriously though, I thought I was doing well with the cabinet designers. They seemed to know what they were doing. But when I asked where the electrical outlets would be in the island, they seemed shocked. I said I needed electrical for small appliances, and they said they could put one under the counter where the stools are. I responded that I like to use an immersion blender at the cooktop and they looked blank-faced. Has no one ever asked for electrical in an island?? Do they not know what an immersion blender is? Then they told me that an oven stack with an oven, steam oven & speed oven wouldn't be tall and they showed me their sample wall. I am 5'3, the 2 cabinet designers are similar height. We walked over the the oven stack, and they tried to show me that it's fine. I then asked them to take off their 5 inch heels (this is S.Fla) and try again. They then had to admit they would have to reach above their heads to get stuff out of the top oven. Adorable girls & very nice, but NOT cooks! Lavender -- The undercounter stools at the island really were intended for me (and perhaps a helper) to sit at while prepping, not for eating, so the table wouldn't be redundant. Having said that, and considering robo's comments about not leaving doors open in the heat/humidity, I agree that it makes sense to combine the seating into the island. We are a family of 5 (although kids are grown), so 5 stools at the island and getting rid of the separate table would work. I could put a larger table outside for the times that the weather is good and we want to eat out there -- we tend to eat outside during holidays when the kids bring friends home, so a larger outdoor table, sitting horizontal to the kitchen might work. I like where you put the sink closer to the glass sliders. It takes it out of the way of the cooktop/frig. It's farther from the dining room, but clearing the table would be easier in a sense because we would walk from the DR to the sink outside of the island aisle (closer to the pool). I'm going to explore making the glass sliders smaller and perhaps incorporating a window above the sink -- not so low that the grill outside would be too visible, but low enough that the person standing at the sink would have a nice view. Interesting.
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planningnut
Original Author
16 years ago
Hi - Blanco doesn't offer a true white - only a grey-ish speckled white in a very dull finish. Not my taste. I was hoping for a shinier, porcelain-like sink... I wish they did as it's a wonderful material. I even called Blanco - they discontinued "white" due to lack of interest....

Our countertops are Blackstone by Formica - looks exactly like a black galaxy granite - it's an etched finish and shiny. I love it!
mary_in_nc
16 years ago
Shiney white fireclay, consider the Rohl Allia. It is a solid sink. You will find it in industrial settings.

Here is a link that might be useful: Rohl Allia on WSC Direct
planningnut
Original Author
16 years ago
Love the Rohl - great idea. I had looked at it, but wanted a single bowl, but this is 1/2 the price of the single bowl with Hebereau... means I'm back into a 36" sink base though... I was hoping for a 30".... thanks for the reminder and the review of it being a strong sink... that makes me feel much better...

I'll likely go this route... I'll just have to mourn my 18" waste cabinet, and embrace a 15" one instead...

cheryl
annie1971
16 years ago
Why isn't an under-mounted stainless sink an option? They can seal an under-mounted sink in laminate counter tops, if that's your concern. Apron sinks are lovely, but stainless doesn't have to be boring.
planningnut
Original Author
16 years ago
In regards to the undermounting, very few places will do it, and it is EXPENSIVE!!! Just the process and the corian etc. is over $750 - just not worth it. I wish it was a better option. If you know of one, PLEASE pass it on - I dream of an undermount sink!

Thanks!
flyinghigh
16 years ago
Hello,

I have a friend that bought a quality Fireclay double bowl sink from Sinks Gallery. Link below. The price at $625 is incredible for a quality Italian fireclay sink and having bought from Sinks Gallery before, I trust what they have to sell - they offer some unique and high quality products (with great customer service).

Good luck!

Here is a link that might be useful: Fireclay sink on sale

Help with sink choice - I need to get some sleep again...

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Help with sink choice - I need to get some sleep again...

Comments (8)

scootermom

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