Although stainless steel is resistant to rust and corrosion, it still needs regular cleaning to keep it in great condition! Here are a few tips on how to care for your stainless steel sink and keep it looking brand new.

First of all, do NOT use rubber coated mats to “protect” the bottom of the sink, as discoloration of the sink may occur after prolonged use. Similarly, any wet sponges or cleaning materials left on the sink for long periods of time could stain the sink surface. Instead, if you must have a protective barrier, purchase a metal grid that can be cleaned and removed from your sink regularly.

Always dry your sink after use. Dissolved minerals and salts in your water leave deposits on your sink when the water evaporates. You will have water-spots on your sink just like your car has after rain. If you have spots that have been on your sink for a long time, use a little vinegar to wipe them clean. Then try to get in the habit of wiping your sink down when you are done using it.

When using chemicals for cleaning, avoid bleach or products containing bleach. It can corrode stainless steel sinks. Also avoid Muriatic acid (used to clean grout) or plumbing PVC solvents. If any of these chemicals get on your stainless steel sink, rinse it thoroughly, then dry.

If there are any stains that you cannot remove with water and vinegar, Bar Keepers Friend is a great cleaner to have on hand. Be sure to clean in the same direction as the grain lines of the finish so the sink doesn’t appear to have scratches. Rinse well and dry for a happy sink!

If you are in need of an upgraded sink – whether it is stainless or another material – come to Handy Man and our helpful staff will point out things that make a sink great!

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As you grow older, you may notice that your bathroom does not grow with you. Simple tasks such as showering can become daunting. At Handy Man, we have the tools you need to update your bathroom to a functional space again. These changes can make a genuine difference.

Start by installing grab bars throughout the bathroom for added stability. Each year 3,500 people suffer from a fall in the bathroom. Grab bars are an inexpensive way to prevent falls. Place grab bars throughout the bathroom – vertically near the shower or tub; horizontally on shower walls, near the toilet, and even consider replacing your towel bar with a grab bar. With different finishes and details now available, you will find a beautiful way to add safety to your bathroom.

Consider installing a taller toilet seat. Your current toilet is probably between 14 and 16 inches tall. ADA compliance sets standards for toilet seats to be raised between 17 and 19 inches. These “comfort height” or “chair height” toilets make it much easier and safer to transition between sitting and standing.

An Onyx shower can be totally customizable to your needs. Low clearance shower bases are only a fraction of an inch tall, which means you can walk in, or roll a wheelchair in with ease! Installing a bench seat in the shower means you can sit while showering, decreasing the chances of slipping and falling, while handheld shower sprayers allow you to control the water.

Walk-in tubs offer a great alternative for those who prefer baths to showers. Their sealed doors ensure that water does not leak, and they can come with quick-fill and quick-drain capabilities to get you in and out quickly. With the fully-loaded package, you also get therapeutic air jets, chromatherapy, aromatherapy, and a heated seat!

No matter what your needs are, we have the tools to help you find exactly what fits your lifestyle. Our showroom has a variety of ADA compliant tubs, showers, and toilets on display so you can visualize them in your home. We look forward to bringing you the freedom to live in your home for years to come!

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We sat down with Siouxland Woman Magazine and answered a few of the commonly asked questions about kitchen sinks. Read below for answers to these questions and more!

I had never thought much about kitchen sinks before. I never had a reason to. Things change when you begin a kitchen remodel, however. I had a lot to learn about sinks and thankfully Handy Man had the right information for me.

So Handy Man, are there some things to consider when buying a kitchen sink or are they pretty much the same?

There are some very important things to consider when replacing your kitchen sink. Believe it or not, there is a sink for every person depending on your lifestyle.

Ok, so what should I consider when looking for the perfect sink for my kitchen?

One of the first things you should do when looking for a sink is to check the bottom of the sink. Is there a flat surface area on the sink bottom? Sinks with more flat space can be more expensive, but they are a better product because of design. You’ll be able to place more dishes in the sink on a flat surface without them tipping over, making it much safer for your glassware.

I hadn’t thought of that and of course that makes sense. What about drain location?

Drain location should be near the back of the sink. When the drain is located near the back, the disposal and trap are also towards the back providing you with more space under your sink for storage and for your garbage receptacle.

What about noise? Is this something I should consider?

Yes. Less expensive sinks have less sound proofing. When you run your disposal it will be very loud. Pay attention to the thickness of the steel. The smaller the gauge number, the thicker the steel. Heavier steel won’t dent as easily and will be much quieter.

What about undermount vs. drop in sinks?

It’s much easier to sweep crumbs into your sink from your countertop with an undermount sink and they give you more depth.

I really like the look of stainless steel. Is there a difference?

Of course. Better quality steel sinks are given hand polished highlights at the factory using a buffing wheel, so you’ll want to look for a sink with a nice shine. It will be more visually appealing and it will be easier to clean.

Are there other materials I should consider?

