Which Kitchen Sink Type is Right for You?

There are so many choices out there that it's often difficult to narrow down what type of kitchen sink might be right for you and your renovation project.

Common sink types include: Cast Iron, Composite, Copper, Enameled Steel, Fireclay, Natural Stone, and Stainless Steel, with the 4 most popular choices being Cast Iron, Composite, Fireclay, and Stainless Steel.

Here are some thoughts on each type of sink and hopefully, this will help you in deciding which one is right for you.

Cast Iron Sink

Pros: Has a non-porous surface, is acid and stain resistant, stable and durable, and offers many color options.

Cons: The porcelain enamel can scratch and chip, and rust.  Cast iron is very heavy, making installation tougher.  It also does not hold heat so water tends to cool down quickly.

Maintenance: Easy.  Use non-abrasive cleaners with soft nylon scrubbers.


Composite (Granite, Quartz or Acrylic Composite) Sink

Pros: Composite sinks have a uniform look and color throughout (generally), retains water temperature, and is non-porous.  It is also lightweight making it easier to install.

Cons: They can be difficult to keep clean, colors can be limited, and it is a softer material so is more prone to chipping

Maintenance:  Easy.  Use mild dishwashing soap for regular cleaning and a soft nylon brush for more aggressive cleaning.


Copper Sink

Pro: Copper sinks have more customizable options, has a special old world look, and creates a natural patina over time to create that antiqued look.

Cons: Copper requires more maintenance, is soft and likely to dent, is heat sensitive, not readily stocked and available.  The color change will also occur randomly.

Maintenance: Hard.  Do not use any abrasives.

Tips: Look for 100% pure copper, which is the best quality.  Also look for a manufacturer that welds instead of solders the sink.  Solder turns black with age and isn't as strong as welded seams.


Enameled Steel Sink

Pros: Enameled steel sinks are inexpensive and widely available.

Cons: Enameled steel sinks are soft, not as durable and will likely dent or chip, and rust

Maintenance:  Easy.  Same as for cast iron sinks.


Fireclay Sink

Pros: Scratch and dent resistant, easy to clean, acid and alkaline resistant, will last for generations, available in a variety of styles, and recyclable.

Cons: Limited color range, possible breakage in transport if not packed properly.

Maintenance: Easy - no special needs


Natural Stone (Granite, Limestone, Marble, Slate, Soapstone) Sink

Pros: Can coordinate with countertops to appear integrated, and is durable and scratch resistant.

Cons: Can be porous depending on stone.  Generally stains easily and needs routine topical treatment to maintain luster.  Also can be expensive and is very heavy making installations tough.

Maintenance: Medium to Hard.  Use non-abrasives, may require frequent sealing.


Stainless Steel Sink

Pros: Hygienic and nonporous.  Stainless steel sinks offer multiple mounting options, is corrosion resistant, may be customized, and has many price points.

Cons: Can lose its luster, is likely to dent or scratch.

Maintenance: Medium - avoid abrasives and steel wool, chlorine or chlorine bleach.  Use mild soap and soft cloth to clean.



Good Home Construction, CA Lic. #852240
333 El Camino Real, #101, Tustin, CA 92780
714-743-5053
info@goodhomeconstruction.com
www.goodhomeconstruction.com

Showing Off Your Vintage China in Your Kitchen

Last year, we had the opportunity to work on a kitchen renovation for a cute 1940's cottage bungalow.  Our client had inherited the home from her mother, who was the 2nd owner and the longest resident of the home.  The wonderful thing about this renovation is our client incorporated as much of her family's vintage dinnerware, Fiestaware, and cups and glasses, some of which went back almost 100 years, into this project which made the whole process that much more memorable.

The collection was prominently displayed on all the open upper shelves, and on the countertop.

We got so hooked on this idea that we've been on the hunt for vintage Fiestaware and other family heirloom pieces ever since, so that some day, we can include these as showpieces in a future kitchen renovation.

Photo Credit: You Go Girl Blog

If you have some special ceramics or pottery, china - vintage or not, think about showing these off in your kitchen. You may want to consider having a few glass-door cabinets or even putting up open shelves. 

Here are some ideas:

Photo Credit: Country Living

Photo Credit: So Much For My Plans Blog

Good Home Construction, CA Lic. #852240
333 El Camino Real, #101, Tustin, CA 92780
714-743-5053
info@goodhomeconstruction.com
www.goodhomeconstruction.com

Save the Date - Upcoming Floral Park Home Tour in April 2010

It's that time of year again...the Floral Park Neighborhood Association is hosting its 18th Annual Home & Garden Tour on April 24th and 25th, 2010. This home tour represents the finest examples of traditional pre-1960 craftsmanship in Orange County

We will be advertising/supporting the home tour for the 4th year in a row.  We'll also have a booth set up in the Antiques & Collectible Row again this year to display some examples of our projects and answer questions you may have about old house renovations and authentic vintage-styled products.

Save that weekend and we hope to see you there!

For more information about this event, go to http://www.floral-park.com/index_files/page0004.htm.  

Good Home Construction, CA Lic. #852240
333 El Camino Real, #101, Tustin, CA 92780
714-743-5053
info@goodhomeconstruction.com
www.goodhomeconstruction.com

Rustic Eco Chic - New Buzz Label?

As builders/contractors, we've heard just about every type of phrase or combination of words describing certain decorating/design schemes desired for a project (i.e. Shabby Chic, Hollywood Regency, French Country, Contemporary Romance, etc., etc...).  Lately, we've been hearing this label - Rustic Eco Chic.  Is this becoming a new buzz phrase?

So, we started researching what "Rustic Eco Chic" represents.  This is what we're finding:  Incorporating environmentally savvy components into a project whenever possible.  This can be as simple as recycling an old bureau into a vanity or salvaging parts and pieces from cast-offs (basically repurposing them and made new), and mixing them in with new eco-savvy products.

Photo Credit: House and Home

Photo Credit: Casa Sugar

 Photo Credit: Top Design News

 Photo Credit: Delight By Design

Based on that description, this is the way to go...with the way the economy is and people becoming more conscientious in saving money and being green, Rustic Eco Chic is bringing forth the creativity in reuse in your projects.

Have a project in mind that might fit the Rustic Eco Chic ideals?  Give us a call and see how we can assist you.

Good Home Construction, CA Lic. #852240
333 El Camino Real, #101, Tustin, CA 92780
714-743-5053
info@goodhomeconstruction.com
www.goodhomeconstruction.com