Karran has introduced two new quartz Apron Front sink options. The sinks are made from ultra durable quartz composite and are tough yet classical and elegant in their styling.
The QA-750 apron front sink (shown on left) is a farmhouse double equal bowl model with a 9-1/4-in. deep apron. It requires a new apron front sink base cabinet for installation. It’s a great sink option for new kitchen installations.
The QAR-750 (shown on right) is the perfect choice when existing cabinetry is being retained. With its shorter, 6-1/2-in. deep apron, this sink will fit into most existing 36-in. or wider standard sink bases. Typically all you will need to do is remove the false drawer fronts and make some minor cuts to the cabinet face frame.
According to the company, the aprons on both models are designed so that installation cuts are hidden behind the apron, making it simple and quick to install.
Six color options are available – Black, Brown, Concrete, Grey, Bisque and White.
Karran is now offering several new quartz sink models that seamlessly undermount to laminate and solid surface, according to the company. These include the Q-350 double equal bowl, the Q-340 extra large single bowl, the Q-360R in white (shown here) and the Q-320 standard single bowl.
In this video presented by Karran, a sink provider specializing in “seamless” sinks for laminate, solid surface, quartz and granite, repair techniques are shown for solid surface acrylic sinks. While we would never recommend that homeowners or non-professionals do any work on their own sinks or countertops, this video depicts how easily a small problem could be repaired in solid surface.
A couple of weeks ago, we published an article about a universal design for kitchen sink workstations developed with Ken Kelly using a sink from BLANCO, and I realized we have yet to provide an overview of the latest and greatest options for kitchen sinks. Not so long ago, the choices for sinks were slim, and nearly everyone was satisfied with porcelain, enameled iron or stainless steel drop-ins/top-mounts. Although the above styles still remain both common and popular, several new types and models of kitchen sinks have entered the market and are making decisions tough for consumers and commercial building owners.
As our industry survey revealed last year, countertop fabricators hold a great deal of sway over their clients, so by understanding all of the options, you can stock kitchen sinks that both meet the needs of your clients and provides a solid profit margin for your business.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is still considered the mainstay of the modern kitchen sink. These sinks are affordable, and although they can scratch and thinner ones are more prone to being dented, they do so without damaging their functional integrity. Stainless is also very versatile and can complement a wide range of décor and interior styles.
Just last year, MR Direct debuted a new series of budget stainless-steel sinks that are fully insulated, and Kohler introduced the Undertone Preserve series of stainless-steel sinks that have a special, scratch-resistant barrier. Other brands and series of stainless-steel sinks to watch for include the following:
Enameled cast iron was once the standard for kitchen sinks, and they’ve got a lot to say for them, namely durability. A well-made sink of this type could well last more than 100 years. At worst, it will need to be re-enameled, which is also this type of sink’s primary flaw.
Once the enamel chips, it is never quite the same again. Repairs may last a few years but will need to be repeated. The porcelain enamel, however, provides an appealing finish and is easy to clean. Because of their weight, cast-iron sinks are usually self-rimming, and these are simple to install. Undermount cast iron will likely require reinforced support. A few of the top manufacturers of these sinks include Kohler, Clarion, Song and American Standard. For a less expensive alternative, you may also want to explore enameled stainless steel.
Quartz/Granite Composite
Quartz composite, also called Granite composite, is a relatively new material that is taking the kitchen-sink market by storm. Although every manufacturer has its proprietary formula, most are about 80 percent quartz/granite and 20 percent acrylic resin. It is compact, versatile and durable, being resistant to heat, chipping, etching and scratching.
The finish of these composites are typically slightly textured, and it is said to have the look and feel of natural matte stone, which may also work out to be a disadvantage because it cannot be polished smooth. Another disadvantage is that like many other types of sinks, some may eventually stain from water with high mineral concentrations, and the finish may dull over time.
One popular style of kitchen sinks that has come back into the spotlight like a blast from the past is the farmhouse sink with apron front. These large, deep, tub-like sinks originated in England more than 400 years ago. They were designed to hold large amounts of water, which often had to be hauled from miles away.
