Selecting A High Quality Undermount Stainless Steel Sink

Have you recently purchased a granite counter topneed to find a sink that has a very good
for your new home or have you updated andundercoating and is padded. The undercoating is used
remodeled? If you have you were probably shockedfor condensation control as well as noise reduction.
at the prices when you were sent to a plumbingThe rubber pad is a must to truly make your sink
supply center or a kitchen and bath dealer to picknoise free
out your stainless steel sink and faucets. The numberCertification is critical especially with stainless steel
one rule in selecting a sink is stay away from thesinks; you need to make sure that the steel used in
hype, and do not over pay for a name brand sinkthe construction of the sink a 304 surgical grade
that your neighbors will not recognize. Focus onstainless steel. The sink must also be constructed to
quality and utility, your kitchen is a work center andmeet the criteria required by AMSE A112.19.3-2000
your sink should complement your families lifestyle.Stainless steel plumbing fixtures. This certification is
Do you cook a lot, and wash large pans if so youmost important because there has been a push by
may want to consider a large single bowl 30 X 18 thislocal and county building inspectors to see a
sink is the current trend. Once you select thecertification by UPC or a certification by an approved
appropriate style sink for your family you need toIAPMO testing facility before they will sign off on a
consider the quality of the sink.final plumbing inspection. There are a few companies
Quality features of an undermount sink are that itthat produce a great quality sink and that are
must be 18 gauge. There is a lot of hype about 16certified. There is no reason to pay 600-900 dollars
gauge sinks right now. The industry standard is 18for a stainless steel sink you can find many quality
and it is more than adequate. The differencesinks on the market today finding a good quality one
between 16 and 18 is minimal, most companiesthat has also taken the time to have their product
advertising a 16 gauge sink are using a three piececertified is a bit tricky but there are some out there
construction (not desirable) and only the deck plate isand you should be able to purchase a product for
16. In these cases you will find the manufacturer cutunder $200.00 and receive a comparable product to
production costs by having the bowls made in 20any Elkay or Blanco.
gauge (stay away from a sink like this). You also