Ask the plumber: Throw a ‘curve’ into your kitchen-remodeling job

Q. I know that this may be an easy question for you to handle, but for a lot of readers like myself, we need basic help when it comes to plumbing.

I’m remodeling my kitchen countertops and refacing cabinet doors. Since I’m not redoing the entire kitchen, I really want my new sink to stand out. The idea I have is to install a “not so normal” sink. Do they make round, oval and curved kitchen sinks? I don’t want the normal square look.

A. That’s a very good question, and I don’t look at this as an easy one to answer.

Choosing a sink with the right look for your kitchen can be critical. If you’re looking for a round or curve-style sink, I would suggest an under-mounted sink. Such a sink does not have an exposed rim, and this can allow for some unusual shapes compared to standard top-mounted rimmed sinks. I’ve seen under-mounted sinks set up with round, curved and oval bowls that really grab attention.

Just know that extra work is usually involved when cutting out the sink hole for the countertop. Plus, the best countertop choice for this type of setup may be stone, so get out the checkbook.

For sink material, I would go with cast iron since that material can be very flexible when it comes to shaping a sink in a nonstandard form.

Bottom line: When it comes to unusual models, I believe you’ll want to stick with an under-mounted, cast-iron sink. A bonus with an under-mounted sink is you can mount two different single-bowl sinks next to each other. This can create the look of a double-bowl sink with a “one-of-a-kind” design.

Building your own sink in this manner can really make a splash in your new kitchen!

Ÿ Master contractor and plumber Ed Del Grande is the author of “Ed Del Grande’s House Call” and hosts TV shows on Scripps Networks and HGTVPro.com. Visit eddelgrande.com or write eddelgrande@hgtvpro.com.

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