Farmhouse sinks are often the focal point of a kitchen, so many clients like to make them special. Stainless steel and enameled cast iron are both materials that are common used for these sinks, but several new materials are now available, including fireclay, hammered metal, concrete composite and quartz/granite composite (as outlined above).
Fireclay – Fireclay is very similar to porcelain and it appears nearly identical to enameled cast iron. The material is made when clay is glazed and heated at about 1,600° F until the glaze fuses into the clay. This makes the material extremely hard and durable. Last year, BLANCO added new colors to its fireclay CERANA series, and the year before, Domain Industries introduced Crestwood Fireclay sinks. Rohl now offers two styles, one with a flat apron front and one with a rounded apron front.
Hammered Metal – Hammered copper and bronze are also popular materials for farmhouse sinks that are durable and eye-catching. These sinks are also beloved because each one is unique. Houzer Hammerwerks copper sinks are one example, and Native Trails also creates a fine line of copper farmhouse sinks.
Concrete Composite – Native Trails has also pioneered a new material that is garnering some attention called concrete composite and branded as NativeStone. This material combines natural jute fibers with concrete for strength and sustainability.
Integral Kitchen Sinks
The last category we are looking at is integral kitchen sinks typically made out of the same material as the countertop, but not always. By strict definition, integral sinks are fabricated from a single piece so that there are no seams between the sink and the countertop, but we are including those with seams because truly integral sinks are rare.
A true integral sink can be fabricated from solid surface, and most of the large solid-surface suppliers have at least a couple line of sinks separate from their countertops, including DuPont Corian, LG HI-MACS and many others. These sinks are lauded by those who purchase them because they are attractive, require little maintenance and are easy to clean. Another option is graphite-fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC), which can be created onsite or offsite and cast to be part of the countertops.
Other integral sink options include natural stone and quartz. When it comes to natural stone, the top choices are marble and soapstone, but because these materials are both so soft, they are best suited for kitchens where appearance is more important than functionality.
However, a discussion of integral sinks would not be complete if it did not include Karran, who pioneered the process of seamless undermounting of sinks made of various materials to countertops made of completely different materials. Karran’s Edge series of sinks can be undermounted to solid surface, laminate, engineered stone and granite tops in a virtually seamless manner (as shown in this video depicting a seamless integration of a Karran quartz sink to a laminate countertop). Karran even won a coveted ISFA Innovator Award for this line Edge of sinks in 2012. Originally in acrylic and stainless steel, there is also the Quartz Series from Karran, which has been on the market now for about two years. And of course, like any great idea, there are now other companies that are on the bandwagon trying to offer this same “edgeless” quality in combining sinks and countertops of different materials.
Upsell Jobs, Hike Profit Margins
The world of kitchen sinks has greatly expanded in recent years, and more end users have taken an interest in having specific types of sinks in their kitchens. As a fabricator, it is possible to use your knowledge of the latest trends in this niche to upsell clients and expand profit margins. After all, it is easier to sell a few bells and whistles to a client already in the bag, than sell a whole new client…
According to Karran, because of customer demand, the company now offering overflows for its E-505, E-305 and E-303 Edge Series vanity bowls. The company has sourced a drain system that has an integrated overflow and that is available with a pop-up drain style and a grid style.
Karran is offering a line of Quartz sinks made from 80 percent quartz crystals and 20 percent acrylic resin. The sinks are available in both undermount and top mount styles. Several colors are available to choose from in eight different configurations, including both single- and double-bowl selections.
Here’s another great video by L.E. Smith, a large fabricator of laminate and solid surface, showing the process for undermounting a Karran sink to a laminate countertop. The step-by-step process walks viewers completely through the process.
Although there is no sound in this video, it does explain each step via captions across the bottom of the video, and provides some good insight.
Remember if you have a good video to share, or know of one that would be of benefit to the countertop community, drop us a line at [email protected] and let us know about it!
The International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA) announced the winners of its annual awards at the association’s recent annual meeting in Atlanta. The ISFA awards are chosen by association members, and given to those in the industry that stand out as the very best.
