Finding a new kitchen sink for your home can be easy and painless if you are knowledgeable. There are several aspects of stainless steel kitchen sinks that many consumers are not very well informed about, one of which is the size of the sink. The gauge of a stainless steel sink indicates the thickness of the metal that is used in its manufacture. It can be measured with a micrometer. The gauge of a sink will vary depending on the make, type, and purpose of the sink. It can be very misleading to the uninformed consumer who finds an 18g and a 16g sink and assumes it is of better quality and thickness because the number is higher. Actually, the lower the number, the thicker the sink will be.
If you are installing a granite, marble, or other solid surface, you will most likely install an undermount sink. Undercounter sinks range in gauge from 16 to 20g. The average thickness of stainless steel undermount kitchen sinks is 18g. The 18g is considered a good thickness for use in the kitchen sink. Over time, it shouldn’t bend or sag due to 18g sink. Twenty gauge sinks are generally not used as they are generally considered very thin. Obviously the best option would be to opt for a 16g sink. A 16g sink will be the most durable option and will most likely last longer than your kitchen.
If you are installing a laminate or other type of countertop, you will most likely install a top sink. Top mount stainless steel sinks are typically available thinner and are generally less expensive than bottom mount sinks. The average top sink is 20g, but they can be found between 18-22. The same rules apply to top-mount sinks, the lower the number, the thicker the steel, and the more likely the quality is better. of the sink.