Kitchen and Bathroom Sinks
16 gauge solid stainless steel. Four basin configurations. Specified and installed as part of a complete Dan Craig Cabinetry kitchen project.
Why Stainless
Stainless steel has been the standard for commercial kitchen sinks for a century because nothing else matches its combination of durability, hygiene, and repairability. In a residential kitchen, the same properties apply. A properly specified 16 gauge stainless sink will outlast the cabinets around it.
The key specification decision is gauge. Thicker is better. Lower gauge number means thicker steel. We specify 16 gauge as our standard for all stainless sink installations. 18 gauge is builder-grade and transmits more noise and flexes more under load. The difference is immediately apparent when you put your hand on both and press.
One large uninterrupted basin. The most practical configuration for kitchens that wash large pots, sheet pans, and cutting boards. No divider to work around.
Two equal-size basins side by side. One side for washing, one side for rinsing or drying. The most common stainless configuration in the Chicago suburban market.
Two basins of unequal size. The larger basin handles the primary washing load; the smaller basin handles prep rinsing or dish staging.
A single basin with a front-to-back ledge rail system that supports colanders, drying racks, and cutting boards above the basin floor.
Specification Guide
Gauge is the single most important stainless sink specification. The lower the gauge number, the thicker the steel, and the better the sink performs over time. Here is how the three common gauges compare.
| Gauge | Thickness | Our Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 16 Gauge | 1.6mm | Our standard specification. Solid, quiet, dent-resistant. The correct choice for a daily-use kitchen sink. |
| 18 Gauge | 1.3mm | Builder-grade specification. Adequate for light residential use. Not our recommendation for a custom cabinetry project. |
| 14 Gauge | 2.0mm | Commercial-grade specification. Available by request for clients who want the most substantial stainless sink available. |
All stainless steel sinks scratch with use. The difference is in how the scratches read. A brushed finish stainless sink absorbs scratches into its existing texture over time and develops a patina that most homeowners find attractive. A mirror-polished stainless sink shows scratches more visibly. We recommend a brushed finish for kitchen sinks in daily-use residential kitchens for this reason.
Thinner gauge stainless sinks transmit more noise from water impact and vibration. The solution is two-fold: specify 16 gauge steel, and look for a sink with a heavy rubberised sound-dampening coating on the underside of the basin. Both specifications are standard on the sinks we install. A properly specified 16 gauge stainless sink with undercoating is noticeably quieter than a standard 18 gauge builder sink.
Yes. Undermount is the standard installation method for stainless sinks in a custom cabinetry kitchen because it allows the countertop to be wiped directly into the sink without a rim barrier. Topmount installation is also possible and is common in laminate countertop applications where an undermount installation is not practical. We specify the installation method based on the countertop material.
Most stainless kitchen sinks come with pre-drilled faucet holes in one, two, three, or four-hole configurations. Single-hole faucets are the most common specification in contemporary and transitional kitchens. Three-hole configurations accommodate a separate sprayer or soap dispenser. We match the sink hole configuration to the faucet specification at the design stage so there are no surprises on installation day.
Sink selection is part of the design conversation. We bring specifications and recommendations to the consultation based on your kitchen layout and how you cook.
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