Yes, there are other sink materials. Some sinks are made of a stone-like material often called ‘quartz’ and are very durable. They’re made to be the most sanitary, hard to scratch and come in several color options.

I’m trying to decide between one bowl or two. What do you suggest?

One bowl sinks are becoming more popular but two bowls are standard. It depends on which you prefer and the types of things you are washing. Along with that you consider the divides. A lower divide works best for soaking frying pans, but you can still fill the entire sink up with water if needed.

Is there a standard size for sinks?

Standard kitchen sinks are 33×22. Most of the sinks in your home could be replaced by another standard size that will fill the same space while providing a new look.

What is trending currently in kitchen sinks?

Apron front farm sinks are becoming more and more popular. You don’t have to lean over and reach as much, putting less stress on your back and they are beautiful!

The most important thing is to make sure you decide what works for you and your family. What works well for one person may not work for another. And, by all means, make sure to look at the sinks in person, stand in front of them, and reach your hands inside as if you were doing dishes. That is the best way to make sure it will work for you.

The post Kitchen Sinks 101: Everything You Need to Know appeared first on Handy Man Home Remodeling Center.

Here are some things to consider before making an upgrade.

1. Check the flat surface area on the bottom of the sink. Sinks with more flat space can be more expensive, but they are a much better product because of the design. You’ll be able to set more dishes on a level surface without them tipping over, such as glassware.
2. Drain location. The drain should be near the back of the sink. When it’s near the back, the disposal and trap are also positioned back in the cabinet below, leaving you much more room under the sink for a garbage receptacle or storage space.
3. Is your sink noisy? Less expensive sinks have less soundproofing. When you run your garbage disposal, it will be very loud. Note the thickness of the steel. The smaller the gauge number, the thicker the steel. Heavier steel won’t dent as easily and will be much quieter.
4. Under mount vs. drop-in sinks. Under-mount sinks are easier to sweep crumbs from your countertop into the sink and will give you more depth.
5. Stainless steel sink finishes. Better quality steel sinks are given hand polished highlights at the factory using a buffing wheel. Look for a sink with a nice shine. It will have more eye appeal and it’s easier to clean.
6. Sink material. Some sinks are made of a stone-like material often called ‘quartz’ and are very durable. They’re made to be the most sanitary, hard to scratch and come in several color options.
7. One bowl vs. two bowls. One bowl sinks are becoming more popular, however, two bowls are standard. It depends on which you prefer and the types of things you’re washing.
8. Low divide vs. high divide. A lower divide works best for soaking frying pans, but you can still fill the entire sink up with water if you need to.
9. Sink size. 33×22 inch sinks are the standard size. Most of the sinks in your home could be replaced by another standard size that will fill the same space but will give you a new look.
10. Apron front farm sinks. These sinks are becoming more and more popular. You don’t have to lean over and reach as much, putting much less stress on your back.

No matter what you decide for your kitchen sink, make sure it’s a sink that works for you and your family. What works well for one person might not work for another. Be sure to look at sinks in person if possible, stand in front of them, reach your hands inside as if you were doing the dishes and see how it feels. At Handy Man, we display our kitchen sinks at floor level so you can experience a variety of kitchen sinks and find the perfect one for you!

Updated December 2018

The post 10 Things to Know About Your Kitchen Sink appeared first on Handy Man Home Remodeling Center.

Here are some things to consider before making an upgrade.

1. Check the flat surface area on the bottom of the sink. Sinks with more flat space can be more expensive, but they are a much better product because of the design. You’ll be able to set more dishes on a level surface without them tipping over, such as glass ware.
2. Drain location. The drain should be near the back of the sink. When it’s near the back, the disposal and trap are also positioned back in the cabinet below, leaving you much more room under the sink for a garbage receptacle or storage space.
3. Is your sink noisy? Less expensive sinks have less sound proofing. When you run your garbage disposal, it will be very loud. Note the thickness of the steel. The smaller the gauge number, the thicker the steel. Heavier steel won’t dent as easily and will be much quieter.
4. Under mount vs. drop in sinks. Under mount sinks are easier to sweep crumbs from your countertop into the sink and will give you more depth.
5. Stainless steel sink finishes. Better quality steel sinks are given hand polished highlights at the factory using a buffing wheel. Look for a sink with a nice shine. It will have more eye appeal and it’s easier to clean.
6. Sink material. Some sinks are made of a stone-like material often called ‘quartz’ and are very durable. They’re made to be the most sanitary, hard to scratch and come in several color options.
7. One bowl vs. two bowls. One bowl sinks are becoming more popular, however, two bowls are standard. It depends on which you prefer and the types of things you’re washing.
8. Low divide vs. high divide. A lower divide works best for soaking frying pans, but you can still fill the entire sink up with water if you need to.
9. Sink size. 33×22 inch sinks are the standard size. Most of the sinks in your home could be replaced by another standard size that will fill the same space, but will give you a new look.
10. Apron front farm sinks. These sinks are becoming more and more popular. You don’t have to lean over and reach as much, putting much less stress on your back.

