Frequently Asked Questions
Q. "Please explain the best gauge of stainless and which is longer lasting?"
A. The lower the number, the thicker the material. In our opinion, 22 gauge is bare minimum - builder quality. During the manufacturing process, stainless steel sinks are "stamped" into shape. That means that the material stretches and therefore the corners can be very thin. We suggest at least 20 gauge and preferably 18 gauge. These top quality sinks by Nantucket are 16 gauge (most commonly found in commercial applications), making them some of the thickest, most durable residential sinks on the market.
Q. "How do I clean my new stainless steel sink?"
A. We recommend the sink be wiped down after every use and cleaned once a week with soap and water. This should keep your sink looking like new. Stainless steel sinks contain many micro brush marks, which will also help hide many scratches from normal use. We do not recommend using rubber or plastic mats as they trap soap and debris. Depending on the minerals added to your water, a white film might develop on the sink. If you have strong minerals in your water supply the sink should be towel dried after use.
Q. "What kind of counter do I need to install one of these heavy duty 16 gauge kitchen sinks?"
A. Since most of these sinks are installed onto the underside of the counter material, the counter material needs to be a solid piece capable of holding the weight of the sink even when filled with hot water and soapy dishes. Laminates are not a good idea for this type of installation because they are composed of layers that will separate when exposed to moisture, and also because the edge of the countertop is exposed in an undermount installation and may not look very nice next to your fabulous new sink. Even when sealed, laminates will inevitably develop tiny surface cracks, which then allow moisture to get below the surface and start breaking down the counter material. For this reason, marble, granite, engineered stone, and concrete counters are the most common, and some of the loveliest, counter materials that homeowners are advised to pair with undermount sinks. We recommend consulting with your installer to confirm your particular installation options and requirements.
