Basic choices for kitchen island sinks

Q: We have a kitchen island and would like to add a bar sink. Our plumber says all we need to do is purchase the type of bar sink we want to install and he will do the rest. Sounded easy, but after looking around at a few home centers, we are not sure about what style of bar sink to purchase. Can you please give us some basic information on choosing a nice bar sink for our present kitchen island?

Holly, Florida

A: Years ago, choosing a bar sink was pretty basic. But, like most of today’s plumbing fixtures, the choices can get a little complicated. First, I would recommend looking into a “top-mount” style sink since your countertop is already in place. As far as size and shape, keep that small and simple as well. Look into purchasing a square bar sink that can easily fit inside the existing base cabinets.

Now all that’s left is to choose your sink material. Here are three basic choices:

No matter what you choose, get a faucet of the same style and quality or else your new bar sink may end up looking like a castaway stuck on your kitchen island.

Master contractor and plumber Ed Del Grande is the author of the book “Ed Del Grande’s House Call” and the host of TV and Internet shows. Visit eddelgrande.com or write eadelg@cs.com.