by Patti Beckert

Created on: December 24, 2009   Last Updated: February 18, 2010

You don’t have to break the bank to refurbish an out-of-date kitchen. If your appliances are relatively new and your cabinets are in good shape, you may only need to replace your countertops, put in a new sink, and give the walls a fresh splash of paint to give your old kitchen a new look. For a few thousand dollars, you can turn your ho-hum kitchen into a great space to entertain.

The first thing you want to decide is what type of sink you want to install. There are basically three types of sinks on the market today. They are the drop-down style, the undermount style, and the apron style. One you choose a type of sink, you can then decide on material you want to use for the countertop. 

The drop-down style of sink is the most common and is installed by dropping the sink into a pre-cut hole in the countertop. A lip around the sink then holds the sink in place and a watertight seal is applied around the edge of the sink. These sinks come in many different materials; however, stainless steel is the least expensive and most durable. You will find these sinks in one, two or three-bowl designs in various depths. For the large family, a deep, three-bowl sink is the most practical choice as it not only allows you ample room to wash up dishes and pots and pans after a large meal, but also provides space to prepare your vegetables at the sink in a third, smaller bowl to the side of the double sink.

If you are planning on installing more expensive granite countertops in your kitchen, you may want to opt for the undermount sink for a more finished look. The undermount sink slides up from underneath the counter and lays flush with the pre-cut hole in the counter and is kept in place with a heavy-duty sealant. Depending on the weight of the undermount sink, i.e. if it is fashioned from the same granite as the countertop, it may be necessary to install props underneath the sink to assure it stays in place once installed. This option will cost you considerably more; however, it will add a new dimension to your kitchen and will, in most cases, add to the value of your home.

 One of the more modern sink designs to come along is the apron sink, otherwise known as the farmhouse sink. Fashioned after the big sinks of days gone by, where all the washing was done at the kitchen sink, these sinks are larger than the regular stainless steel sinks and are mounted a bit differently. The sinks are installed into a cut-out section of the countertop and the front of the sink, instead of being covered by the front of the countertop is, instead, left to show in the front. Many apron sinks have designs on the front of the sink to give it a more decorative flair.  Apron sinks come in a variety of materials, including fireclay, granite, brass, marble, and stainless steel. They are expensive, but again, they are a good investment when you consider the value they will add to your home. 

When considering how to give your old kitchen a new look, you don’t need to gut it and start from scratch. A countertop facelift and a brand new kitchen sink is all you need to achieve a fresh new look for your kitchen.

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