Bathroom & Kitchen Guide

Your kitchen sink takes more punishment than just about any other object in your house. We asked sinks expert Graeme Dwyers to give us a few tips on picking a strong, durable sink that will give you years of washing pleasure.

Q: Graeme, thanks for your time. Can you tell us what you think the most important consideration is for someone who's about to update their sink?

A: Well, I guess the first thing you want to think about is where your sink should go, and the obvious answer to that question is next to an outside wall and under a window. That way you've got lots of light during the day and it's also easy to drain. But these days a lot of people are opting for island kitchens, so if you're looking for something a bit fancier, you could put your sink in one of those.

Q: What size sink do you think is ideal?o

A: Of course, the answer to that depends on the size of your kitchen and the space you can afford for a sink. You basically want to be sure that you're not going to overpower your kitchen. Of course, if you've got plenty of space, I'd personally recommend choosing a large sink, possibly a two-basin model, which gives you extra flexibility when you're doing tasks around the kitchen.

Q: What about sink mounting?

A: Again, it depends on what you're after. A self-rimming sink is your easiest option, because it automatically forms a seal with the countertop.

Q: Sorry, could you explain that in a little more detail?

A: With a self-rimming sink you set the sink into a hole in the countertop, and the rim of the sink is wider than the edge of the hole, so the rim sits on top of the counter. Your other option is an under-mount sink, which is a bit trickier to install. That's where you put the sink just under the countertop, which makes it easier to clean and looks a bit more modern. It's harder to seal those types of sinks, so unless you're really handy, you probably want to leave it to a professional.

Q: Tell us a bit about splashbacks.

A: You've got so many choices when it comes to splashbacks these days I'd hardly know where to start. But I will say that I'm a big fan of the glass splashback, for a number of reasons. Firstly they look great. Secondly they're really easy to clean. And mould won't grow on them. I've got a glass splashback in my own kitchen and I reckon it's one of the best things I've ever done in there.