Cast Iron Kitchen Sinks – Why It Should Be One of Your Considerations
Cast iron kitchen sinks have been around forever and it’s because they have stood the test of time. Quite honestly they look great and have set the standard for the modern kitchen sink.
Reasons To Consider Cast Iron Sinks
What makes them so attractive? For starters, they are strong and durable. With cast iron as the foundational element and by adding porcelain enamel as its surface protector, these sinks become resistant to staining, scratching and even chipping. With this kind of durability, you can’t go wrong.
As a result of its durability, cast iron can be restored to almost brand new. You can always have the porcelain enamel refinished with no problem and minor repairs on the cast iron will not break the bank. Also if you are in the restoration mode, you have the unique ability to have your enamel finish custom colored!
From Classic to Contemporary – A Designers Inspiration
In modern day kitchens, cast iron kitchens sinks have made a resurgence. While stainless steel sinks still are in demand, there is no fair match in strength and esthetics with a porcelain sink. Open up any kitchen decor magazine and you’ll see articles and advertising promoting these rustic comebacks. Brand names like Kohler, Wheatland or Lawnfield come to mind. That’s because these sinks have found their way into today’s custom kitchen designs.
A good example is the farmhouse kitchen or a french country kitchen theme. So as you can imagine, the traditional rustic theme for kitchens is very popular and no doubt the cast iron kitchen sink comes to the top of the list when deciding on the right sink for the right theme.
Examples types of sinks:
Double Bowl
Black Cast Iron
Undermount
Island or Prep Sink
Apron Front
Undercounter
The Secrets of Porcelain Enameling
An interesting observation about cast iron sinks in general is that many of the other types of sink material used in today’s market are trying to clone the look of the porcelain enameled cast iron sink!
With good reason, the porcelain enameling finish is glossy and smooth to the touch. They are very easy to clean. Just use basic soap and water; do not forget that enamel resists stains..did I say that already?
However, the cost of these alternatives cannot outweigh the overall quality and value of a cast iron sink. Of course that is a matter of opinion and design function.
Some Considerations about going cast iron.
Like all near perfect products, it’s not without its flaws. Here are some downsides to consider. Cast iron is heavy, almost clunky heavy and can be bulky. The surface is coated with a porcelain enamel which looks beautiful but it can also chip if pushed to the limits and over time it can wear showing its unattractive side.
Depending on the type of sink you choose, special consideration is needed when planning your installation. Due to its weight, proper support is necessary and you will need an experienced professional to complete the job.
One final consideration that needs to be addressed is that of rust. Yes, cast iron is a metal so it is prone to rust. This can easily start if a chip or crack in the porcelain is not repaired right away. After a time the corrosion will do its damage and you will have to get it repaired.
While much can be said about the flaws of a cast iron sink, the pros out weigh the cons for these beautiful sinks. You will need to consider the many positive and negative aspects about cast iron kitchen sinks in your decision but all in all, you cannot go wrong with these beauties.