No matter what you decide for your kitchen sink, make sure it’s a sink that works for you and your family. What works well for one person might not work for another. Be sure to look at sinks in person if possible, stand in front of them, reach your hands inside as if you were doing the dishes and see how it feels.

Written in partnership with The ‘Hood Magazine. May 2016.

The post 10 Things to Know About Your Kitchen Sink appeared first on Handy Man Home Remodeling Center.

If you’re shopping for a new kitchen sink, we have some considerations you should keep top-of-mind during your search.

Mounting

The majority of kitchen sinks are drop-in, meaning you put them into the countertop opening with an exposed rim that goes around it. However, a recent trend is to install an undermount sink. This type of sink is typically seen with solid surface or granite countertops as the counter edge is exposed with the sink sitting just beneath the surface—making for easy clean-up. Simply wipe crumbs straight into the sink. If your countertop won’t allow you to install an undermount sink, some manufacturers are also making drop-in sinks with a low-profile rim.

Material

Depending on how much you use the kitchen sink and your decor theme, you’ll want to consider a range of materials.

Stainless steel is widely used and can range from inexpensive to moderately expensive. The thicker the steel, the better the quality (and increased noise reduction!). You don’t want to turn on your garbage disposal and have the entire house shake.

Composite sinks by brands like Blanco provide many choices as far as shape, color, and pattern. Composite sinks are made out of a blend of materials such as resin, acrylic, and natural stone, but are extremely durable, easy to clean, and scratch resistant. They also hide water spots well.

Enameled iron is a great option for homeowners looking for an old farmhouse sink style. These types of sinks can last a lifetime and are coated with a strong enamel coating. This glossy finish is non-porous and easy to wipe down. Just don’t use abrasive cleaners. If the enameled coating does chip, it will become prone to rust. Enameled cast iron sinks are heavy to install and may need extra support under the cabinet.

Fireclay sinks, (pictured above) also have the same smooth-as-glass finish as enameled cast iron. This is another durable option for a contemporary or country style home. Like enameled iron sinks, it’s non-porous and cleans with ease. You can keep it looking its best by adding a protective sink grid (like the one in this photo) to prevent scratches from abrasive surfaces, such as cast iron pots and pans. Note that there are a few downfalls to owning a fireclay sink. They are more likely to crack, however, cracks are not as visible because the entire sink is created out of one solid material. Fireclay sinks also weigh more than cast iron, likely meaning you will need additional support under the sink. Fireclay sinks are hand-made, so minor imperfections in size may exist. This may or may not be an issue with homeowners, however, because this artistic style can be desirable.

Stone (yes, solid rock) is also an option for your kitchen sink. Stone sinks are typically carved out of a single piece of rock, giving your kitchen a unique look. Because it is stone, it’s very heavy—weighing around 300 pounds. Because of this, you’ll need to build extra support to hold it in place. The “sculpture like” qualities of this sink will make it a talking point of your kitchen.

Shape/Design

Apron-front sinks, also called farmhouse sinks, slide right into your counter, leaving an exposed front panel. The sink apron is mounted flush to the cabinet allowing you to stand close to the sink. This makes it much easier on your back when you work at the sink for an extended period of time.

Kohler manufactures apron-front sinks with a unique feature added—a lip on the front sides of the apron that will cover the gap between the cabinet and the sink. This can come in handy as the cut made into the cabinet doesn’t have to be as perfect.

Flat bottom sinks, opposed to sinks with curved bottoms, can hold more dishes with ease. Also, dishes, such as wine glasses, can rest flat on the bottom of the sink, allowing more room to stack without fear of glasses tipping over and breaking.

Drain placement is also something to consider. New kitchen sinks will oftentimes put the drain near the back of the bowl. If your sink is piled with dishes, this will allow you to access the drain more easily as well as give you more usable space in the cabinet below for a waste basket.

Depth is all about personal preference. If you don’t want to lean over the sink too far, a shallow kitchen sink may be your best option. If you plan on piling a lot of dishes in your sink, opt for a deeper one. (You can always stop in one of our showrooms to test this out. Our floor models are displayed as if they were in a home.)

Think about the number of bowls you’ll need. Some kitchen sinks have a low divider that sits below the top level of the sink so bulky items can remain in the sink, yet you can keep clean and dirty dishes separate. You can opt for a sink with a single bowl or a double bowl where each bowl is separate.

You can also opt for unique bowl sizes and shapes to fit large items.

Finally, you need to know the placement and number of faucet holes you need before installation. You can have one or many, adding holes for the faucet, soap dispenser, filtered water, or sprayer. (At Handy Man, we can drill as many faucet holes as you wish—free of charge—if you purchase a kitchen sink from us).

Have questions about kitchen sinks?

At Handy Man, we can help you choose a sink for your unique needs and taste. You have more options than you may think.  Stop by our showroom any time to chat with an expert about kitchen sinks. After all, kitchen and bathroom remodeling is our specialty. It’s like we always say — we’ll walk you through it.

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