Taking top honors, the Hall of Fame Award was presented to Jack Hussey of Jack’s Custom Woodworking (JCW), inWoburn,Mass. The Hall of Fame Award is given to the individual, or individuals, who have in the course of their career made significant contributions to the decorative surfacing industry, and have demonstrated leadership and commitment to the ideals of ISFA. Hussey, an early adapter of solid surface, has run his business for more than 40 years and was a member of ISFA since its inception. He earned the award for being a strong advocate for the association and leading by example. Hussey has served as a past state coordinator for ISFA, has always been an innovator in the surfacing industry, and was the 2001 winner of the ISFA Fabricator of the Year Award.
The other honored winners are:
The Fabricator of the Year is awarded to an individual of a fabricator member company that in the past year has best exemplified the ISFA ideals of quality, innovation, character and exemplary service to ISFA and/or the decorative surfacing industry, with overall excellence. The winner for 2012 was Ted Sherritt, ofFloform in Winnepeg, Manitoba, Canada, for his continued support of ISFA, even after finishing his many years of service on the Board of Directors. He continually helps in adding to the goodwill of the fabrication community and is a model leader with a proven business record.
The Associate of the Year Award is given to an associate member company that in the past year has best exemplified the role of servicing the needs of fabricator member companies, and who has best supported ISFA in all activities. This year’s winner is Cosentino for its support of ISFA goals and members. The company readily participates in all ISFA functions and supports the association wherever needed, with time, goods, open access to facilities and funding.
The Innovator Award is for the member firm or individual who goes outside the box to create a product or system that enhances the life or elevates the role of the surface fabricator. The winner for 2012 was Karran for pioneering the undermounted sink for laminate, as well as its innovative Edge series of flush-mount stainless sinks for solid surface, which allows for near-seamless integration of stainless steel sinks that helps eliminate bacteria growth points.
The Envision Award is given to the ISFA member firm or individual that excels in creating something imaginative and special for the surfacing industry. The winner for 2012 was Moraware’s Harry Hollander for producing a new and upgraded countertop layout program that increases the capabilities of fabricators while retaining the ease of use for the system, and also for creating the free Remnant Swap service available to fabricators so they can repurpose their scrap, keeping it from the landfills.
Karran offers the new Q2 line of quartz sinks. Designed to be tough, they are available in an array of colors. The line, which will complement the company’s original line of Q1 quartz sinks, are made from the same materials using the same production processes, but are made in a different manufacturing facility. The Q2 line comes in three models – a split-bowl undermount model, a split-bowl top-mount model and a single-bowl undermount model. They are currently available in two colors: Black and Brown.
Karran now offers a new version of its York sink – the “IO” (integrated overflow) version. Suitable for commercial projects, the bowl has a 50-year warranty and is guaranteed to not stain or thermal crack. It is seamlessly undermountable in laminate and solid surface. Fabricators only need to drill the ½-in. hole for the overflow if specifications require it. The company will continue to stock and offer the standard York as well.
Karran has introduced two new quartz Apron Front sink options. The sinks are made from ultra durable quartz composite and are tough yet classical and elegant in their styling.
Stainless steel is still considered the mainstay of the modern kitchen sink. These sinks are affordable, and although they can scratch and thinner ones are more prone to being dented, they do so without damaging their functional integrity. Stainless is also very versatile and can complement a wide range of décor and interior styles.
Quartz composite, also called Granite composite, is a relatively new material that is taking the kitchen-sink market by storm. Although every manufacturer has its proprietary formula, most are about 80 percent quartz/granite and 20 percent acrylic resin. It is compact, versatile and durable, being resistant to heat, chipping, etching and scratching.
One popular style of kitchen sinks that has come back into the spotlight like a blast from the past is the farmhouse sink with apron front. These large, deep, tub-like sinks originated in England more than 400 years ago. They were designed to hold large amounts of water, which often had to be hauled from miles away.
sinks that are durable and eye-catching. These sinks are also beloved because each one is unique. Houzer Hammerwerks copper sinks are one example, and Native Trails also creates a fine line of copper farmhouse sinks.
graphite-fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC), which can be created onsite or offsite and cast to be part of the countertops.
