Kitchen Sinks

Kitchen sinks are typically the centerpiece of your kitchen. Different kitchen sink styles like rustic farmhouse sinks and vintage fireclay sinks can lend character to what is the most often used kitchen appliance.

Kitchen sinks are perhaps the most underappreciated appliance in the modern home. With the possible exception of a toilet, no other modern appliance is used more often on a daily basis than the typical kitchen sink. Used in the preparation of meals, as well as the cleanup of everything eaten or drank during the day, the modern kitchen sink must be rugged enough to stand up to repeated daily use. However, modern technology allows kitchen sinks of today the ability to be both sturdy and aesthetically pleasing.

Kitchen sinks come in a variety of popular styles and sizes. Farmhouse sinks or farmer sinks, are normally larger rectangular tubs that can have either a single or double bowl fed by wall mounted or single post faucets. Farmhouse kitchen sinks tend to be under mounted or recessed into a counter, and can have fluted fronts or drainboards. Country Kitchen sinks are slightly different in that the faucet is typically mounted into the raised back wall of the sink itself.

Bathroom Sinks

If you are remodeling your bathroom or building a new house, you will find that your bathroom sink options are more plentiful than ever.

The sink sets the tone for the entire bathroom. That's why we suggest choosing this before anything else. But first, let's take your lifestyle into account and see how the sink will be used and abused on a daily basis. For family use, consider an undercounter model to free up valuable counter space. For a guest bath, we're partial to pedestals. No kids allowed? How about a pair of matching above-counter basins perched on their own vanity cabinets?

Your options appear to be nearly endless and it can get confusing when choosing your bathroom sink. You will need to decide on type of sink, taking into account the size of the bathroom. Color, extra storage space and your style all are important when making your decisions. Knowing all the options available to you can make the process of choosing your bathroom sink less confusing and more enjoyable.

Tubs

To avoid making mistakes when you're buying a tub, it's best to know what you're looking for. This purchase may seem like a no-brainer, but there's more to consider than your color scheme before pulling out your wallet.

To soak or not to soak

First, decide if you really want a bathtub at all. Showers usually get a daily workout, versus a bathtub's occasional use. If a hot soak relieves stress, then keep reading. But if you aren't into baths, consider going without, especially if space is tight. You can put that saved space toward an extra-large shower with a bench.

Placement possibilities

Like real estate, location is important with bathtubs. If you're doing a remodel, you'll save a lot in plumbing costs by leaving the tub (and other fixtures) in its original location. Once you've decided where to put the tub, its location will dictate the kind of tub you need.

Size matters

Decide how big your bathtub should be, big enough for you (and for anyone else who may use it), but not so big that you waste water when you fill it. And do you want to bathe alone or with company? Also, if you're going to be bathing little ones in the tub, you may want to avoid getting the largest model available.

Don't buy your tub without a dry run. See if it fits the curve of your body and your back. Also, make sure that your current hot water heater can fill the unit. Having a 50-gallon tub with a 40-gallon water heater will leave you stranded or at least a little chilly.

A shower is the fastest way to get clean when you're on the go. But when you've got a bit more time, the bathtub can be a relaxing alternative. Bathtubs are more than a place to wash—they're a soothing reward, a meditative reprieve and a truly personal experience. Bathtub manufacturers understand this appeal and have produced a variety of styles, features and shapes to match any taste and budget.

While it's tempting to covet all the features, shapes and options of today's tubs, remember that some of your favorite bathing experiences probably happened as a kid, splashing around in an ordinary tub. And that's priceless!